


Authentic Tuscany: 9-Day Road Trip
8 Nights: Discover the Heart of Tuscany by Car – A Journey Through Renaissance Art, Medieval Charm & Serene Landscapes: Florence, Cortona, Chianciano Terme, Siena & Volterra.


Dates and Prices
Day By Day Itinerary

- Day 1Welcome to Florence, Italy!

Ciao Firenze!
Arrive at Florence Airport, pick up your rental car, and drive to your hotel. Check in and take some time to relax and settle in.
Suggestion For The Day:
- Upon your arrival, settle into your hotel in the heart of the city and take a relaxed stroll through its charming streets.
- Begin your exploration at Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza della Signoria, where history and art meet in perfect harmony. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, street performers, and open-air cafés.
- As the evening sets in, indulge in a delightful Tuscan dinner at a local trattoria - try traditional dishes such as bistecca alla Fiorentina or pici pasta with truffle sauce.
- Day 2Discover Florence: The Heart of the Renaissance

Suggestion For The Day:
- Start your day by visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo) and climb Brunelleschi’s dome for spectacular panoramic views of the city. Stroll over the iconic Ponte Vecchio, lined with goldsmith shops, and visit Pitti Palace followed by a serene walk through the Boboli Gardens.
- If you’re in the mood for shopping, stop by Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, and explore Santa Maria Novella Piazza & Church.
- In the afternoon, immerse yourself in art at the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David.
- Spend another wonderful night in Florence.
- Day 3Drive to Cortona

Today, drive to Cortona (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes from Florence), a charming hilltop town filled with history, art, and stunning panoramic views. You’ll be spending one night here.
Suggestion For The Day:
- Upon arrival, wander through Cortona’s medieval streets, lined with artisan shops and cozy cafés. Visit Piazza della Repubblica, the lively main square, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
- If you’re interested in history, stop by the MAEC – Museum of the Etruscan Academy, which houses fascinating local artifacts. For breathtaking views, walk up to the Basilica di Santa Margherita and the Fortezza del Girifalco, perched high above the town.
- In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tuscan dinner at a local trattoria, paired with a glass of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from the nearby region.
- Day 4Drive to Chianciano Terme: Stop at Castiglione del Lago

Today, drive to Chianciano Terme (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes from Cortona), with a stop in Castiglione del Lago along the way. You’ll be spending two nights in Chianciano Terme.
Suggestion For The Day:
- On your way, stop in Castiglione del Lago, a charming town perched on the northwest shore of Lake Trasimeno. Wander through the medieval streets of the old town and admire the well-preserved Rocca del Leone, a fortress offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, enjoy a coffee at a local café, or explore the Palazzo della Corgna, a Renaissance palace with beautiful frescoes and gardens.
- After your visit, continue to Chianciano Terme and check into your hotel. Spend the late afternoon relaxing at one of the town’s thermal spas, such as Terme Sensoriali, where you can experience aromatic steam baths, salt pools, and wellness circuits.
- Dine at a cozy local restaurant like Ristorante Rosso Vivo or La Torretta, where you can savour handmade pasta, truffle-based dishes, and fine Tuscan wines.
- Day 5Explore Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia & Bagno Vignoni

Suggestion For The Day:
- Today, explore the scenic heart of Val d’Orcia - Begin your morning in Montalcino a historic hilltop town with a fortress, medieval streets, and panoramic views. Visit the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art or a local enoteca to sample Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s finest wines.
- Next, drive to San Quirico d’Orcia, a charming walled town with beautiful churches and the Horti Leonini gardens. Wander its streets, browse artisan shops, and enjoy classic Tuscan landscapes of rolling hills and cypress-lined roads.
- Finish your afternoon in Bagno Vignoni, known for its thermal water pool in the main square. Stroll the historic streets, admire the stone buildings, and relax with a coffee or gelato.
- Return to Chianciano Terme for dinner at a local trattoria, sampling pici pasta with truffle, wild boar ragu, or other Tuscan specialties.
- Day 6Drive to Siena: Stop at Chiusure

Today, drive to Siena (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes), stopping along the way in the small village of Chiusure. You’ll be spending one night in Siena.
Suggestion For The Day:
- Begin your morning in Chiusure, a peaceful Tuscan village surrounded by rolling hills and olive groves. Take a short walk to admire the breathtaking views of the Crete Senesi landscape and enjoy a relaxed coffee or light lunch at a local café before continuing your journey.
- Upon arrival in Siena, start your exploration at Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most famous medieval squares. Then visit the magnificent Duomo di Siena, and consider purchasing a joint ticket to access the crypt, baptistery, and museum for a complete experience.
- Don’t miss Torre del Mangia, Palazzo Pubblico, Santa Maria della Scala, and the Basilica Cateriniana, which holds the relic of St. Catherine’s head.
- In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner of pici pasta paired with Chianti wine at a cozy trattoria before spending the night in Siena.
- Day 7Drive to Volterra: Stop at San Gimignano

Today, drive to Volterra (approx. 1 hour and 35 minutes), with a memorable stop in San Gimignano along the way. You’ll be spending one night in Volterra.
Suggestion For The Day:
- Stop first in San Gimignano, the Town of Fine Towers. Wander its medieval streets, try gelato at Dondoli in the main square, and climb the Torre Grossa for spectacular views.
- Continue to Volterra, a fascinating town with Etruscan, Roman, and medieval influences. Visit Piazza dei Priori, the Duomo, the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum, and the Roman Amphitheater.
- Volterra is famous for its alabaster craftsmanship - don’t miss browsing local shops for beautiful handmade pieces.
- Day 8Drive Back to Florence

Drive from Volterra to Florence (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes) where you’ll spend your final night in Tuscany.
Suggestion For The Day:
- Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring any spots you may have missed earlier in Florence, such as Mercato Centrale or the Oltrarno district, known for its artisans and charming cafés.
- For one last panoramic view, head to Piazzale Michelangelo, a perfect spot to say goodbye to Florence and the Tuscan hills.
- Conclude your adventure with a romantic farewell dinner in Florence, raising a glass to an unforgettable journey through the heart of Italy.
- Day 9Return Flight Home
Suggestion For The Day:
- Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take some time for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping.
- Afterward, drive to Florence Airport, return your rental car, and check in for your flight.
- We hope you had an unforgettable time in Italy - safe travels and until next time!
Make It Truly Yours
Why We Love This Deal
A Perfect Blend of Art, Countryside & Timeless Charm:
This 9-day Italy road trip captures the very essence of Tuscany - from Florence’s artistic grandeur and medieval streets to the tranquil hills of Cortona, the ancient allure of Volterra, the Gothic splendor of Siena, and the soothing thermal springs of Chianciano Terme. Each destination reveals a different shade of Italian beauty, all connected by a scenic drive through rolling vineyards, olive groves, and hilltop towns.
Freedom to Explore at Your Own Pace:
With your rental car and an easy-to-follow route, you’ll enjoy the true Italian “dolce vita.” Stop for a glass of wine at a countryside enoteca, take an unplanned detour to a panoramic viewpoint, or linger over a leisurely lunch in a sunlit piazza. Every road in Tuscany tells a story - and you decide when to turn the page.
Authentic Tuscan Experiences:
Go beyond the guidebook and experience Tuscany like a local - stroll through Florence’s Renaissance treasures, wander Cortona’s cobbled lanes, explore Volterra’s Etruscan heritage, admire Siena’s famous Piazza del Campo, and relax in Chianciano’s rejuvenating thermal waters. Along the way, discover artisan shops, local markets, family-run trattorias, and breathtaking landscapes that make Tuscany unforgettable.
Effortless Planning, Unforgettable Journey:
Everything is thoughtfully arranged - charming accommodations, scenic routes, and curated suggestions for stops, viewpoints, and dining. All you need to do is drive, explore, and savor every moment of your Italian escape.
Ideal for Culture Lovers & Romantic Travelers Alike:
Whether it’s your first time in Italy or you’re returning to dive deeper into its heart, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of culture, relaxation, and discovery. From art-filled cities to peaceful countryside towns, it’s the ultimate way to experience Tuscany’s soul - beautifully, freely, and authentically.
Things to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
This Tuscany road trip includes round-trip flights, 8 nights of hotel accommodation across Tuscany, one rental car, and all taxes & fees related to the booking. This self-drive itinerary takes you through some of Tuscany’s most iconic destinations, including Florence, Cortona, Chianciano Terme, Siena, and Volterra.
The package is designed as an independent fly-and-drive experience, giving you the freedom to explore Tuscany at your own pace while following a carefully curated itinerary with scenic routes, suggested stops, and travel recommendations.
Guided tours, lunches, dinners, parking fees, fuel, tolls, and city taxes are not included
The best time to experience Tuscany by road is between April and October, when the countryside is at its most beautiful and driving conditions are ideal.
Spring (April - June) offers blooming landscapes, vineyard views, pleasant temperatures, and fewer crowds.
Summer (July - August) is perfect for outdoor dining, wine tasting, and long sunny days, though Florence and Siena can be busier.
Early Autumn (September - October) is one of the most magical periods, with golden vineyards, grape harvest season, mild weather, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Each season brings a different side of Tuscany, but all are perfect for discovering the region by car.
This itinerary is designed for 9 days, allowing you to enjoy Tuscany at a relaxed pace without rushing between destinations.
Driving distances are generally short and scenic, usually ranging from 1 to 2 hours between towns, with beautiful countryside views along the way. Expect rolling vineyards, cypress-lined roads, medieval villages, olive groves, and endless panoramic stops that make the journey itself part of the experience.
This road trip is designed around several carefully selected Tuscan destinations, allowing you to experience both iconic cities and peaceful countryside towns.
You’ll begin and end your journey in Florence, Tuscany’s artistic and cultural heart, before continuing through the medieval charm of Cortona, the wellness atmosphere of Chianciano Terme, the Gothic beauty of Siena, and the historic streets of Volterra.
Yes - stays can absolutely be extended in any destination. Contact the Yes Getaways team, and we’ll gladly arrange additional nights, hotel upgrades, or itinerary customizations for your trip.
Yes - Tuscany is considered one of the most enjoyable and accessible regions in Europe for a self-drive vacation. Roads are generally well maintained and clearly signposted, and driving through the countryside is relaxed and scenic.
In Italy, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road. While some historic town centers feature narrower streets and limited traffic zones, most countryside routes are straightforward and very manageable, even for first-time visitors to Europe.
Driving through Tuscany is truly part of the experience, offering freedom to stop at vineyards, panoramic viewpoints, local cafés, and hidden villages whenever you wish.
A valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license is generally accepted for car rentals in Italy, though an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and may be required by some rental companies or local authorities.
Italy uses a motorway toll system on certain highways. Tolls are usually paid directly at toll booths by card or cash during your journey. Your rental car provider will explain everything at pickup, making the process simple and straightforward.
Yes, a single supplement applies since package pricing is based on double occupancy.
To check the solo traveler price, simply:
- Change the traveler count from 2 to 1 in the date/price calendar
- Click “See Dates & Prices” to view the updated total
- Or contact us directly, and we’ll gladly help you with the pricing and booking process
Yes - Yes Getaways can accommodate flight customizations, including extra checked luggage and cabin upgrades (premium economy or business class) as paid add-ons at booking, subject to availability. Contact our team with your preferences, and we'll find the best options for your trip.
Yes - your Tuscany road trip can easily be enhanced with a variety of optional experiences and excursions. Popular additions may include wine tastings in Chianti or Montalcino, cooking classes in Florence or Siena, guided walking tours, thermal spa experiences in Chianciano Terme, Vespa or countryside tours, and visits to local vineyards and olive oil estates. You may also choose to add day trips to nearby Tuscan villages and scenic countryside areas. These experiences can be arranged either before departure or during your trip.
Breakfast may be included depending on the selected hotel and rate. Hotels with complimentary breakfast can often be prioritized - contact us or review the room details at booking.
Other meals are not included, giving you the freedom to fully enjoy Tuscany’s incredible culinary scene at your own pace. From family-run trattorias and rustic wine cellars to elegant piazzas and countryside restaurants, every stop offers an authentic taste of Italy.
The package includes carefully selected 3 to 5-star hotels, boutique stays, countryside villas, and spa properties across Tuscany. Accommodations are chosen for their comfort, atmosphere, location, and easy access to Tuscany’s cultural landmarks, scenic countryside, and historic towns. Depending on the destination, you may stay in elegant city hotels, peaceful countryside retreats surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, or charming boutique properties with authentic Tuscan character. Hotel upgrades and alternative accommodation options may also be available upon request.
The package includes a standard economy, manual transmission car. Upgrades to a larger vehicle or automatic transmission are available on request. Contact our team when booking to discuss your options or if you need help reviewing fees and insurance coverage.
Many hotels included in this Tuscany road trip offer parking, though it is not always included in the package price.
In countryside destinations such as Chianciano Terme, Cortona, and Volterra, parking is often easier and may sometimes be complimentary. In larger cities like Florence and Siena, parking is more limited and usually comes with an additional daily fee payable directly at the hotel or nearby garages.
Historic centers in Italy often have restricted traffic zones (ZTL areas), so parking outside the city center may occasionally be necessary. Overall, parking is well organized throughout Tuscany, and detailed guidance can be provided before your trip.
If complimentary parking is important to you, let us know during booking and we’ll do our best to prioritize hotels that include it whenever possible.
City taxes are not included in the package price and are paid directly at the hotel.
To book or request customization, select "See Dates & Prices" and proceed securely online, or contact us for personalized assistance. Our experts can help customize your itinerary, adjust rental car options, add optional tours, upgrade hotels, or answer any questions about your Tuscany adventure. Outside office hours, an emergency contact number is provided in your trip documents for urgent matters while traveling through Tuscany.
Available Hotels




























































Available Experiences



















































































