Itinerary
- Day 1
Milan to La Spezia
Start early from Milan and take the train to La Spezia, your base for exploring Cinque Terre. Once you're settled, hop back on the train and head into the five coastal villages. You can pick your focus depending on what appeals to you - Monterosso if you want beach time, Manarola for wine tasting, or any of the other three if you're after hiking trails and viewpoints. The train makes it easy to bounce between them. Return to La Spezia in the evening and settle in for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Train journey to Cinque Terre towns as part of Cinque Terre Card
- Self-guided exploration of Cinque Terre villages
Optional Activities
- Visit Monterosso for beaches and scenic seafront promenade
- Explore Manarola to savour local wines
- Visit Riomaggiore for breathtaking views
- Visit Vernazza for breathtaking views
- Visit Corniglia for breathtaking views
Landmarks/POIs Monterosso al Mare Manarola Riomaggiore Vernazza Corniglia - Day 2
La Spezia to Florence
Leave La Spezia and drive through Pietrasanta, stopping at the marble quarries where Michelangelo sourced stone centuries ago. Next you'll spend a couple hours in Pisa checking out the Leaning Tower and the Campo dei Miracoli complex, then grab lunch with views of the architecture. From there, head to Lucca and walk the preserved Renaissance walls that circle the old town, then wander through the squares before continuing to Florence for your two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stop at Pietrasanta - Michelangelo's marble selection site
- Exploration of Pisa
- Exploration of Lucca's city walls and squares
Optional Activities
- Climb or photograph the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Detailed exploration of Campo dei Miracoli architecture
Landmarks/POIs Leaning Tower of Pisa Campo dei Miracoli Lucca City Walls - Day 3
Florence
You've got the day to yourself in Florence. The main draws are the Duomo with its famous dome, the Uffizi Gallery if you're into Renaissance paintings, and the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David up close. Palazzo Pitti gives you a look at Medici history, and Boboli Gardens is nice for a break from museums. Wander the streets, try gelato, have dinner in one of the piazzas where locals hang out. Your second night is yours to enjoy the energy of the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit the Duomo Cathedral
- Explore the Uffizi Gallery to see 'The Birth of Venus' and other masterpieces
- Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to see Michelangelo's David
- Explore Palazzo Pitti and Medici family treasures
- Visit Boboli Gardens with statues, fountains, ponds, and mazes
- Sample local delicacies including handmade pasta, pizza, pastries, wine, and gelato
- Explore Florence's lively squares, restaurants, and bars
Landmarks/POIs Florence Cathedral (Duomo) Uffizi Gallery Galleria dell'Accademia Palazzo Pitti Boboli Gardens - Day 4
Florence to Montepulciano
Drive from Florence through the Chianti region and into San Gimignano, where you'll see those distinctive towers rising from the hilltop. Grab lunch and try local specialties, then continue to Siena for a walk through the Gothic old town. The Piazza del Campo is the center of things, with its shell shape and the Palazzo Pubblico. After exploring, head to Montepulciano for a two-night stay in this hilltop town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Exploration of San Gimignano and its 14 towers
- Exploration of Siena and Gothic architecture
- Visit to Piazza del Campo in Siena
Optional Activities
- Learn about noble families and tower-building competition in San Gimignano
Landmarks/POIs San Gimignano Piazza del Campo Siena - Day 5
Montepulciano to Val d'Orcia
Spend today exploring the Val d'Orcia area on your own from Montepulciano. Drive to Pienza, a Renaissance town designed as an ideal city, then visit a local winery for a tasting (included with your tour). Later, stop at Bagno Vignoni to see the ancient hot springs and archaeological remnants scattered around. The drive back takes you through some of Tuscany's most recognizable rolling countryside. You'll be back in Montepulciano for another night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Montepulciano
- Exploration of Pienza
- Wine tasting and tour of Solaria Winery
- Visit to Bagno Vignoni hot springs and archaeological park
Landmarks/POIs Val d'Orcia Pienza Bagno Vignoni Solaria Winery - Day 6
Montepulciano to Rome
Head south from Tuscany into Maremma and explore Etruscan ruins at Sovana Necropolis and the Vie Cave, ancient roads carved deep into the rock by Bronze Age people. Walk through the medieval village of Sovana itself and find a place for lunch. Then continue to Capodimonte, right on Bolsena Lake, where you can relax before the final drive to Rome.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Exploration of Sovana Necropolis
- Exploration of Vie Cave (Bronze Age carved roads)
- Exploration of medieval town of Sovana
- Visit to Capodimonte on Bolsena Lake
Landmarks/POIs Sovana Necropolis Vie Cave Sovana Capodimonte Bolsena Lake
