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Planning a trip to Tuscany and wondering how to see the highlights without feeling rushed? This 4 day Tuscany itinerary covers three of the region’s most iconic destinations — Pisa, Florence, and Siena — in a way that balances sightseeing with time to slow down and soak up the atmosphere.
With excellent train connections and short travel distances between these three destinations, we found it surprisingly easy to explore multiple cities in one trip. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, solo or with family, this itinerary is designed to help you experience Tuscany without the stress.
Tuscany Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Fly Into Pisa and explore the city. Overnight in Pisa.
Days 2-3: Travel to Florence. Spend 2 days/3 nights in Florence.
Day 4: Day trip to Siena from Florence. Overnight in Florence.
Day 5 : Fly back from Pisa or Florence or continue your Italian trip.
The itinerary is planned to give you 4 full days in Tuscany with 1 night in Pisa and 3 nights in Florence. Day 5 is a travel day back home or you could venture to another area of Italy like Rome!
Who this Itinerary is Perfect for
- Couples looking for a cultural European break
- Mid-life travellers who prefer a slower pace
- First-time visitors to Tuscany
- Travellers who want a mix of iconic sights and relaxed exploring
How to travel around Tuscany
Getting between Pisa, Florence and Siena is straightforward. For this itinerary, trains are the easiest option. The added bonus of using trains is, of course, there’s no stress about driving or parking in these major cities!
- Pisa → Florence: 50 minutes by train
- Florence → Siena: 1–1.5 hours by train
Italian Trains are cheap and reliable. And if you need to change your train time, most tickets are flexible so you can change for no extra cost! With regional trains, seat reservations are not possible but we’ve travelled a lot on trains in Italy and never had a problem with getting a seat.
🎒Our Tip: Download the Trenitalia App which will allow you to buy tickets, view schedules and use digital tickets on your phone or just buy from their website.
🔍 Click Here to Book Italian Train Tickets
Day 1 – Exploring Pisa
We start our Tuscany itinerary in Pisa which is a city that’s easy to explore. The train station is very central and once we arrived from the airport and checked into our hotel, we walked everywhere!
The main highlights can be seen in a day. Most visitors, us included, head straight to the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . This area is also known as The Square of Miracles and is made up of four religious buildings.
Highlights at Piazza dei Miracoli :
- Leaning Tower of Pisa with its huge bell.
- Pisa Cathedral of Santa Maria Assent
- Baptistery of Pisa
- Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery)
These landmarks are said to represent stages of human life: the Pisa Baptistery (birth); the Duomo di Pisan and Leaning Tower (Cathedral -life); and the Monumental Cemetery(death).
It is free to go to the square, wander around take photographs and enjoy the sights of these buildings from the outside. There are cafes around and tourist shops to potter in. For many tourists, this is enough. Others want a tour.
So, if you haven’t booked a tour but want to go climb the tower, or visit any of the 4 buildings, you will need to book tickets in advance.
Book tickets in advance at the Official Ticket Website.
Combined ticket gives you entrance all 4 landmark sites.
Combined Ticket – €27.
Leaning Tower Only Ticket – €20
There are no reduced rates, just one fixed price.
You can do this independently or if you prefer can book a skip the line tour which includes two further museums collecting your tickets in Piazza dei Miracoli.
🔍 Click Here to Book Square of Miracles Monuments and Museums Tickets with Leading Tower
Climbing The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is such an iconic landmark and seeing it up close is amazing! So of course, we had to climb it! There are 251 steps to ascend to get to the top. It really does feel weird when you first stand inside at the base. Believe it or not, you do feel the lean!
The height of the tower is 55.86 metres on the low side and 56.67 on the high side creating a tilt of 3.97 degrees. Hence the lean!
The climb itself doesn’t take long – around 30 minutes – but the steps are narrow, winding and steep. It’s worth it though as from the top there are wonderful 360-degree views of the city. The tower bell is most impressive.
Overall, we spent a couple of hours here in the square so it’s perfectly doable if you are here for a day.
🎒Our Tips: The Leaning Tower Climb
– You can’t just turn up and expect to climb the tower as only a
limited number of people can climb at any one time. You MUST book in advance.
– Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing.
– Bags, rucksacks are not allowed – they must be left at the secure cloakroom where you collect your tickets.
Other things to do in Pisa
Join a Walking Tour
Depending what time you arrive in Pisa, you might like to join a locally guided walking tour which as well as exploring the main attractions will incorporate sites away from the main squares. We are big supporters of walking tours.
🔍 Click Here to Book Pisa Walking Tour
Stroll by the River Arno
The river Arno, runs through Pisa. Ponte di Mezzo also known as ‘Middle Bridge’ links the north and south side and of course it is more or less in the centre of the city.
If you stay in the North side, like we did, you will cross this bridge. Along this bank you will find Palazzo Blu (Clue Palace) which houses the Museum of Art and Culture in Pisa with over 300 works of art.
Relax in one of the many squares in Pisa
There are many squares in Pisa. I really liked the Palazzo della Carovana palace which stands on Knight’s Square. In fact, in this square there are many beautiful buildings. The Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici (Council of the Twelve Palace) of renaissance style is also here.
It’s really easy just to wander around here, admire the buildings and stop for a coffee, drink or a pizza – we did all three!. Did you know that the great scientist Galileo’s hometown was Pisa?
After a busy day exploring, enjoying a bottle of chianti and fresh bruschetta with pasta was well deserved. We really enjoyed Pisa and would certainly recommend you spend a day here.
Day 2 & 3 – Exploring Florence
The following morning, we continue our Tuscany 4 Day Itinerary by catching the train from Pisa to Florence. The journey time is less than 1 hour. Check into your hotel and get ready to explore this marvellous city!
🎒Our Tip: From Pisa, book tickets to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station which is the central station in Florence.
Top Sights and Places to visit in Florence
Some call Florence the ‘Jewel of the Renaissance’ because it is filled with art, history and stunning architecture. Having experienced and seen what it has to offer, I do feel it is worthy of this title!
There certainly is a lot to see here so it can feel a bit overwhelming if you try and tick off everything in a pocket guide!
Instead, we suggest you spend your next two days focusing on a few key sights but leave time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that Florence offers.
🎒Our Tip: Even if you are just strolling, you are going to walk a lot so pack comfortable walking shoes!
You’ll stroll by marble statues, huge galleries, museums, famous bridges and viewing points, markets and bell towers. But, dominating the skyline is the iconic Duomo Cathedral which really is breath-taking no matter how many times you see it and that’s where we start.
Florence Cathedral (Duomo/Santa Maria del Fiore)
This iconic cathedral really is a masterpiece of the Renaissance period. Set right in the heart of the city, with its huge orange dome, you can’t miss it. Make sure you walk right round it to see if from all angles and admire its marble facade and gothic architecture.
If you choose to go inside, there are 6 parts to explore within the Cathedral.
- Cathedral (FREE TO ENTER)
- Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Brunelleschi’s Dome
- Baptistery
- Museum
- Crypt of Santa Reparata
All require a ticket unless you just wish to see the interior of the cathedral.
Access to the Cathedral is FREE
Open Monday to Saturday 10:15 – 15:45
Closed on Sundays and religious holidays.
Dress : Clothing appropriate for a place of worship is required or you may be denied access.
🎒Our Tip: Because entry into the Cathedral is free, expect to queue. You may well have to wait for 30 minutes to an hour.
Go early in the morning to reduce wait times or buy a combined ticket that covers the Bell Tower or Dome. This allows you to use a separate and faster entry point .
If you want to explore all areas of the Cathedral, buying a combination ticket makes sense. Visiting the Dome and Bell Tower are the most popular but note there are no lifts to the Dome or the Bell Tower. Both have over 400 steps to climb so consider this before you book your tickets.
Combination tickets to include all areas are €30 for adults and €12 for age 7-14. Under 6’s are FREE. It is much cheaper to book tickets through the official Duomo Ticket Office.
🔍 Click Here to Book Combination Tickets for the Cathedral
To further help you plan your time, check our guide below on suggested times you will need in each location and then choose the ticket that best suits your interest.
How long to spend at each part in the Cathedral
These are the suggested times in each area :
45 minutes for The Dome (Time slot given when booking)
45 minutes for Giotto’s Bell Tower
30 minutes for The Baptistery
60 minutes for The Museum
30 minutes for Santa Reparate
🎒Our Tip: Now this is brilliant – Your tickets are valid for a 3 day period so apart from the Dome time and date which you have to stick to, when you book, you can visit other parts to suit your schedule.
Other Top Sights in Florence
Uffizi Gallery
- If you enjoy art and history, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important museums in Italy. Here you will find work from the most famous of Renaissance period artists – Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli. Facilities include accessibility ramps, elevators, audioguides, a rooftop café, and a bookshop.
🔍 Click Here to Book Uffizi Museum Tickets with Audio Guide
Open : Tuesday to Sunday 8:15am – 6:30pm
Book in advance to secure entrance on your preferred day.
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze
If you still want more art, and in particular to see for yourself, the world famous marble statue of David by Michelangelo, this is where you need to visit.
At this gallery, you’ll explore several rooms of works of art and a collection of musical instruments. It’s one on my list for next time!
🔍 Click Here to Book Accademia Galleria Entry Tickets
Open : Tuesday to Sunday 8:15am – 6:50pm
Free admission days – 2nd June, 4th November and every first Sunday of the month.
Expect to queue on a FREE day so arrive early.
Piazzo della Signoria
Right in the centre of the historic area is this wonderful square. Here you will find replicas of famous sculptures such as Michelangelo’s ‘David’, some grand buildings and museums. Enjoy time just wandering around here, enjoy coffee, and soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
Near Ponte Vecchio bridge, you’ll find Palazzo Pitti. Once a residence of ruling Tuscan families, it now house several museums.
The beautiful Boboli Gardens behind the palace are perfect when you need a quieter break from Florence’s busier streets. Take a picnic and enjoy the sculptures, fountains and foliage.
🔍 Click Here to Book 5 Day Pass to 7 attractions including Uffizi, Pitti and Boboli
🎒Our Tip: If museums and galleries are your focus in Florence and you want more than 7 attractions, consider purchasing the Firenze Card. This gives access to over 60+ museums including all of those above.
Current price is €85 and is valid for 72 hours from first use.
Enjoy strolling the Piazzas
We spent much of our time exploring quieter streets, stopping in the cafes, wine bars or even roof-top bars, browsing in local shops and market stalls and relaxing in the piazzas.
Quite often, they have musicians entertaining you in these bustling squares. And yes, we did people-watching too whilst sipping our Aperol…getting the picture!
It is very easy to walk around; cobbled streets lead onto more incredible buildings, bustling cafes, pizzerias and markets selling leather goods especially bags!
Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge)
Quaint jewellery shops lie on either side of the beautiful Ponte Vecchio bridge. It’s a great photo spot especially at the sun sets with the bridges of the city all in the background.
It’s nice to walk over one bridge and back over another so you can view each bridge and surroundings from different points.
🎒Our Tip: It can get very busy during the day so go early in the morning or later in the evening after the tour groups leave for a much calmer experience.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Another great place for both sunset and city view photos is Piazzale Michelangelo. This is about a 15 minute walk uphill from the centre – take your time as it quite a steep climb.
At each turn, the view gets better. From here, you’ll see The Duomo, River Arno and the rooftops of Florence. Depending what time of day you visit, enjoy a coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening, whilst you admire the view.
Day 4 – Visit Siena
Siena is only 90 minutes by train from Florence so it’s a great choice for a day trip. There are regular trains, so after an early breakfast in Florence, catch the train and you’ll be in Siena by mid to late morning.
Half a day will give you enough time to see all the main sights and then catch the train back to Florence for dinner!
🔍 Click Here to Book Trains from Florence to Siena
Siena Train Station to the Centre
From Siena Station to the centre of town, it is about a 2 km walk. . Follow the signs to Piazza del Campo which is the main central square.
🎒Our Tip: If you plan to walk, it’s quicker to enter the shopping centre opposite the station, and use the series of escalators to go up to the main road. This cuts down on the steep up hill walk
We enjoyed the walk but if you prefer you can take a taxi directly outside the station. Alternatively, go by bus to Piazza Gramsci and then walk the last 15 minutes to the main Piazza. Buses run every 15-30 minutes
Siena Highlights
Siena’s historical centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as soon as we saw it, we could see why. It is a medieval town with incredible passage ways, gothic in style and quite a contrast to the renaissance splendour of Florence.
The best way to discover Siena is simply to wander around. Getting lost, in a good way, will take you through the narrow, winding streets where you will discover hidden courtyards, rooftop views and medieval towers.
If you prefer you can book a walking tour.
🔍 Click Here to Book Siena Walking Tour
To make the most out of your time in Siena, we recommend you visit these places:
- Piazzo del Campo – huge square with a magnificent Gothic Town Hall. This is the heart of the city and a great area to wander around, marvel at the buildings and enjoy lunch, coffee or glass of wine. I think we did all three!
- Torre del Mangia – this tower in Piazzo del Campo is the 3rd tallest in Italy. Rising to 102 metres, for an entry fee , you can climb its 400 narrow steps for panoramic views. From April 2026, it closed for restoration work. Currently an opening date has not been announced but hopefully it will be later this summer.
- Siena Cathedral – Also known as Duomo di Siena, this huge cathedral has a spectacular marble floor, 56 mosaic panels depicting biblical scenes, sculptures by Donatello and Michelangelo and a chapel. Entry fee to visit.
Duomo di Siena Cathedral
Open : Monday to Saturday 10am -7pm (April to October).
Monday to Saturday 10:30am – 5:30pm (Nov – March)
Entry Fee : €5-8 depending on season
Skip-the-line tickets are recommended in summer season.
Buy your ticket here for Siena Cathedral
Flights to Tuscany
There are airports in both Pisa and Florence. With the city of Florence being the main draw in Tuscany, flights to this airport are more expensive.
A great alternative is to fly to the city of Pisa and this is what we recommend. It also means you can visit Pisa for a day before continuing onto Florence.
Pisa Airport to City Centre
Having arrived at Pisa airport, you can buy a ticket for the Pisa Mover Shuttle Train to take you into the city centre. This train platform is just a few minutes walk from outside the airport – it’s very well signposted.
Alternatively, purchase the ticket on the shuttle platform for €6.5 one way or double that for a return. It is then only a 5 minute journey into Pisa Centrale.
Where to Stay in Pisa and Florence
Our picks are based on location, safe links to transport, and overall value for money. Both cities are very walkable and train stations are central.
PISA
📍$ – B& B Di Camilla – Centrally located, highly rated B&B with breakfast often served in garden in the summer; family run.
📍$$ – Hotel Bologna – WE STAYED HERE. Elegant rooms, superb breakfast. 5 minutes from train station. 10 minutes from Leaning Tower.
📍$$$ – Palazzo Feroci – Luxury Apartment with range of suites, courtyard and garden, central location, highly rated breakfast.
->> Click here for more great accommodation choices.
FLORENCE
📍$ – Palazzo Martellini Residenza – Small hotel in an historic building. Central to main sights. Good range of facilities for guests make this a popular choice.
📍$$ – Hotel Rapello – WE STAYED HERE Beautiful boutique style hotel. Delicious breakfast and great position for both the station and the highlights of Florence. 10 minutes walk to the historic centre. .
📍$$$ – Hotel La Gemma– Centrally located luxury spa hotel with 2 restaurants, bar and superb choice for breakfast. If you want to spoil yourself, this is highly rated.
->> Click here for more great accommodation choices.
FAQs
Pisa is 42 miles (68km) from Florence. Train journeys take just under an hour. Driving will take 1 to 2 hours depending upon time of day.
Shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October offer warm weather with less crowds. July and August are busy, hot and more expensive for your accommodation.
3 days will give you enough time to visit the highlights of Florence at a relaxed pace. 1 day in Pisa is also a good guide. Add further days if you want to visit more of the Tuscan countryside.
See More of Italy
From our many trips to Italy, we feel that if you are limited for time, consolidate your trip in one region.
However, if you have more time here is our Italy by Train Itinerary for a 2 week trip from Venice to Capri to consider.
An alternative is to combine Tuscany with the sparkling island of Sicily at the south of Italy. Plan a trip here with our 6 days in Sicily Guide covering the 2 main cities of Taormina and Palermo.
Buon viaggio!