If you have only 3 days in Tuscany, it will be very hard to choose what to do first, with itst beautiful nature consisting of rolling hills and cypress trees, its history consisting of charming medieval towns, its world renowned vineyards, or its metropolitan cities, the options are truly endless but in this article, we’ll do our best to help you plan a comprehensive 3-day itinerary for Tuscany.
Let’s start from the beginning…
Getting Around Tuscany
Exploring the region’s picturesque countryside and charming towns is an incredible experience, and with just 3 days in Tuscany, you’ll want to make the most of your time. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, allowing you to venture off the beaten path and discover some of the region’s finest hidden gems. You can use this link to compare the deals from all car rental companies in the area and get up to 30% off.
If you prefer public transportation, taking the train is a great option for exploring Tuscany’s major cities; buses are also available to visit smaller towns and villages while renting a scooter or bike offers a unique and adventurous way to explore the region.
Best Time To Visit Tuscany
The best time to visit Tuscany depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, summer is the peak tourist season, with warmer temperatures and longer days ideal for outdoor activities and winter is the off-season, with cooler temperatures and shorter days, but it’s an excellent time to experience Tuscany’s Christmas markets.
Helpful Resources For Visiting Tuscany
If you’re looking for a cheap flight to Florence, this Qatar Airways link will get you up to 15% off (I use it too for most of my bookings).
Travel insurance is an essential requirement for traveling to Italy, and if you don’t already have one, SafetyWing offers affordable plans that cover medical expenses, as well as other miscellaneous travel expenses like delayed flights and lost baggage.
Auto Europe is providing a special discount on car rentals in Florence, which can offer up to 25% off (for more info on their services check out our Auto Europe review).
If you’re looking for train and bus rides in Italy, you can use Busbud to book transportation to and from Florence and get up to a 10% off when using my link.
You can save up to 15% on all properties in town by using our special offer through Booking. If you’re looking for a hotel in Florence, you may also like our Hotel Lungarno review.
It’s important to obtain a visa if required, and you can check if you need a visa and apply through iVisa. They take care of all necessary arrangements for you, making the process much easier and personally, I use their services all the time.
We also have a guide to hidden gems in Italy and a list of things you can find only in Italy to help you discover more about the country.
Finally, to help you plan your trip to Italy, we have prepared a guide to visiting Italy on a budget and a guide to planning a 10-day Italy itinerary.
Best Tours To Take In Tuscany
From food and wine tours that showcase the region’s culinary excellence to historic tours that transport visitors back in time, there is something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite tours that will hopefully help you make the most out of your trip to Tuscany.
This Florence walking tour is a great way to get introduced to the main highlights of Tuscany’s capital.
If you’re into cooking tours, you’ll love this pizza and gelato preparation class in Florence.
If you’re in Siena and don’t have a lot of time to spend this guided walking tour with skip-the-line tickets is a great choice.
For one of the best culinary experiences in the region, check out this Montalcino food tour (with wine tasting).
How To Spend 3 Days In Tuscany?
Tuscany is an exciting region and as soon as you arrive, you’ll notice why it’s one of the most visited regions of Italy. Tuscany was the birthplace of Renaissance (meaning you’ll find a lot of historical sites, museums, and galleries), it’s one of the best culinary destinations in Italy, and it has charming rolling countryside, and even a few beautiful beaches. That’s why we have prepared a few different creative itineraries for different kinds of travelers.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of hidden gems in Bologna.
3 Days In Tuscany- Itinerary For Wine Lovers
Tuscany is a famous wine region in Italy, known for producing some of the world’s finest wines and has the ideal setting for wine enthusiasts to indulge in their passion.
Day 1- Chianti
Begin your wine adventure with a visit to the Chianti region, famous for its world-renowned wine production, for being home to Castello di Brolio, a medieval castle that offers a stunning view of the surrounding vineyards, and the legendary Ricasoli Winery, the oldest one in Italy.
Day 2 – Montepulciano
Head south to the Montepulciano region, known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (famous wine variety), and the renowned Poliziano and Avignonesi wineries to learn about biodynamic winemaking methods and taste some award winning wines.
Day 3- Montalcino
End your trip with a visit to the charming town of Montalcino, famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine. The town is home to the Castello Banfi Winery ( you can book a tour here) producing Brunello di Montalcino wine. Afterward, visit the Il Paradiso di Frassina Winery, known for its unique approach to winemaking by playing classical music to its vines.
Finally, explore the town of Montalcino whose a gem on its own and enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of hidden gems in Venice or our guide to Venice in one day.
3 Days In Tuscany– Itinerary For History Buffs
Tuscany is a region steeped in history, with numerous ancient towns and landmarks. Florence, the region’s capital, is a treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture, home to world-famous museums and landmarks but the region is also home to plenty of other noteworthy attractions, including the famous Siena Cathedral, the Etruscan tombs of Volterra and the hilltop fortress of Monteriggioni, etc.
Day 1- Florence
Begin your trip to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the iconic Duomo, a stunning cathedral with a colorful marble facade and a breathtaking dome designed by Brunelleschi, the Uffizi Gallery (get a cheap skip-the-line ticket), one of the most important art museums in the world, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and da Vinci, take a walking tour and cover some of the city’s main highlights like the Ponte Vecchio, Il Duomo, and Piazzale Michelangelo), and don’t forget to visit the Palazzo Vecchio, a medieval fortress that today serves as the town’s hall.
If you’re looking for some more suggestions, check out our list of unusual things to do in Florence.
Day 2- Siena
Explore the medieval town of Siena (for some reason ofter forgotten and severely underrated imo), known for its narrow streets, beautiful piazzas, and rich history. Some of the main landmarks include Piazza del Campo, the heart of the city and the site of the famous Palio horse race, the Siena Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with stunning frescoes and the Palazzo Pubblico, the town hall that houses the famous fresco series “The Allegory of Good and Bad Government” by Ambrogio Lorenzetti.
Day 3- San Gimignano
End your trip in the beautiful medieval town of San Gimignano, known for its majestic towers and breathtaking views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. While in town, you can visit the Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, a Romanesque church with stunning frescoes and a beautiful marble facade, the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano, and the Museum of Sacred Art, which houses a stunning collection of religious art and artifacts from the region’s rich history.
3 Days In Tuscany– Itinerary For Foodies
Tuscany is a foodie paradise, offering some of the best culinary experiences in Italy, from hearty pasta dishes like Pappardelle alla lepre to the famous Chianina beef, and delicate desserts like Cantucci and Vin Santo. Tuscany truly is a culinary dream come true and our itinerary will help you make the most out of it.
Day 1- Florence
Begin your trip in Florence which is also a culinary must-visit, not just a historic one. Start your tour at the Mercato Centrale, a bustling indoor market with vendors selling fresh produce, meat, and cheese, and from there, head to the nearby Trattoria da Mario for a classic Tuscan lunch of pasta al ragù, grilled meat, and red wine.
Next, visit the Officina del Gelato for a sweet treat of artisanal gelato made with local ingredients. Lastly, take a walking tour and explore some of the city’s iconic sights before ending this delicious day with the traditional aperitivo in one of the local wine bars.
Day 2- Montepulciano
Explore the charming town of Montepulciano, known for its delicious wine and traditional cuisine. Visit the Palazzo Comunale, a beautiful medieval town hall that houses a collection of art and artifacts and then head to the nearby Osteria Acquacheta for a lunch of hearty meat dishes and local wines. Finally, visit the Cantina Contucci, a historic winery that offers wine tastings and tours.
Day 3- Greve
End your trip in the picturesque town of Greve in Chianti, known for its beautiful countryside and world-famous wine. Start your tour at the Mercato delle Cose Buone, a weekly market that showcases the region’s best food and drink. From there, head to the nearby La Cantina del Gallo Nero for a lunch of delicious pasta dishes and Chianti Classico wines. Finally, visit the Castello di Verrazzano, a stunning Renaissance castle that offers wine tastings and tours of its vineyards and cellars.
3 Days In Tuscany– Itinerary For Nature Lovers
Tuscany’s nature and countryside offer stunning landscapes of rolling hills, lush vineyards, and olive groves. The region is home to several natural parks, such as the Maremma Natural Park and the Apuan Alps, where you can hike, bike, or horseback ride while enjoying the breathtaking views. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of the region’s natural wonders even if you have only 3 days in Tuscany.
Day 1- Montalcino
Start your trip in the beautiful town of Montalcino, known for its stunning countryside and world-famous wine. You can start at the Fortezza di Montalcino, a beautiful fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills. From there, head to the nearby La Crocina di Montalcino for a lunch of traditional Tuscan dishes and local wines. Finally, visit the Fattoria dei Barbi, a historic winery (located a bit off the beaten path and surrounded by beautiful nature) that offers wine tastings and tours of its vineyards.
Day 2 – Val D’Orcia
Explore the breathtaking Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and beautiful landscapes. Start your tour at the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, attend a Gregorian chant performed by the monks and take in the serene atmosphere, and take a hike in the Crete Senesi, a region famous for its spectacular views. In the afternoon, you can visit the town of Pienza, another beautiful small town surrounded by the rolling hills of Tuscany, have a farm-to-table dining experience, and have a relaxing spa at Bagno Vignoni, a nearby picturesque village with a beautiful thermal bath.
Day 3- Maremma
End your trip in the beautiful Maremma region, known for its stunning coastline and pristine nature reserves and home to Parco della Maremma, a vast protected area that covers over 10,000 hectares of forest, hills, and coastline. Maremma is also home to many rare and endangered bird species, making it a prime destination for birdwatching.
From there, head to the nearby Osteria Etrusca for a lunch of fresh seafood and local wines and after lunch, you can relax on the beach take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, or explore the ancient ruins of Roselle or the Necropolis of Sovana.
3 Days In Tuscany– Itinerary For Couples
Tuscany is the perfect romantic getaway for couples, with its picturesque countryside, charming towns, and luxurious accommodations. You can take a hot air balloon ride, sip wine at sunset, stroll through quaint villages hand in hand, explore historic castles, or relax with a couple’s massage at a spa.
Day 1- Siena
Start your day with a visit to the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, then climb the Torre del Mangia for the best views of the city, and enjoy a romantic moment with your partner.
Next, head to the Duomo di Siena, one of the most spectacular Gothic cathedrals in Italy and in the afternoon, explore Siena’s historic center. As the sun sets, head to a traditional Tuscan trattoria, like La Taverna di San Giuseppe, for a romantic candlelit dinner featuring local specialties like ribollita soup and bistecca alla Fiorentina.
Day 2- San Gimignano
Start your tour at the Piazza della Cisterna and take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of old town, admiring its well-preserved medieval architecture. Visit the town’s two main squares, Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Cisterna, and from there, head to the nearby Osteria Le Cantine. In the afternoon, head to the Rocca di Montestaffoli, a hilltop fortress that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and enjoy a romantic sunset there.
Day 3- Cortona
Start your day with a walk around the town’s historic center and Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of the town and home to the Palazzo Comunale, the Clock Tower, and the beautiful Gothic-style Duomo di Cortona. Don’t miss the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca a great place to learn about Etruscan history and in the afternoon, take a stroll along the town’s ancient walls. While doing that, don’t miss the Fortezza Medicea, a 16th-century fortress and the Basilica di Santa Margherita, a 14th-century church that is dedicated to Cortona’s patron saint.
3 Days In Tuscany– Itinerary For Families
If you’re traveling with your family, you’ll be happy to hear that there are many family-friendly activities you can all enjoy together. Here’s our 3 days in Tuscany itinerary for families.
Day 1- Florence
Start your trip in the beautiful city of Florence, known for its art, history, and culture. Start your day early by visiting the iconic Duomo. Climb up to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city before heading to the main square, Piazza del Duomo, home to the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Campanile, and the Baptistery of St. John.
Don’t miss out on the Uffizi Gallery, the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, and the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, David. Alternatively, explore the fascinating history and architecture of the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of Florence.
Day 2- Pisa
Head to the beautiful town of Pisa, home to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Check out the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which houses many of the original sculptures from the Piazza dei Miracoli and finish your day by visiting the Palazzo Blu art museum or the City’s Botanical Gardens.
Day 3- Lucca
Start your tour at the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, then head to the nearby Guinigi Tower, a medieval tower with a garden at the top and last but not least, visit the nearby Parco Avventura Sospeso nel Verde, an adventure park with zip lines, rope bridges, and other outdoor activities for the whole family.
A Few Other Destinations For Your Tuscany Itinerary
There are plenty of destinations to explore in Tuscany beyond the traditional favorites and there are just too many places to fit in a 3-day itinerary which is why we feel it wouldn’t be fair not to mention a few other beautiful places you can add in your itinerary if you have the time.
Livorno, a port city on the coast, is famous for its seafood, beaches, and historic district.
Carrara, a town famous for its marble quarries.
Pienza– another beautiful small town in the Val d’Orcia known for its historic buildings and charming streets.
Cortona, a charming hill station in the province of Arezzo.
Abetone, a ski resort located in the Apennine Mountains.
How did you like our guide to spending 3 days in Tuscany? Did you get some useful suggestions for your upcoming trip? Did you ever visit Tuscany and if so, what did you like the most? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Gregg
Thursday 4th of May 2023
Wow, such a comprehensive guide, thank you.
Passport Symphony
Thursday 4th of May 2023
Thank you for the support, Gregg