16 days in Tuscany Itinerary

Pienza, a town and comune in the province of Siena, in the Val d'Orcia in Tuscany (central Italy), between the towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino, is the "touchstone of Renaissance urbanism."In 1996, UNESCO declared the town a World Heritage Site, and in 2004 the entire valley, the Val d'Orcia, was included on the list of UNESCO's World Cultural Landscapes.HistoryBefore the village was renamed to Pienza its name was Corsignano. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Pienza: Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona (in Castelnuovo dell'Abate), Montalcino (Podere Le Ripi, Winery Solaria Patrizia Cencioni, &more) and Crete Senesi (in Asciano). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Val d'Orcia, appreciate the extensive heritage of Centro storico, make a trip to Piazza Grande a Montepulciano, and relax and rejuvenate at The Spa at Palazzo Brandano.

For traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Pienza visit website.

Perugia to Pienza is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. While traveling from Perugia, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Pienza, ranging from highs of 16°C to lows of 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Siena.

Siena, a medieval Tuscan city, features numerous attractions, including a historic town center, alleyways, towers, and well-preserved buildings.

Venture out of the city with trips to San Gimignano (Duomo di San Gimignano, Guardastelle Vineyard, &more). There's lots more to do: don't miss a visit to Piazza del Campo, admire the masterpieces at Museo dell'Opera Metropolitana, steep yourself in history at Centro Storico di Siena, and gain insight at Scuola di Cucina di Lella.

To see maps, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Siena online tour planner.

You can drive from Pienza to Siena in 1.5 hours. In December, daily temperatures in Siena can reach 16°C, while at night they dip to 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) so you can drive to Florence.

Considered a cultural, artistic, and architectural jewel of Italy, Florence is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance.

Dedicate the 12th (Sat) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. There's much more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, contemplate the long history of Palazzo Vecchio, snap pictures at Ponte Vecchio, and get to know the fascinating history of Piazza del Duomo.

To see photos, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Florence trip planner.

Drive from Siena to Florence in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In December, plan for daily highs up to 15°C, and evening lows to 4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) so you can go by car to Lucca.

Lucca, famous for its intact Renaissance-era city walls, remained an independent city-state until the end of the 18th century.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Lucca: Pisa (Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, &more), Statua di Ettore - Il Gatto dei Pescatori (in Viareggio) and Piaggio Museum (in Pontedera). The adventure continues: do a tasting at Fattoria al Dotto, admire the striking features of St Martin Cathedral, contemplate the long history of Le mura di Lucca, and look for gifts at Vineria Dolce Vita I Borghi.

For more things to do, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, read Lucca road trip tool.

Traveling by car from Florence to Lucca takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 15°C in December, and nighttime lows around 4°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Wed) so you can go by car back home.