Tuscany has been among my favorite travel destinations since I was a kid. In early October, I had the pleasure of returning there with my family for a week.
We stayed at Agriturismo Vaianino near Volterra for the second time and were again entirely satisfied with Marzia and Gianluca’s hospitality, the cozy OLIVO farmhouse and the splendid views.
When planning a stopover in Tuscany while cruising the Med, the relatively new marina at Cala de’ Medici near Castiglioncello is a good homebase for stepping into our footprints.
I’d suggest driving to Pisa and Lucca on day 1 (2.5 hours and 150 km round-trip, not including sightseeing), Florence on day 2 (3 hours / 210 km) and San Gimignano, Volterra and Siena on day 3 (4.5 hours, 230 km).
This last one is quite a long drive mainly on secondary roads, so you might consider stopping overnight in Siena and adding some other scenic spots like Monteriggioni or Castel San Gimignano to your itinerary. All three day trips can also be combined in the given order or vice versa.
Now, let’s head to the Polarsteps view of the trip (click for pictures), followed by selected recommendations. Enjoy!
San Gimignano
Eat at Mangiatoia
Get ice-cream from Gelateria Dondoli
Climbing Torre Grossa (the Great Tower) is not to be missed. Whether a San Gimignano Pass will be worth it for you depends on how interested you are in history, and how much time you have.
Volterra
Eat at La Carabaccia or, when lucky enough to be in Volterra on one of the very few proposed dates, participate in a Cena Galeotta where inmates of the local prison are joined by a star chef to create a very special dining experience.
Siena
Eat light at Gino Cacino di Angelo or more in style (and at a price) at the iconic Osteria Le Logge.
Get ice-cream from La Vecchia Latteria.
Grab a coffee at one of the Pasticcerie Nannini. You’ll probably go for cake as well.
Lucca
Eat at Locanda Buatino, the only place in Lucca that made it into Osterie d’Italia 2020.
After the meal, take a stroll on the huge city walls and finish up with coffee in the old town.
Florence
Stay at Number Nine.