Tuscany 10-day Itinerary

Containing some 5,400 works, the Uffizi’s collection spans art history from ancient Greece through to 18th-century Venetian painting. But most of all, it is known as the world’s largest and most important collection of Renaissance and Mannerist art.

You could spend all day wandering the galleries, but the best bet is to pick out the works you want to see beforehand and head straight for those. The website has helpfully selected its must-see masterpieces and provided some useful background information on each – worth reading before you go.

Completed in 1436, this multi-colored marble megalith is crowned with one of the marvels of the Renaissance world; Brunelleschi’s vast double-shelled dome – built without scaffolding – was a breathtaking feat of engineering.

If time is short, skip the cathedral’s barn-like interior and visit the dome (463 steps) and Giotto’s magnificent bell tower (414 steps).

Giotto’s slender pink, green and white Gothic-style campanile soars 280 feet above the surrounding streets, its great bell regularly booming over the city. The original sculptural reliefs that decorated the building are now mostly in the Cathedral Museum.

The Continentale is the most contemporary and playful of the Ferragamo family’s four Florentine hotels, dressed up in stylish, retro decor by interiors-whizz Michele Bonan.

Inside, the interior has an edgy vibe – tent-like curtains surround the beds; the clocks run in reverse; pops of bubbly gum colours break the white mood.

At sunset, grab a table on the hotel’s smart rooftop terrace bar, order a Campari Spritz and soak up the panoramic city views alongside a hip Florentine crowd.

It boasts a prime spot in the heart of the city, almost on top of the Ponte Vecchio. It’s the perfect choice for well-heeled weekenders looking to stay in the thick of the Florence action.

Florence’s other big-name art museum (with the Uffizi) has a world-class collection of 14th- and 15th-century art, but those endless queues of people are really here to see one thing: Michelangelo’s 1504 4m-high statue of David.

Moved here in 1873 from Piazza della Signoria, the iconic sculpture appears quite different in the flesh: the head and hands are larger than expected (a trick of perspective; originally the statue was placed higher up).

Walk around the back to see David’s sling, a tree stump – and those famous buttocks.

Benozzo Gozzoli’s glorious fresco depicting the Procession of the Magi dates from 1459 and covers the tiny ‘Cappella dei Magi’ in Palazzo Medici-Riccardi. Painted in brilliant jewel colours, it shows a procession of richly-attired kings, knights and servants travelling through a fairytale rural landscape.

The first floor of Florence’s traditional produce market, Centrale Mercato, was transformed in 2014 into a dazzling food hall where producers offer everything from freshly-made mozzarella, truffle pasta, barbequed ribs, artisan bread and cheeses to hand-made chocolates. Pair a guided tour (to find ingredients) with a Tuscan cooking class after.

For visitors who want to learn to make as well as eat the local specialities, this cooking school is a good place to start. Hands-on classes taught by pro chefs include making pasta, pizza, gelato, Tuscan meat and vegetarian. You can opt to tour the Central Market first too.

Florence’s most imposing building was once home to the Medici court and later to the Savoy kings. Now this vast former palace houses multiple museums, the largest – and most important – of which is the Palatina Gallery.

The Palatina is laid out in a series of grand rooms on the first floor with fabulous frescoed ceilings under which hang masterworks by the likes of Raphael, Rubens, Botticelli and Van Dyck in elaborate gilded frames.

The other museums include the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. A new ground-floor gallery opened in late 2021 housing the oldest collection of Russian icons in Western Europe.

Laid out on the hill that stretches up behind the Pitti Palace, this 16th-century former playground for the Medici family is one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy.

This shady green oasis makes a wonderful escape on a hot, summer’s day and is criss-crossed by pathways, dotted with fountains and scattered with lichen-covered statues.

At the top is the walled Giardino del Cavaliere with wonderful views over the rural outskirts of Florence. Walk down via the Neptune fountain and the amphitheatre which was built to hold Medici court spectacles.

This small wine bar specialises in wines from small, independent producers and always has something interesting on offer. Order one of the bubbling, melted cheese-topped crostini to soak it up; the one with truffle-infused sausage is particularly good.

This hole-in-the-wall ice cream shop (on pretty Piazza della Passera in the Oltrarno) dishes up some of the best gelato in the city centre, all made in small batches from fresh ingredients and without any kind of artificial flavourings. Think pistachio, pink grapefruit, zabaglione and coffee; flavours move with the seasons.

One of Italy’s most popular sights, this astonishingly beautiful belltower dates back to 1173. An architectural marvel at the time, the tower was doomed from the outset, having been built on unstable sand and clay.

It began to lean once the third storey was completed; work was suspended for a hundred years, with the tower only being completed in the late 14th century. It housed seven bells, one for each musical note, and eventually reached a height of just over 58m.

In 1993, at 15 feet off the vertical, the tower seemed so close to collapse that an expensive rescue bid was made involving vast counterweights, steel cables and lots of digging. It worked to a degree; the building is once again safe and open to the public (but with enough lean to keep the hordes coming).

The still-famously titling tower still attracts millions of visitors a year, for the unnerving climb up its 293 steps.

Pisa’s so-called ‘Field of Miracles’ (Campo dei Miracoli) is an elegant complex of monumental, unique buildings set on a wide green lawn just inside the northern city walls. It encompasses the iconic Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Campo Santo.

First constructed was the huge Romanesque Cathedral, begun in 1063, with an intricately-tiered marble façade. Then came the Baptistery (1152), the biggest of its kind in Italy; it has a magnificent pulpit by Nicola Pisano. Building started on the emblematic Leaning Tower (a bell tower) in 1173, and it almost immediately began to lean.

Finally came the Camposanto (‘Holy Field’) cemetery, a roofless rectangle of gleaming white marble begun in 1277. It was once adorned with fabulous frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli, but Allied bombing in 1944 caused the roof to collapse all but destroying them; today just fragments remain.

This is one of the most visited sites in Tuscany, although most people have their sights set on the Leaning Tower.

Housed in the atmospheric, 17th-century ex-Arsenal, this archaeological museum traces the fascinating 1,000-year history of seafaring and ships in Pisa, once a great Maritime Republic. Star exhibits include the collection of restored Roman vessels, unearthed in the San Rossore area.

Of all the food and wine ingredients indigenous to Tuscany, the white truffle is probably the most highly-prized – yet it’s one of those things that you will either love or hate; it has a heady yet strange, earthy, musky aroma and a delicate flavour that lends itself particularly well to eggs and buttery tagliolini pasta

Different types of truffles grow year-round in Tuscany and in various areas, the most prolific of which are San Miniato, the Mugello and the Crete Senese. They are, however, elusive. White truffles will only thrive in just the right conditions, growing on the roots of trees and normally hidden by layers of damp leaves and earth.

A truffle hunt with an expert trifulau (truffle hunter) and his dog is a compelling way to discover how the truffle-hunting world works. The stakes are high – white truffles sell for huge amounts of money. In 2007, a 1.28kg tuber sold at auction in the US for an astonishing $330,000.

The most highly prized of Tuscany’s rich food harvest, the white truffle is also the most elusive. An expert-led truffle hunt is an ideal way to discover and taste these extraordinary tubers.

A cooking school based in Certaldo (southwest of Florence) offering truffle-hunting experiences in the Chianti woods, followed by a truffle-based lunch or cooking lessons with truffles.

Lucca is a compact gem of a town, a perfect ensemble of Medieval and Renaissance buildings enclosed by a well-preserved set of 16th-century walls. Aside from its handsome piazzas and palazzi and exquisite churches, it boasts some lovely old shops, excellent restaurants and atmospheric cafés, all lining a network of pretty cobbled streets. Its overall attraction lies in the fact that it never feels overwhelmed by tourists, thus offering an authentic sense of local life.

A coffee in oval Piazza del Anfiteatro (built on the site of the Roman amphitheatre) is a good place to start a tour of the town. There are some wonderful old shops with their original storefronts in and around nearby Via Fillungo.

Historic, atmospheric Caffè di Simo (Via Fillungo 58) is another good place for a cappuccino and a pastry while the Buca di Sant’Antonio restaurant (open since 1782, Via della Cervia 3) serves up Lucchese specialities with a modern twist.

Don’t miss a stroll or bike ride around the 2.5 miles of walls; the locals love their ramparts and cycle, walk, jog and picnic here regularly (in summer, go early or late in the day to avoid the heat). You can hire bikes from Cicli Bizzari in Piazza Santa Maria, from where there is access to the ramparts.

The most important church in Lucca. Begun in the 11th-century, it has a magnificently carved marble façade and houses the tomb of Ilaria Carretto, a beautiful work in marble by Jacopo della Quercia.

Opera buffs shouldn’t miss the small museum dedicated to Giacomo Puccini, Lucca’s most famous son. He’s regarded as the greatest and most successful proponent of Italian opera after Verdi.

Seasonal fruit, local ingredients and organic milk, cream and eggs are the mainstays of this artisanal ice cream. Flavours vary with the seasons, but look out for the sinful De Bondt chocolate and candied orange peel and the pistachio ice creams, and the refreshing Sicilian-style granitas (almond, maybe) in summer.

Sometimes dubbed the medieval Manhattan for its clutch of slim towers (visible for miles around), iconic San Gimignano is Tuscany’s most famous (and most visited) hill town. Arguably over-restored, it is nonetheless achingly pretty, a set piece of medieval palazzi, graceful piazze, narrow streets and the aforementioned towers – of which only 14 survive of an original 72.

A good way to start a visit is by climbing the 218 steps of the Torre Grossa for an overview of the town and its jumble of red rooftops. Then wander the Piazza della Cisterna (containing the town’s old well) and Piazza del Duomo – both are lovely, the latter lined with impressive palazzi.

The picture gallery houses a collection of 12th- and 15th-century paintings from Florence and Siena. Look out for a 13th-century painted crucifix by Coppo di Marcovaldo, and paintings by Benozzo Gozzoli and Filippino Lippi.

Dondoli has earned world-wide acclaim for the quality of its gelato, made from seasonal ingredients and the best local eggs, milk and cream. High season queues are insane, but it’s worth persisting to try unusual flavours such as Santa Fina (saffron and pine nuts) and Champelmo (pink grapefruit and champagne).

The 12th-century Collegiata church has superb frescoes and a glittering interior, its vaults decorated with golden stars. The Santa Fina chapel is painted by Domenico Ghirlandaio.

A medieval stone village converted into a luxurious resort in the heart of south-eastern Chianti, Borgo San Felice is also a working wine estate, producing award-winning wines and olive oil. Immersed in vineyards and olive groves, it is a sophisticated country retreat with particular appeal for oenophiles.

The restoration has left typical Tuscan features, such as beamed ceilings and brick arches intact, but updated the look for the 21st century.

Rooms are spread through the main palazzo and village buildings; the old schoolhouse, the olive press, the cellars and the bakery.

There’s an excellent spa and two restaurants, one with a Michelin star.

Although this is the sort of place where you could throw your car keys away on arrival, there is lots to do close by. Siena is a twenty-minute drive away and Florence is an hour. This part of Chianti is stuffed with wine estates, so it’s a brilliant launch pad for wine tastings and vineyard tours.

With its quiet yet central location, reassuringly old-fashioned atmosphere and delightful Italianate garden, aristocratic Palazzo Ravizza is a great base from which to explore Siena.

Dating from the 18th century and still owned by the noble Ravizza family, it has been welcoming guests since 1922, and retains a nostalgic air, while providing 21st-century comforts.

Public spaces and bedrooms are furnished with antiques and artworks, and guests are welcome to play the Steinway in the elegant grand salon.

But the real USP is the marvellous formal garden that looks over the open Sienese countryside; a stunning spot for breakfast or a post-sightseeing aperitivo.

Anyone looking to extend a visit to Siena beyond a day will struggle to find a more authentic place to stay.

Some of Italy’s best wines are produced in the DOCG Chianti Classico, 177,500 acres of undulating, vine-striped land stretching between Florence and Siena. Dozens of wine estates share this fertile terroir, many of which offer tastings and vineyard tours and an opportunity to buy wines from source. Some also have very good restaurants and accommodation.

The history of wine-making in the region dates back hundreds of years. Early Chiantis were a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Malvasia Bianca grapes; today, a DOC Chianti must be made with at least 80% Sangiovese.

The main Chianti growing area is divided into eight sub-zones. The most famous is Chianti Classico, located between Florence and Siena, which produces some 25 million bottles a year, including some of the region’s greatest wines. Most bottles sport the image of a black rooster on a gold background, a guarantee of quality.

Lying directly on the SS222, hill-top Castellina was once a bastion of Florentine dominance as seen in the imposing fortifications and tower. It’s a very pleasant town to wander around and there are lots of places to buy and taste wine.

A medieval stone village converted into a luxurious resort in the heart of south-eastern Chianti, Borgo San Felice is also a working wine estate, producing award-winning wines and olive oil. Immersed in vineyards and olive groves, it is a sophisticated country retreat with particular appeal for oenophiles.

The restoration has left typical Tuscan features, such as beamed ceilings and brick arches intact, but updated the look for the 21st century.

Rooms are spread through the main palazzo and village buildings; the old schoolhouse, the olive press, the cellars and the bakery.

There’s an excellent spa and two restaurants, one with a Michelin star.

Although this is the sort of place where you could throw your car keys away on arrival, there is lots to do close by. Siena is a twenty-minute drive away and Florence is an hour. This part of Chianti is stuffed with wine estates, so it’s a brilliant launch pad for wine tastings and vineyard tours.

With its quiet yet central location, reassuringly old-fashioned atmosphere and delightful Italianate garden, aristocratic Palazzo Ravizza is a great base from which to explore Siena.

Dating from the 18th century and still owned by the noble Ravizza family, it has been welcoming guests since 1922, and retains a nostalgic air, while providing 21st-century comforts.

Public spaces and bedrooms are furnished with antiques and artworks, and guests are welcome to play the Steinway in the elegant grand salon.

But the real USP is the marvellous formal garden that looks over the open Sienese countryside; a stunning spot for breakfast or a post-sightseeing aperitivo.

Anyone looking to extend a visit to Siena beyond a day will struggle to find a more authentic place to stay.

According to many of its citizens, Siena is the most perfect medieval city in the world. A glorious ensemble of red brick buildings and exquisite monuments, it’s famous for its fan-shaped Campo and the twice-yearly Il Palio horse race.

Any visit to the city should begin in the sloping Piazza del Campo, the city’s main square, fringed with cafes that are perfect for a doppio espresso and a spot of people-watching. The square is dominated by the Mangia Tower and the Palazzo Pubblico – and climbing the tower is a great way to start your visit, giving wraparound views of the city and surrounding countryside.

The old town is relatively compact and the best way to explore is simply by strolling through the ancient streets and alleyways.

A must-see for its collection of paintings by Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and other Sienese masters. One of the highlights is Simone Martini’s Maesta fresco (1315); another is Lorenzetti’s fresco cycle The Allegory of Good and The Effects of Bad Government (1338-40).

A 15th-century palazzo housing more than 1,500 artworks, one of Italy’s foremost collections includes an array of dazzling Sienese fondi d’oro paintings (with gilded backgrounds). Expect works by Guido da Siena, Lorenzetti, Sodoma and Beccafumi.

The magnificent Gothic, zebra-striped Duomo houses a celebrated polychrome floor, often covered for protection but normally visible in August and September. Look out for Nicola Pisano’s superb marble pulpit and the young Michelangelo’s Piccolomini altar.

This ex-hospital building was founded in the 9th century (making it one of Europe’s oldest), and only closed relatively recently; the author Italo Calvino died here in 1985. It houses an excellent archaeological museum and the wonderful ‘Pilgrim’s Hall’ decorated with 15th-century frescoes depicting the history of the hospital.

With its quiet yet central location, reassuringly old-fashioned atmosphere and delightful Italianate garden, aristocratic Palazzo Ravizza is a great base from which to explore Siena.

Dating from the 18th century and still owned by the noble Ravizza family, it has been welcoming guests since 1922, and retains a nostalgic air, while providing 21st-century comforts.

Public spaces and bedrooms are furnished with antiques and artworks, and guests are welcome to play the Steinway in the elegant grand salon.

But the real USP is the marvellous formal garden that looks over the open Sienese countryside; a stunning spot for breakfast or a post-sightseeing aperitivo.

Anyone looking to extend a visit to Siena beyond a day will struggle to find a more authentic place to stay.

This beautiful, stylishly-restored 17th century farmhouse complex has been turned into a luxury country retreat, hidden away down a long winding lane in the UNESCO-designated Val d’Orcia.

The 12 bedrooms – which size-wise are more like suites – inhabit the old stone farm buildings, and are done out in luxe-rustic style with massive beds, splendid bathrooms and private garden areas.

The heart of the hotel is the restaurant, with its open kitchen and vast fireplace; meals are served here in cooler weather, or on the romantic terrace decorated with fairy lights in summer.

Located in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, just outside Montepulciano, Lupaia makes a perfect base for exploring the area; Pienza, Bagno Vignoni and San Quirico d’Orcia are all within a 30-minute drive.

The owner-managers are always on hand and full of helpful advice about how to get the best from the area, giving the place a really personal, intimate feel.

It’s a great choice for couples and those who want to really immerse themselves in Tuscan life.

The UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia is one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany, a ravishing expanse of open, undulating farmland broken by cypresses in soldier-straight lines and dominated by Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano.

Atmospheric hill-top towns dot the countryside, many dating back to medieval times, when settlements were built on outcrops of rock or hill summits; both easier to protect and harder to invade.

Pottering between two of three of the towns is a glorious way to spend a day; Pienza and Montepulciano are the biggest draws, but other highlights include the spa village of Bagno Vignoni – where a thermal pool takes the place of the central piazza – and San Quirico d’Orcia, with its magnificent Collegiata church. Close to Montepulciano is Villa La Foce, with a beautiful garden open to visitors.

Unpaved white roads link many of the smaller villages in the area, making this ideal walking and cycling country. Weaving through these unspoilt landscapes on either foot or two wheels is a fabulous way to appreciate some of the most beautiful rural landscapes in Italy.

This small, enchanting village, situated on a hill above the Val d’Orcia, is famous for its central square, which is a large pool filled with hot springs water. You can’t bathe in it these days, so head for Hotel Posta Marcucci instead.

Famous for its production of robust red wines (which can be sampled at the town’s many enotecas), hilltop Montepulciano is also worth visiting for its grand palazzi, the Duomo, and, just outside the walls, Sangallo’s church of San Biagio.

This beautiful, stylishly-restored 17th century farmhouse complex has been turned into a luxury country retreat, hidden away down a long winding lane in the UNESCO-designated Val d’Orcia.

The 12 bedrooms – which size-wise are more like suites – inhabit the old stone farm buildings, and are done out in luxe-rustic style with massive beds, splendid bathrooms and private garden areas.

The heart of the hotel is the restaurant, with its open kitchen and vast fireplace; meals are served here in cooler weather, or on the romantic terrace decorated with fairy lights in summer.

Located in the heart of the Val d’Orcia, just outside Montepulciano, Lupaia makes a perfect base for exploring the area; Pienza, Bagno Vignoni and San Quirico d’Orcia are all within a 30-minute drive.

The owner-managers are always on hand and full of helpful advice about how to get the best from the area, giving the place a really personal, intimate feel.

It’s a great choice for couples and those who want to really immerse themselves in Tuscan life.