Road trip through Tuscany

Tuscany is probably one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Europe. Olive groves and grape vines embedded in rolling hills, pretty towns, hospitable people and a welcoming culture make up Tuscany.

If you are planning a trip to this part of Italy, you can bring some time with you, because there is a lot to discover. Whether the capital Florence, smaller towns such as Lucca or the Garfagnana mountains, everyone gets their money's worth here.

With the following road trip through the Tuscany will be the holiday in Italy unforgettable.

Experience Tuscany

The following destinations and sights give a good impression of the country and its people. It is worth making a small stopover near Lucca and to rent an apartment by the seato unwind.

Lucca

The medieval city of Lucca is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. A special highlight is the four kilometer long city wall, on which you can walk or cycle around the city.

Also the main square, the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, which was built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater and the view from the Torre Guinigi should not be missed. From the tower you have a gigantic view over Lucca.

More Attractions:

• Via Fillungo (Nice shopping street)
• San Michele in Foro (famous church)
• Duomo di San Martino (Cathedral)

Garfagnana mountains

If you not only want to visit cities, but also want to experience the Tuscan nature, visit the Garfagnana mountains. On the four-hour hike to Monte Forato you have a magnificent view. Also the stalactite cave Wind cave, for which it is best to reserve tickets in advance, is worth a visit. The Canyon of Scesta promises to cool down.

Pisa

On a road trip through Tuscany, you can hardly avoid the city with the leaning tower, because said tower is the most famous sight in the region and a landmark of Italy. In order to escape the hustle and bustle, especially in summer, and to really enjoy the view of the tower, you should be here before ten in the morning when the tower and the cathedral are closed Pisa open their doors next door.

Volterra

Volterra is visible from afar because it is enthroned on a hill. Although Volterra is quite crowded, it is worth strolling through the maze of alleys. The city is also known as the Alabaster City because it is known for the mining and processing of alabaster. You can buy products made from the rock in countless shops.

Photo by Engjell Gjepali on Unsplash

Bolgheri

The charming town of Bolgheri is the perfect stop for all wine lovers, as there are plenty of wineries to visit around Bolgheri. Another special feature is the cypress avenue, the Viale dei Cipressi, through which one enters the city. The cypresses here are centuries old and provide the typical Tuscan feeling.

Siena

In the heart of the Tuscany lies the city of Siena, whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Siena is one of the most important and beautiful cities in Tuscany and one of the reasons why so many people fall in love with this part of the boot. To explore the city, the best place to start is Piazza del Campo, popular with locals and tourists at any time of day.

With a bit of perseverance, you can climb 400 steps on the tower of the Palazzo Pubblico, the Torre del Mafia, to a small viewing platform that opens up a breathtaking panoramic view of Siena.

More Attractions:

• Siena Cathedral
• Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall)
• Terrazza Panoramico vicolo Campaccio (great view)

Florence

Florence has around 400.000 inhabitants and one of the largest airports in the region. This makes Florence the perfect starting point for anyone who does not want to travel by car. Compared to many of Tuscany's smaller towns, Florence, as the region's capital, is suitably touristy, but still worth a visit.

Impressive are the Uffizi, a building complex that today houses one of the most famous art museums in the world. Also the Santa Maria del Fiore, the Cathedral of Florence, is an absolute must and offers an incredible sight.

For a romantic evening, watch the sun set over Florence from Piazzale di Michelangelo.

More Attractions:

• Old Bridge
• Piazza della Signoria & Palazzo Vecchio (Main Square & Town Hall)
• Santa Croce (known church)
• Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden)
• Pitti Palace (magnificent museum)
• Mercato Centrale (Market Hall)

There are even more tips for a weekend in Florence here.

This road trip through Tuscany covers some of the most important towns and sights, but Tuscany has so much more to offer and once you've been here you're sure to come back.