Thinking of day trip options in Italy? Well, Tuscany is a very popular region and could be an ideal choice, all thanks to Italy’s diverse range of activities and sights. From vineyards and culinary attractions to classic art, history, food, and ancient architecture, Tuscany is one of the most varied regions in the world for tourists. If you only have one day to spare, read our Tuscany day trip itinerary to discover the region’s highlights.
Despite having an eclectic range of tourist attractions, Tuscany is also known for having a very laid-back lifestyle. Whether you are interested in the city’s popular sites, or some offbeat gems, there are plenty of great opportunities for day trips within the region. To make the most of your Tuscany day trip, you can even book a rental car or caravan.
Start Your Day by Exploring Siena
The beautiful city of Siena is packed with art and history and will give you a great insight into typical Italian culture. The city of Siena dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with quaint streets and old architecture. Wander through the cobblestone streets to find the brightly colored shutters, the centuries-old buildings, and learn about the world’s oldest bank.
Siena is widely popular for the Palio di Siena, in which the city’s 17 districts compete against each other in a horse race in the Piazza del Campo. The event has occurred since at least the 6th century, and it’s unique that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The race takes place twice a year, in July and August.
People from all over the globe come to experience this medieval tradition, horse-blessing ceremony, flag throwing, historical costumes, and the ultimate horse race itself.
Another popular site in Siena is the Duomo, which is one of Italy’s best examples of a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral. It is a true Tuscan masterpiece, a treasure chest of artworks. From the elegant paneled floor to the green and white-striped pillars, to the library of frescos, the architecture of the Duomo di Siena, inside and out, is very impressive.
Go for Lunch at Fattoria Poggio Alloro
Head to Fattoria Poggio Alloro, which is the gorgeous farm and winery, lies just minutes outside of San Gimignano. Before having lunch, stroll through the vineyards, learn about olive oil and wine-making processes, savor the views of rolling hills and cypress trees.
The menu at Fattoria Poggio Alloro consists of freshly baked bread, cured salami and prosciutto, local cheeses, garden salad, and fresh pasta Bolognese, which all tastes heavenly. You can also sample wine produced at that vineyard: white wine, cabernet, and Chianti.
Explore the Medieval Town of San Gimignano
After lunch, head to the enchanting hilltop town of San Gimignano. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Tuscan countryside, this town has a lot of authentic Italian charm and oozes history. Its origins date back to the medieval era, and the ancient walls of the original town are still standing to this day.
There are plenty of reasons to visit the charming medieval town of San Gimignano, but one of the most important reasons is gelato. Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano, which stands proudly in the town’s main piazza, is a winner of the Gelato World Championship and worth the try.
Wander the picturesque streets and squares, browse the local shops, try an award-winning gelato or climb a few of the town’s famous centuries-old towers scattered across the town, with the largest being Torre Grossa. You can also check out some of the art galleries such as Collegiata Duomo- best for religious art, and Pinacoteca Civica- known for smaller and contemporary pieces.
Visit Pisa
Next, you can head to Pisa, which is a famous city in Tuscany. Here you can admire the architectural drama of Cathedral Square — home to the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is one of the world’s most prominent monuments. You can climb the tower, check out a museum, or grab a bite. The history around the leaning tower of Pisa and efforts to make sure it does not fall is interesting to know about.
The city center is just a ten-minute walk from the tower and has some very charming streets, boutiques, and great restaurants serving famous Tuscan steaks. You can also spare some time to check out The Museo Di San Matteo that contains the best collection of Tuscan artworks in the region, and the Tuttomondo, which is a large mural of Pisa painted by Keith Haring as a special honor to the city’s beauty.