With its iconic cities, charming hilltop towns, renowned wineries, and enchanting golden light, it’s easy to see why spending a few days in Tuscany is a favorite addition to many first-time Italy itineraries!
If you’re planning your first visit to this region and want to make the most of a brief yet delightful 3-day stay in Tuscany, this guide is tailored for you. For those with a bit more time, we also have a recommended Tuscany road trip itinerary.
Over the years, we’ve explored Tuscany extensively, experiencing it in a variety of ways: on a budget, indulging in luxury, with a car, via train, as a couple, with extended family… No matter the style of our trips, we consistently find ourselves captivated by Tuscany’s food, beauty, wine, and friendly locals.
When it comes to organizing a trip to Tuscany, it can be challenging to figure out the best structure for your visit, especially since many of Tuscany’s top destinations are small towns that are less accessible than major cities.
Although you won’t be able to see all of Tuscany in just 3 days, you can certainly experience enough to make your trip unforgettable.
Here’s everything you need to plan a fantastic 3-day Tuscan adventure!
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Where Exactly is Tuscany, Italy?
At the start of your planning, you might be wondering what Tuscany really is—beyond the idyllic images of its hilltop towns and rolling hills.
Tuscany is one of Italy’s 20 administrative regions, and it’s quite large!
Located on the western coast of Italy (yes, Tuscany has beaches and islands!), it’s part of Central Italy.
It’s bordered by Emilia-Romagna (home of Bologna) to the northeast, Umbria to the southeast, Lazio (home of Rome) to the south, Marche to the east, and Liguria (home of Cinque Terre) to the northwest.
Florence serves as the capital city of Tuscany.
How We Structured These Ideas for 3 Days in Tuscany
Given region’s vast size, planning the perfect itinerary is about prioritizing what you want to see rather than trying to fit everything in.
For instance, driving from Florence to Saturnia (Tuscany’s famous hot spring) takes over 3 hours each way. With so many places to explore in Tuscany, this drive may not be worthwhile if you have only a few days.
To assist in narrowing your options, we’ve created several short Tuscany itineraries in this post, each featuring places we love and that are popular with first-time visitors.
We’ve kept this guide relatively broad and avoided too many specifics about individual destinations.
Where possible, we’ve included links to relevant blog posts about each location. However, with over 100 blog posts on Italy on Our Escape Clause, we haven’t linked to everything!
If you’re curious about a specific destination, use the search bar in the top right-hand corner of the screen (or on the mobile menu) to find blog posts about that city or town.
Should You Rent a Car for 3 Days in Tuscany?
One of the first questions to consider when planning your trip to Tuscany is whether to rent a car.
Do you need a car ?
It’s not strictly necessary: trains, buses, and organized day trips can provide a fulfilling experience without the need to drive, especially for a short 3-day visit!
However, if you’re an experienced driver and want to explore smaller villages without train stations (or with stations that are a few kilometers from town—a common issue with hilltop towns), go off the beaten path, or stay in the countryside (like renting a villa), then renting a car might be essential.
We’ve enjoyed this region both with and without a car over the years. There’s no definitive answer, but one option might be more suitable for you!
The 3-day itineraries outlined below include options with and without a car, so you can choose based on your travel style.
If you’re unsure whether driving in Tuscany sounds appealing or stressful, check out our driving tips in our Tuscany road trip guide—they’ll give you an idea of what to expect.
If you decide to rent a car, we recommend Discover Cars for comparing prices and options from multiple companies.
Exciting 3-Day Tuscan Itinerary Ideas (Perfect for First-Timers)
With countless places to visit and experiences to enjoy (like a cooking class!), there are nearly endless ways to plan a 3-day Tuscany itinerary.
To help you decide, we’ve crafted sample itineraries that highlight some of the most popular spots in Tuscany for first-time visitors.
One option includes driving, while the others focus on exploring Tuscany without a car. You can mix and match based on your preferences!
Classic Introduction to Tuscany Without a Car: Florence, Hill Towns, and Wineries
For a quintessential 3-day introduction to Tuscany without a car, focus on Florence.
Day 1 and 2: Florence
Begin your trip by immersing yourself in Florence, region’s beloved capital.
Our detailed Florence itinerary covers how to maximize your time there, but highlights include visiting the Duomo, strolling across the Ponte Vecchio, savoring Tuscan cuisine, and exploring markets for cheese, leather, and more.
Don’t miss the Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo’s David is housed.
For breathtaking views, head to the top of the Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo, or Palazzo Vecchio.
Day 3: Organized Day Trip to Hill Towns and Wineries
After exploring Florence, venture into the Tuscan countryside!
An organized day trip, like this popular one, offers a great way to experience a variety of Tuscany’s highlights without the hassle of planning transportation. This trip includes Siena, San Gimignano, and a Chianti vineyard lunch.
While this itinerary is packed, it’s manageable with a small group and a knowledgeable guide, and it would be challenging to visit all these places in one day without a car.
Classic Introduction to Tuscany With a Car: Siena, Montepulciano, the Val d’Orcia
If a 3-day road trip through this beautiful city sounds appealing, this itinerary takes you through some of Tuscany’s most scenic towns, villages, and rolling hills.
Day 1: Siena
Start in Siena, a beautiful, less crowded city compared to Florence and closer to the Val d’Orcia.
Explore Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, and the Torre de Mangia. For an exceptional view, take the Gate of Heaven tour at the cathedral.
Day 2: Montepulciano + Wine Tasting
Head to Montepulciano, known for its wine and stunning views.
Visit Piazza Grande, explore wine cellars, enjoy the Medici Fortress views, and relax at local cafes. Wine enthusiasts can also visit a nearby vineyard for a tasting.
Day 3: The Val d’Orcia
Travel to the Val d’Orcia, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including the Chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta. Visit towns like Pienza, Montalcino, and Monticchiello, or simply drive through and enjoy the scenery.
Independent Tuscany Itinerary Without a Car: Florence, Lucca, Pisa, and Siena
If you prefer not to drive or take organized tours, this 3-day Tuscany itinerary is entirely train-based and perfect for those who enjoy independent travel.
Day 1: Florence
In one day, explore Florence’s Duomo, viewpoints, the Galleria dell’Accademia or Uffizi, the Ponte Vecchio, and piazzas like Piazza Signoria. Enjoy a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo and finish with gelato.
Day 2: Siena
Take a train to Siena and explore Piazza del Campo, the Duomo, and the Panorama. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and visit Santa Maria Della Scala Hospital if time permits.
Day 3: Lucca + Pisa
Round out your trip with visits to Lucca and Pisa. Lucca, with its well-preserved town walls and unique sights like the Torre Guinigi, is a charming place. Pisa, home to the famous Leaning Tower, is worth a visit as well.
Tips for Spending a Few Days in Tuscany
- Focus on specific areas of Tuscany to avoid long distances and make the most of your short visit.
- Florence can be paired with nearby places like Lucca, Pisa, Chianti, and San Gimignano. Siena is a good base for exploring places like Volterra, Monteriggioni, the Val d’Orcia, and Montepulciano.
- Consider guided day trips, especially to wineries, for a comprehensive experience of Tuscany’s countryside and flavors.
