Exploring Tuscany: A 2-Week Adventure Through Italy’s Heartland

Day 1-2: Florence – The Cradle of the Renaissance

Accommodation: We stayed at Hotel Lungarno, a luxurious boutique hotel located along the Arno River, offering stunning views and exceptional service. The cost was approximately £280 per night.

Flights: We flew into Florence from London with British Airways, with tickets costing around £95 per person.

Our first day in Florence was spent marveling at the iconic Duomo, climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome for panoramic views (£24 per person for the combined ticket). We wandered through the Uffizi Gallery, captivated by masterpieces from Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci (£20 per person).

Dinner was at Trattoria La Casalinga in the Oltrarno district, where we indulged in pasta al dente, rich tomato sauces, and a bottle of Chianti Classico, costing about £56 for two.

The second day included a visit to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David (£16 per person). We then explored the Boboli Gardens (£8 per person), offering a peaceful retreat and stunning views over Florence. Dinner was at La Terrazza Rooftop Bar, costing around £120 for two, with breathtaking views of the sunset over the city.

Day 3-4: Siena – Medieval Marvels

Accommodation: In Siena, we stayed at Hotel Athena, located within the city walls and offering beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside, at £144 per night.

We explored the Piazza del Campo and climbed the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views (£12 per person). The Siena Cathedral’s Gothic architecture and the Piccolomini Library were standout highlights (£12 per person for the combined ticket).

On day four, we visited the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (£8 per person) and enjoyed lunch at Osteria Boccon del Prete, savoring ribollita and Chianti for around £40 for two.

Day 5-7: Chianti – Wine Country

Accommodation: Our base in the Chianti region was Albergo del Chianti in Greve in Chianti, a charming hotel costing £96 per night.

We toured wineries like Castello di Verrazzano (tour and tasting at £32 per person) and Antinori nel Chianti Classico (£40 per person). Dinner at Ristorante La Castellana in Castellina in Chianti included local specialties and cost around £80 for two.

Driving through the picturesque countryside, we stopped at Radda in Chianti, exploring ancient Etruscan tombs and enjoying dinner at La Botte di Bacco, with meals costing around £64 for two.

Day 8-9: San Gimignano – The Town of Fine Towers

Accommodation: In San Gimignano, we stayed at La Cisterna Hotel, a historic hotel in the town center costing £120 per night.

We explored the towers and the Collegiata (£12 per person), and indulged in gelato at Gelateria Dondoli (around £4 per person). Dinner at Ristorante Perucà included local dishes and cost around £72 for two.

Day 10-11: Val d’Orcia – Picture-Perfect Landscapes

Accommodation: In Pienza, we stayed at Hotel Corsignano, a lovely hotel costing £104 per night.

We toured Montalcino and Montepulciano, with wine tastings costing around £24 per person at each location. Dinner at Osteria La Porta in Pienza was a highlight, costing around £88 for two. We also relaxed in the thermal baths of Bagno Vignoni (£16 per person).

Day 12-13: Lucca and Pisa – The Historical Twins

Accommodation: In Lucca, we stayed at Hotel Ilaria, a comfortable hotel within the city walls, costing £112 per night.

Biking around the city walls (£16 per bike rental) and visiting San Michele in Foro (free) were highlights. In Pisa, we climbed the Leaning Tower (£16 per person) and explored the Piazza dei Miracoli (£8 per person for the Baptistery and Cathedral). Lunch in Pisa at Osteria di Culegna cost around £56 for two.

Day 14: Return to Florence and Departure

Accommodation: Our final night was spent back at Hotel Lungarno in Florence, at £280 per night.

We picked up last-minute souvenirs and enjoyed one last gelato at Gelateria dei Neri (£4 per person). Reflecting on our journey, we felt enriched by Tuscany’s art, history, cuisine, and landscapes. Tuscany had offered us a perfect blend of cultural immersion and relaxation, leaving us with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Flights: Our return flight was with British Airways, costing around £120 per person back to London.

As we boarded our flight, we promised ourselves we’d return to Tuscany someday—there was still so much left to explore. Until next time, arrivederci!