Short trip to Italy in Tuscany
Content
A short trip to Tuscany is worthwhile even for a long weekend – if you focus on one region. Flying to Pisa or Florence, or taking the night train from Munich, will get you there quickly. Instead of trying to tick off as many places as possible, it's better to choose a base and visit one or two day trips.
Short trip to Tuscany – at a glance
- Ideal duration: 3 to 4 days for one region
- Arrival: Flug nach Pisa (Galileo Galilei) or Florence (Amerigo Vespucci), night train from Munich to Florence, by car via Brenner Pass or Switzerland
- Accommodation: Hotel instead of holiday home – holiday homes are usually only rented out by the week.
- Best time: April to June and September/October; in the height of summer the cities are hot and crowded.
- Possible without a car: Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Siena are connected by train or bus.
Three ideas for 3 to 4 days
Florence plus day trip
Two days are enough to see the highlights of Florence : the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio , and the view from Piazzale Michelangelo. On the third day, head to Siena or San Gimignano – either independently by bus or with an organized day trip from Florence . Book tickets for the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo dome well in advance.
Pisa, Lucca and the sea
Ideal for those arriving via Pisa airport: half a day for the Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower , then on to nearby Lucca with its walkable city walls. In summer, a beach day in Versilia, for example in Viareggio , is a great option.
Siena, Chianti and Val d'Orcia
With a rental car, you can experience the typical rolling hills: a day in Siena , a day through the Chianti region with wine tasting, a day in the Val d'Orcia with Pienza and Montalcino. Be aware of the ZTL zones in the old towns and park outside of them.
Arrival and accommodation for the short break
- Flight: Pisa and Florence are the main airports in Tuscany. The Pisa Mover train runs from Pisa Airport to the main train station, while the tram runs from Florence Airport into the city.
- Train: You can reach Florence in the morning by taking the night train from Munich; during the day you can travel by EuroCity to Bologna and from there onwards.
- Car: From southern Germany, it takes around 7 to 9 hours – rather strenuous for a 3-day trip. Routes and tolls: Travel routes to Tuscany.
- Hotel: For one to three nights, a hotel in the city is most practical, for example via Hotels in Florence on Booking.comMore information on site selection can be found at Hotels in Tuscany.
Those with more time can find an overview of all regions in the "Holiday in Tuscany" section and information on the climate throughout the year in the "Best time to travel" section.
Find accommodation in Tuscany
Frequently asked questions about a short trip to Tuscany
Is a weekend in Tuscany worthwhile?
Yes, if you limit yourself to one region, such as Florence with a day trip or Pisa and Lucca. Three to four days are ideal; for a round trip, you should plan at least a week.
What's the fastest way to get to Tuscany?
The fastest way to get to Pisa or Florence is by plane. An alternative without flying is the night train from Munich, which arrives in Florence in the morning.
Do I need a car for a short trip?
Not for Florence, Pisa, Lucca, and Siena; these cities are connected by train or bus. A rental car is advisable for Chianti and Val d'Orcia.
Is it possible to rent a holiday home for a weekend?
Rarely. Many holiday homes are only rented by the week, from Saturday to Saturday, during the season. For short stays, hotels, guesthouses, or agriturismos with a minimum stay of one or two nights are more suitable.
When is the best time for a short trip?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October). Then it is pleasantly warm and less crowded than in the height of summer.
