You can’t call yourself a real Italophile if you haven’t experienced a scenic drive through Tuscany. This beautiful region in central Italy is packed with some seriously awesome routes!
Whether you wish to explore the medieval towns in Val d’Orcia, go on a scenic drive through the world-famous Chianti Classico wine area, or discover the picturesque Etruscan Coast by car, this guide to the best drives in Tuscany will help you plan an unforgettable road trip itinerary.
Best Scenic Drives in Tuscany
1. Florence to Siena (Known as the ‘Chiantigiana’)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4HEciQB1dZ8knnCy5
Time: 1 hr 47 min
Route Length: 87 km
Start your Tuscan road trip from Florence, a beautiful city known for its world-famous art museums, Tuscany luxury villas, and beautiful gardens. Also known as Chiantigiana (SR222), the road that connects Florence to Sienna is one of the best scenic drives in Tuscany. It runs through the popular Chianti Classico, a region that is well known for its wine production. This scenic route passes through small medieval towns and picturesque vineyards.
There are many cute towns and villages that you can visit on this scenic drive. The first stop, Greve, is a small medieval town famed for its triangular-shape square (Piazza Matteotti), the Castle of Montefioralle, a popular butcher shop called Antica Macelleria Falorni, and the large statue of Giovanni da Verrazzano. You can also visit the beautiful Santa Croce Church in Greve, as well as the Museum of Sacred Art. Wine lovers can stop by Enoteca Falorini.
The next stop on this scenic drive in Tuscany is Panzano, a small medieval village. Visit Piazza Gastone, the main square in Panzano. Here, you will find several outdoor restaurants, butcher shops, wineries, and cafes. You can also snap a photo in front of the nearby Church of Santa Maria.
Continue south on Chiantigiana (SR222) until you reach Castellina, a charming medieval hilltop village dating back to Etruscan times. Walk the Via delle Volte, an underground medieval passageway. To sample or purchase wine, I recommend stopping by Enoteca Squarcialupi in the town center. You can also climb the Rocca di Castellina tower for panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. Inside the tower, travelers will find the lovely Archaeological Museum of Sienese Chianti. Don’t leave this wonderful medieval village before trying gelato at Gelateria di Castellina.
You’ve made it to Siena, a lovely Tuscan city with stunning medieval architecture, lively piazzas, and fabulous dining establishments. Some of the must-visit tourist sites in Siena include the famous shell-like Piazza del Campo, Palazzo Pubblico, Santa Maria della Scala, Museo dell’Opera, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.
2. Val d’Orcia Valley (San Quirico d’Orcia – Montecchiello – Pienza)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dCdgkAwSXvJQDn8E9
Time: 31 min
Route Length: 26 km
There are many tourist destinations in Tuscany, and the stunning Val d’Orcia valley is definitely one of the must-visit areas. You will find many scenic routes from San Quirico, which is the heart of Val d’Orcia.
The village of San Quirico d’Orcia is an underrated gem known for its well-preserved fortified walls and the colorful main street of Via Dante Alighieri. Visit the main square (Piazza della Liberta), where you will find the Chiesa della Madonna church. Nature lovers can spend an hour or two at the majestic Horti Leonini, a garden filled with trees, plants, and statues. For a glass of wine and some traditional Tuscan dishes, go to InTralci restaurant.
Arrive by car to Monticchiello, a small fortified medieval village built on a hill. Explore the narrow streets and tourist sites such as Teatro Povero, where you can see theater performances in the summer. You can also stop by the Church of Santi Leonardo e Cristoforo. There is a free parking area right below the village.
Make your way to Pienza, a hilltop village known for cheese made of sheep’s milk called Pecorino. There are many nicely decorated shops offering this local delicacy. For art and culture, go to Palazzo Piccolomini. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pienza is also home to attractions such as Pieve di Corsignano and Cattedrale dell’Assunta.
3. The picturesque Etruscan Coast (Livorno to Piombino)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UNrCRgcQKW3gNopj9
Time: 1hr 11 min
Route Length: 87 km
Drive along Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast from the town of Livorno to Piombino. Overlooking the sea, this coastal road is definitely one of the most scenic drives in all of Tuscany.
Along the way, you will come across sandy beaches, well-kept campgrounds, and popular seaside towns like Castiglioncello, Cecina, Rosignano, Campiglia, and Marittima.
If you want to visit medieval villages, I suggest stopping by places such as Suvereto, Bolgheri, and Populonia. History lovers who wish to see well-preserved tombs can pay a visit to the Necropolis of Baratti, near the village of Populonia.
4. Siena to Bagno Vignoni
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2u2JZtmBpFoEUzTc8
Time: 56 min
Route Length: 50 km
The most fabulous scenic drive from south of Siena is Via Cassia, also known as the Via Francigena pilgrim route. Drive from Siena all the way south to the natural thermal springs of Bagno Vignoni.
This scenic Tuscan road takes you through some of the most beautiful villages in the region, such as Colle Malamerenda, Lucignano d’Arbia, Buonconvento, and San Quirico d’Orcia.
Drive to the town of Bagno Vignoni, which has drawn visitors from all over the world since Roman times. If you want to enjoy hot springs while in Tuscany, this traditional village in Val d’Orcia is where you want to go. Go for a dip in the gorgeous turquoise thermal baths, explore a picturesque and quiet center, and enjoy spectacular countryside views. Wish to hear more good news? The entrance to the Parco dei Mulini (Park of the Mills) and its hot spring streams is free of charge.
However, the most famous attraction here is the main central square which houses a filled pool with hot springs water. If you wish to spend the night in the village, I recommend booking your stay at the lovely Bagno Vignoni Hotel Spa. Once you get hungry, go to Bistrot Languorino and try their signature homemade pici pasta with aglioni sauce and burrata cream.
How Many Days Do You Need for a Tuscany Road Trip?
The number of days needed for a road trip in Tuscany really depends on what you want to get from your vacation. Travelers who wish to visit everything from the coastal area and wine estates to medieval hilltop villages and historic sites in the Tuscan countryside should plan on spending at least 5 to 7 days in Tuscany.
On the other hand, if you are interested in exploring only a few areas and already have a specific route in mind, you can stay in Tuscany for 3 to 4 days. For example, it takes about 2 to 3 days to explore the region of Chianti. If you wish to explore 2 regions and maybe visit major cities like Siena and Florence, plan on spending 7 days here.
Visitors should also consider the time it takes to drive around Tuscany. It really depends on the routes you choose. For instance, if you wish to do all of the 4 scenic drives mentioned in this article, expect to spend at least 5 days in Tuscany.
Best Time of Year for a Scenic Drive in Tuscany
The best time to visit Tuscany is in spring/fall when the weather is nice and there is little rain. For a scenic drive, you can also visit Tuscany in the summer. Since it can get quite hot in Tuscany in the summer, it’s important to rent a car with reliable air conditioning. The best time to visit Tuscany for a scenic drive also depends on what you want to see and do. To see lush green landscapes and blooming flowers, book your visit to Tuscany in spring, between April and June. For fewer crowds and to witness the harvest season, go to Tuscany in October or November.
Renting a Car in Tuscany: What You Need to Know
There are a few things to keep in mind when renting a car in Tuscany. First, make sure to bring your driver’s license. Because of the region’s narrow roads, I recommend renting a small or a mid-sized car. You can rent cars in major cities like Siena, Pisa, and Florence. When renting a car, its best to go for full insurance and cover unexpected costs. Travelers should also be aware of restricted traffic zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato) in historic town centers in Tuscany.
Tips for Driving in the Tuscan Countryside
Driving in Tuscany is relatively easy. Yes, it may be challenging in a few parts, but it is certainly not that difficult. You should follow simple rules such as sticking to the speed limit, using Google Maps, and only parking in designated parking areas. In Tuscany, the Strada Regionale is like a highway, while the Strada Provinciale is a secondary road that usually connects small towns and villages.
Road Trip Packing List for Tuscany
What to bring on your scenic journey through Tuscany? Make sure to have your car rental papers, ID, and insurance documents, as well as a GPS device or a reliable Internet connection for using Google Maps. You should also pack snacks and other picnic supplies. If you are visiting in summer, make sure to take plenty of water and pack sunscreen and comfortable clothes.