The Perfect Road Trip in Tuscany
Have you ever felt like you’ve stepped straight into a painting? That’s how I felt the moment I set off on my journey through Tuscany. Imagine rolling fields of fresh green hills where the sun beams like gold over rows of grapes that grow long and beautiful. Built on those hills are little villages that look strangely timeless, and don’t seem washed by the sands of time with any wash of modernity. Oh, and of course there’s pasta drenched in ooey gooey sauce and the very best of wine, and sweet treats adorned with creamy surface gelato. Sumptuous experiences abound. If you’ve been daydreaming about the perfect Tuscan getaway, let me take you through my unforgettable week long journey. Ready your seatbelts this road trip is sure to spark the desire for a very special getaway next.
Day 1 – Florence: Art, Aperitifs, and Awe
My first stop on the trip was Tuscany and from there I will drive my car to Florence (Firenze) the city which is the birthplace of rangneissance. The moment I reached around 1pm sharp, the sun was blazing bright and the red tiles were shimmering along with the sound of street musicians filling the atmosphere. While the city was alive and vibrant. There was a certain unmatched elegance prevailing in every corner of the city. Eager to utilize most of the time I have, I booked a airbnb adjacent to my target the famous duomo and made plans to explore Florence in 24 hrs. The beautiful cathedral’s intricate work on each tile was like a work of art and the multi-colored vision was almost too much to take in. France is so historical that artwork done centuries ago still to this day for my context, seems like a work of art.
After a quick rest, I loped about the cobblestone streets on foot. I sauntered past the pretty Uffizi Gallery and crossed over the Ponte Vecchio and lovingly strolled along the banks of Arno River and drank in the view. Just before sunset, I made my way to View On Art, a rooftop bar with arguably the best view in town. With a glass of Aperol Spritz in hand and the Duomo glowing in the distance, I felt like I was living la dolce vita. Dinner was a few steps away—a cozy trattoria serving fresh tagliatelle with wild boar ragù. Welcome to Tuscany.
Day 2 – Volterra: The Medieval Jewel
The following day, I collected my rental car: a red compact car ideal for twisting roads. As I drove south into the countryside, I “Il Mondo” by Jimmy Fontana. My first stop was Volterra, a medieval gem of a hill town still wrapped in stone walls. The remains of the Roman theatre and the charmingly narrow alabaster workshops, famous in Volterra, were a delight. Did you know that even though Twilight claims this town as its venue, it was filmed somewhere else? (Sorry, Edward).
Even without the vampire fame, Volterra was a dream. That’s the place where church bells chime and echo across the valley and fresh bread wafts from the corner store too.
Day 3 – San Gimignano: Towers and Tuscan Sunsets
After leaving Volterra, I went next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Gimignano, an awesome place with this cool medieval thing where this many towers just spring up and cling to the skyline like they’re all competing to be the tallest building in the city. My place outside town had a pool and that’s where I hung out most of the afternoon. I sat out there with a glass of fine white wine as the sun shone. As the golden hour bathes everything in rich warmth, I walked right into the old town and the street lights are just sparking to life too. Dinner was at a trattoria with tables spilling into the cobblestone street. A musician played Italian ballads nearby as I devoured pizza, truffle pasta, and a glass of Chianti. It felt like a movie.
Day 4 – Pienza and the Val d’Orcia
With an early start, I set off for Val d’Orcia, arguably the most famous region in Tuscany. Its soft rolling hills that perfectly housed cypress trees along with infinite vineyards made it seem I was driving through a postcard. My next destination is a rather small town called Pienza, which is famous for its pecorino cheese and spectacular views. For the night I booked a room at Relais Il Chiostro Di Pienza, which is a convent adapted into an elegant hotel.
My room had an exquisite view over the valley. After a sleepy stroll, I dined at the hotel facing the restaurant. The hotel offered exquisite and super tasty dishes. foods that I’ll always cherish, and it isn’t just because of the delightful dishes.”
Day 5 – Val d’Orcia’s Picture-Perfect Stops
This digitized reality has made me obsessed with finding the Insta-famous Tuscan viewpoints. I am sure you are aware of the following places.
The ‘Agriturismo Baccoleno’ is like magic in real life, with its cypress lined drive ways. Cipressi di San Quirico d’Orcia looks to be lifted off a mystic story book. Poggio Covili is also charming in the Tuscan way. Every single spot felt like it was holy in it’s own unique way. A small tip is to arrive early, wear a sun-shielding hat, and drink lots of water. Trust me, the sun in Tuscany is brutal even in May.
Day 6 – Saturnia Hot Springs and Pitigliano
On Day 6, I set out toward Saturnia Hot Springs, which is located in the south of Tuscany. The captivating jewel-like pools are free of charge and contain sulfinic minerals, giving them the color of turquoise. However, caution is advised: they tend to smell like sulfur, (thank you sulfur) and can get a bit slippery. Arrive early, strap on your water shoes, and bring a watertight bag. I later decided to visit Pitgliano, which is a magnificent town located in a volcanoes rock area. The streets are extremely cozy, with artisan shops. The houses are built on a cliff sides and the roads are absolutely breathtaking. I couldn’t resist drinking coffee. Pottery I bought was enchanting. As I was wandering the streets, it felt as though time suddenly halted.