📍 Italy

TUSCANY AND CINQUE TERRE: ART, WINE AND LIGURIAN SEAS

Vineyard hills plunging toward turquoise seas, medieval towers piercing clouds. Tuscany sings romance, Cinque Terre whispers poetry.

≈ 14
Days
535
Km
8
Stops
📖 8 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Dive into Florence and the intensity of the Renaissance before following the Chianti hills and their golden vineyards. Approach Volterra and its Etruscan walls, cross rampart-girt Monteriggioni, then trace the suspended villages of Cinque Terre to the peaceful port of La Spezia.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Marina Di Pisa

coastal gateway opens tuscany seaward

Marina Di Pisa - Photo 1Marina Di Pisa - Photo 2Marina Di Pisa - Photo 3Marina Di Pisa - Photo 4Marina Di Pisa - Photo 5Marina Di Pisa - Photo 6Marina Di Pisa - Photo 7Marina Di Pisa - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Seafront promenade in Marina di Pisa (piazzale delle Baleari → mouth of the Arno)
2
Pisa — Piazza dei Miracoli: Tower, Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, Baptistery (exteriors)
3
Banks of the Arno in Pisa — colorful facades (Lungarno)
4
Orto Botanico di Pisa (botanical garden, ext./int. depending on opening)
🎯

Activities

→
Cycling route Marina di Pisa → Pisa (≈15 km via Arno bike path)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 87 km
Travel time: 1h20
2
Day

Firenze

renaissance capital glows artistic fire

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10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Lucca — Ramparts and tree-lined promenades (Passeggiata sulle Mura)
2
Torre Guinigi (view over the rooftops, optional climb)
3
Torre delle Ore (exteriors / optional climb)
4
San Michele in Foro — Piazza San Michele
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Intra-muros walk of Lucques (pedestrian circuit of squares and alleyways)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 78 km
Travel time: 1h10
3
Day

Firenze

renaissance capital glows artistic fire

Firenze - Photo 1Firenze - Photo 2Firenze - Photo 3Firenze - Photo 4Firenze - Photo 5Firenze - Photo 6Firenze - Photo 7Firenze - Photo 8Firenze - Photo 9Firenze - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Ponte Vecchio and banks of the Arno (views from Lungarno)
2
Piazza del Duomo — Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore (exteriors), Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, Baptistery (exteriors)
3
Mercato Centrale (San Lorenzo) — gourmet market halls
4
Piazza della Signoria — Loggia dei Lanzi (outdoor sculptures)
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Pedestrian loop of Florence historic center (Duomo → Signoria → Oltrarno)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 62 km
Travel time: 1h15
4
Day

Gaiole In Chianti

chianti village breathes wine heritage

Gaiole In Chianti - Photo 1Gaiole In Chianti - Photo 2Gaiole In Chianti - Photo 3Gaiole In Chianti - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Greve in Chianti — Piazza Matteotti
2
Castellina in Chianti — Historic center & Via delle Volte
3
Radda in Chianti — Medieval village and viewpoints
4
Gaiole in Chianti — Village and panorama
🎯

Activities

→
Scenic route SR222 (Chianti) — photo stops in vineyards and hills
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 28 km
Travel time: 40min
5
Day

Monteriggioni

fortress circle crowns tuscan hills

Monteriggioni - Photo 1Monteriggioni - Photo 2Monteriggioni - Photo 3Monteriggioni - Photo 4Monteriggioni - Photo 5Monteriggioni - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Siena — Piazza del Campo (Torre del Mangia, Palazzo Pubblico ext.)
2
Duomo di Siena — exteriors & cathedral complex
3
Basilica di San Domenico — viewpoint over Siena
4
Porta Romana — walk to the city gates
🎯

Activities

→
Strolling through the contrade (historic streets of Siena)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 46 km
Travel time: 1h10
6
Day

Volterra

etruscan stone guards hilltop pride

Volterra - Photo 1Volterra - Photo 2Volterra - Photo 3Volterra - Photo 4Volterra - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Monteriggioni — ramparts and Piazza Roma
2
Colle di Val d'Elsa — Elsa river, footbridges and waterfalls (Parco fluviale)
3
San Gimignano — Historic center & panorama of the towers
🎯

Activities

→
Easy hike Elsa Trail to Diborrato waterfall (≈5 km round trip)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 34 km
Travel time: 55min
7
Day

Vada

beach town meets pinewoods

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5 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Volterra — Piazza dei Priori, viewpoints & Historic center
2
Volterra — Botanical Gardens (exterior/interior depending on opening)
🎯

Activities

→
Scenic route Volterra → Etruscan coast (viewpoints over hills)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h20
8
Day

Vada

beach town meets pinewoods

Vada - Photo 1Vada - Photo 2Vada - Photo 3Vada - Photo 4Vada - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Castiglioncello — Center & Quercetano Bay (access by stairs)
🎯

Activities

→
Bike ride Vada ↔ Castiglioncello (≈10 km/one way)
→
Swimming and relaxation on beach (bay)
9
Day

Vada

beach town meets pinewoods

Vada - Photo 1Vada - Photo 2Vada - Photo 3Vada - Photo 4Vada - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Rosignano — shopping & urban walk
2
Coastal pine forest south of Cecina — arrival towards the sea
🎯

Activities

→
Bike to Cecina Mare and Scoglietto area (coastal forest)
→
Cecina Beach (Scoglietto) — swimming/breaks
10
Day

Vada

beach town meets pinewoods

Vada - Photo 1Vada - Photo 2Vada - Photo 3Vada - Photo 4Vada - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Castiglioncello — exploration of other coves (Baia della Cianciafera / Godil'onda, access via local passages)
2
Coastal viewpoints (Castiglioncello promontory)
🎯

Activities

→
Beach day (small coves and rocks)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 1h30
11
Day

La Spezia

harbor gateway anchors coast

La Spezia - Photo 1La Spezia - Photo 2La Spezia - Photo 3La Spezia - Photo 4La Spezia - Photo 5La Spezia - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
La Spezia — port walk & centro
2
Castello San Giorgio (city view, museum depending on opening hours)
🎯

Activities

→
Logistical reconnaissance for Cinque Terre (station, train schedules)
12
Day

La Spezia

harbor gateway anchors coast

La Spezia - Photo 1La Spezia - Photo 2La Spezia - Photo 3La Spezia - Photo 4La Spezia - Photo 5La Spezia - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Monterosso al Mare — borgo & beach
2
Vernazza — port & panorama from the top of the village
3
Corniglia — perched village (short stop)
4
Manarola — postcard view of the town
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Hike Monterosso → Vernazza (Sentiero Azzurro, ≈3.6 km, elevation change, ticket control)
→
Cinque Terre train (day pass) between the villages
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 45min
13
Day

Santa Margherita Ligure

resort town glimmers riviera charm

Santa Margherita Ligure - Photo 1Santa Margherita Ligure - Photo 2Santa Margherita Ligure - Photo 3Santa Margherita Ligure - Photo 4Santa Margherita Ligure - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Santa Margherita Ligure — port and centro
2
Portofino — Piazzetta and marina (view of the village)
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal path Santa Margherita → Portofino (waterfront walk)
→
Return by local bus Portofino → Santa Margherita (according to schedule)

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

Tour of the most beautiful villages in the province of Siena

📅 19 days 🛣️ 265 Km

Circuit of the most beautiful villages in the province of Pisa

📅 10 days 🛣️ 143 Km

Medieval villages and coast of the province of Lucca

📅 8 days 🛣️ 122 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Italy

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.

Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 11 and 17 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Italy?

Cultural masterpiece with incredible art, cuisine, and historical heritage from Rome to Venice. Experience Renaissance treasures, regional diversity, and authentic Italian lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with culinary excellence and artistic heritage. Italy provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and natural beauty.