Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Florence to Florence in Tuscany, Italy.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to October.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Culture, Nature, Classic road trip.

Tuscany's Etruscan Heartland: Florence, Cortona, Pitigliano and Volterra

Q: How long is the Tuscany's Etruscan Heartland: Florence, Cortona, Pitigliano and Volterra route?

This route takes 9 days taking in 6 stops.

Loading…

The route · 6 stops

1
Florence
2 nights
Tuscany's magnificent capital holds the world's greatest concentration of Renaissance art. Two nights is the minimum to take in the Uffizi Gallery, the Cathedral dome, and the Oltrarno neighbourhood on the south bank of the Arno.
Tuscany's magnificent capital holds the world's greatest concentration of Renaissance art. Two nights is the minimum to take in the Uffizi Gallery, the Cathedral dome, and the Oltrarno neighbourhood on the south bank of the Arno.
Book Uffizi and Duomo dome tickets online at least two weeks ahead. Park outside the ZTL zone at Piazzale Michelangelo or Fortezza da Basso; the historic centre is camera-enforced.
2
Cortona
2 nights1h 28m · 106 km from previous
A walled Etruscan and medieval city set 600 metres above the Val di Chiana plain, with views to Lake Trasimeno and Assisi on clear days. Two nights allows the Museo Diocesano (with a Fra Angelico altarpiece), Cortona's hilltop churches, and a day trip to Arezzo 30 minutes away.
A walled Etruscan and medieval city set 600 metres above the Val di Chiana plain, with views to Lake Trasimeno and Assisi on clear days. Two nights allows the Museo Diocesano (with a Fra Angelico altarpiece), Cortona's hilltop churches, and a day trip to Arezzo 30 minutes away.
Park at Piazza del Mercato outside the centro storico; the old town is walkable in 15 minutes. Ask at the tourist office for the Etruscan wall walking circuit, which extends well beyond the town.
3
Pitigliano
1 night1h 22m · 99 km from previous
One of Tuscany's most dramatic surprises: an ancient town built entirely on and into tufa cliffs, its houses rising vertically from the rock face. The town was a medieval Jewish refuge known as 'Little Jerusalem'; the synagogue and Jewish museum are open to visit.
One of Tuscany's most dramatic surprises: an ancient town built entirely on and into tufa cliffs, its houses rising vertically from the rock face. The town was a medieval Jewish refuge known as 'Little Jerusalem'; the synagogue and Jewish museum are open to visit.
Stay in the centro storico if possible. The view approaching from Sorano is one of the best in Tuscany. Sorano and Sovana (both 15 minutes away) are worth a morning visit.
4
Volterra
2 nights1h 56m · 140 km from previous
Three thousand years of history layered in Etruscan walls, a Roman theatre and a medieval centre built from alabaster. Quieter than most Tuscan cities, Volterra rewards a slow half-day wander; use the second night to explore at a genuinely unhurried pace.
Three thousand years of history layered in Etruscan walls, a Roman theatre and a medieval centre built from alabaster. Quieter than most Tuscan cities, Volterra rewards a slow half-day wander; use the second night to explore at a genuinely unhurried pace.
The Roman Theatre is best seen free from the belvedere on Via Francesco Ferruccio. Alabaster workshops in town are genuine artisan studios; prices are fair and pieces make excellent presents.
5
Lucca
1 night1h 1m · 74 km from previous
Lucca's intact Renaissance walls make it unique in Tuscany. Rent a bike and cycle the tree-lined 4 km circuit of ramparts above the rooftops, explore Piazza dell'Anfiteatro (built over a Roman amphitheatre) and dine well in a city with a seriously underrated restaurant scene.
Lucca's intact Renaissance walls make it unique in Tuscany. Rent a bike and cycle the tree-lined 4 km circuit of ramparts above the rooftops, explore Piazza dell'Anfiteatro (built over a Roman amphitheatre) and dine well in a city with a seriously underrated restaurant scene.
Bike hire at the city gates costs around 3-4 euros per hour. Arrive by mid-morning for the rampart ride, cathedral and lunch before checking in. Lucca's olive oil DOP is worth buying to take home.
6
Florence
1h 5m · 79 km from previous
Return to Florence to complete the loop. The short drive from Lucca leaves time for a final coffee in the Oltrarno, last-minute shopping on Via Por Santa Maria, or a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo before flying home.
Return to Florence to complete the loop. The short drive from Lucca leaves time for a final coffee in the Oltrarno, last-minute shopping on Via Por Santa Maria, or a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo before flying home.
Return hire cars at Florence airport (Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci) or the Santa Maria Novella city centre drop-off. Allow 30 minutes for car return formalities before your flight.

Tuscany's Etruscan Heartland: Florence, Cortona, Pitigliano and Volterra

The route · 6 stops

Florence

Cortona

Pitigliano

Volterra

Lucca

Florence

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Add a photo or video

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

Shetland: Vikings, Puffins and the Atlantic Edge

Northern New Mexico Grand Loop: Santa Fe, Taos & the Enchanted Circle

Great Ocean Road: 10 Days Around Victoria's Wild Coast

Tuscany's Etruscan Heartland: Florence, Cortona, Pitigliano and Volterra

The route · 6 stops

Florence

Cortona

Pitigliano

Volterra

Lucca

Florence

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

You might also like

Shetland: Vikings, Puffins and the Atlantic Edge

Northern New Mexico Grand Loop: Santa Fe, Taos & the Enchanted Circle

Great Ocean Road: 10 Days Around Victoria's Wild Coast