If you’re looking to explore the Tuscany region without committing to overnight stays, this day trip itinerary is perfect for you. Starting from Florence—or even Vinci, where I stayed at an Airbnb—you can visit three of Tuscany’s most charming towns: Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena. This itinerary allows you to experience the best of Tuscany while keeping a fixed base, making it both convenient and rewarding.
Itinerary Overview:
- Pisa: Start your day by visiting the world-famous Leaning Tower, a symbol of Italy and a must-see for anyone visiting Tuscany.
- San Gimignano: Next, explore the medieval charm of San Gimignano, known for its stunning architecture and historic towers.
- Siena: Finally, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Siena, a city renowned for its beautiful cathedral and rich history.
- Return to Florence
Important Tips:
- Transportation: Renting a car is essential for this itinerary. It gives you the flexibility to move at your own pace and enjoy the scenic drives between these historic towns.
- Best Time to Start: To make the most of your day and avoid the crowds, aim to start your trip early in the morning.
- Scenic Drives: One of the perks of this itinerary is the stunning views of the Tuscan countryside you’ll enjoy along the way. Don’t forget to stop and take in the scenery!
This well-planned day trip offers a perfect balance of sightseeing, history, and relaxation, giving you a taste of Tuscany’s rich cultural heritage. Let’s get started!
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Stop 1: Pisa
The main attraction in Pisa is, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built in the 12th century as the freestanding bell tower for the Pisa Cathedral, the tower began tilting shortly after construction due to unstable foundation soil. Despite numerous attempts to correct its tilt over the centuries, it remains a world-renowned engineering wonder and an iconic destination in Italy.
Tips for Visiting
- Timing: Start your day early to avoid the crowds.
- Duration: Plan to spend about an hour strolling through the cobbled streets of Pisa and taking in the sights, especially the Leaning Tower.
- Weather: Don’t forget to bring a hat, as there isn’t much shade, and it can get very hot in the summer.
- Photo Opportunity: Be sure to snap some classic tourist photos!
Parking Information
- Free Parking: We parked on a nearby street for free, but be sure to double-check the road signs to ensure it’s a free spot.
- Paid Parking: There is plenty of paid parking available in the city, typically charging 2 euros per hour. These parking lots are open from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM. Simply search for “Secure Parking” on Google Maps to find them. One of the closest to the tower is located on Via Pasquale Galluppi, 56123 Pisa PI, Italy.
Travel Distance
- From Florence to Pisa: The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes (79 km).
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Stop 2: San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a medieval town surrounded by ancient walls and renowned for its well-preserved architecture, earning it the nickname “Medieval Manhattan.” With a history dating back to the 10th century, San Gimignano was once a key stop for pilgrims traveling to Rome. Walking through this town allows you to experience the timeless atmosphere of a place that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Tips for Visiting
- Duration: Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring within the city walls.
- Must-Try: Don’t miss the gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, which has been named the Gelato World Champion multiple times (2006/2007, 2008/2009) and won Tuscany’s Best Gelato in 2015.
Parking Information
- Free Parking: There is a small public free parking area about a 10-15 minute walk from the city walls. Space is limited, so it’s best to arrive early, around 9 AM.
- Location (on Google Maps): Parcheggio SP1 SP1, 11, 53037 San Gimignano SI
- Paid Parking: Parcheggio P4 Bagnaia Inferiore is a great option with plenty of spaces and only a 2-minute walk from the city walls. It costs 2.50 euros for the first hour and an additional 2 euros for each subsequent hour.
- Location (on Google Maps): SP1, 3, 53037 San Gimignano SI
Travel Distance
- From Pisa to San Gimignano: The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes (70 km).
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Stop 3 : Siena
Siena is a charming medieval city in Tuscany, famous for its beautiful Gothic architecture and deep-rooted history. The heart of the city, Piazza del Campo, is known for the Palio, an exciting horse race that’s been a local tradition for centuries. Visiting Siena as the last stop on your Tuscany trip lets you soak in the authentic atmosphere of a city that feels like a step back in time.
Tips for Visiting
- Duration: Plan to spend about 4 hours exploring the city.
- Must-Visit: Don’t miss the Fontebranda (a medieval fountain), the Basilica Cateriniana di San Domenico, Siena Cathedral, and a stroll through the beautiful city center filled with cobbled streets.
Parking Information
- Free Parking: Parcheggio Pubblico Gratuito Il Campino is one of the few free parking options in the city, located about a 15-minute walk from the center of Siena.
- Location (on Google Maps): 53100, Piazza della Libertà, 1, 53100 Siena SI
- Paid Parking: Parking Santa Caterina is very accessible and close to the center, costing 2 euros per hour.
- Location (on Google Maps): Via Esterna di Fontebranda, 53100 Siena SI
Travel Distance
- From San Gimignano to Siena: The drive takes about 40 minutes (35 km).
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Return to Florence
Travel Distance: From Siena back to Florence, the drive takes about 1 hour (78 km).
Total Drive Time: In total, you’ll spend about 5 hours driving throughout the day. While this may seem like a lot, the time is split between visits to three incredible towns in the Tuscany region, making it a rewarding journey.
What’s Next?
Now that you know how to spend the best day trip from Florence, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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