1 Day in Tuscany Itinerary: Florence, Pisa Lucca, Siena & San Gimignano

Florence, Pisa and Lucca in one day: Complete itinerary

This itinerary starts in Pisa and continues to Lucca before finishing in Florence, offering a well-paced journey through some of Tuscany’s most iconic cities. Along the way, you can experience highlights such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Lucca’s historic city walls, and the Renaissance atmosphere of Florence, along a route that reflects some of the most popular ways to explore the region, including day trips from Florence to Pisa, Siena or Lucca.

A morning in Pisa

Start your day in Pisa, with enough time to explore the main highlights around Piazza dei Miracoli. The city centre is compact, making it easy to focus on the essentials.

For breakfast in a unique setting, stop at Caffè dell’Ussero, one of Italy’s oldest cafés, located in a Renaissance loggia along the Arno river.

In Pisa, focus on:

• Piazza dei Miracoli 
• The Leaning Tower of Pisa 
• Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery 
• A short walk around the square 

This gives you enough time to enjoy Pisa’s highlights without rushing. Want to learn more about the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Check out our article Everything you need to know about the Tower of Pisa.

An afternoon in Lucca

In the early afternoon continue to Lucca, a quieter city known for its Renaissance walls and relaxed atmosphere.

Highlights include:

• Walking or cycling along the city walls 
• Piazza dell’Anfiteatro 
• The historic centre and its quiet streets 

For a traditional meal, Ristorante Buca Sant’Antonio offers classic Tuscan dishes in one of Lucca’s most historic restaurants.

An evening in Florence

End your day back in Florence as the city lights up at sunset.

Enjoy a simple evening walk:

• Duomo area at sunset 
• Ponte Vecchio over the Arno 
• Piazza della Signoria and surrounding streets 

For food, you can try Badiani Gelateria Pasticceria for a historic gelato or Trattoria Sabatino for a traditional Florentine dinner in an authentic local setting.

San Gimignano, Siena and Florence in One Day: Complete itinerary

This itinerary takes you through three of Tuscany’s most iconic destinations: San Gimignano, Siena and Florence. It combines medieval hilltop views, historic city centres and Renaissance heritage in a single day, following a simple and realistic route through the heart of the region.

A morning in San Gimignano

Wake up in Florence and head towards San Gimignano, one of Tuscany’s most iconic hill towns. Known for its medieval towers and sweeping countryside views, the historic centre is compact and easy to explore in a short visit.

Focus on:

• Start at Piazza della Cisterna, the main square 
• Walk towards Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by medieval towers and viewpoints
• Explore the connecting streets, lined with small artisan shops

Before leaving, you can also stop at Gelateria Dondoli, famous for its artisanal gelato made with local ingredients such as saffron and pine nuts.

An afternoon in Siena

Continue your journey to Siena, a beautifully preserved medieval city known for its unique architecture and lively historic centre.

Key highlights include:

• Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most iconic squares 
• Siena Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic design 
• The surrounding streets and viewpoints across the old town 

For lunch, Ristorante Al Mangia offers a traditional Tuscan experience in a historic setting, known for its heritage and classic local cuisine.

An evening in Florence

End your journey in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, where you arrive back in the late afternoon after a full day exploring Tuscany’s hill towns and medieval cities.

Rather than focusing on major landmarks again, this final stop is the ideal time for a more local and relaxed experience:

• Explore the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops and authentic atmosphere 
• Stroll through quieter streets around Santo Spirito, away from the main tourist areas 
• Enjoy a final viewpoint over the city from one of the nearby bridges or small squares 

If you want a final stop in Florence, Procacci on Via de’ Tornabuoni is a historic bar known since 1885 for its mini truffle sandwiches and a glass of prosecco. The perfect setting for a simple end to your day in Tuscany.

A one-day journey through Tuscany is a unique way to experience its most iconic cities, from medieval hill towns to Renaissance capitals, all in a single, memorable itinerary. Whether you follow one of our suggested routes or adapt your day to suit your needs, the key is to enjoy each stop without rushing. You can also explore on foot with Tootwalk audio-guided walking routes.

In the cities, local buses operated by Autolinee Toscane help make getting around easier and reduce walking distances.