🇮🇹 Tuscany Highlights: 7 Days in Florence & Pisa

Updated: Mar 29

Day 1: Arrive in the Renaissance Capital (Florence)

Morning: Check into your hotel and head straight to Piazza del Duomo. Even if you don't go inside, the marble facade of the Cathedral is a 2026 "must-capture."
Afternoon: Cross the Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge lined with gold shops.
Sunset: Hike (or take a bus) to Piazzale Michelangelo. It is the most famous sunset view in Italy. Grab a beer or gelato and watch the city turn gold.

Morning: Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David.
- Lauren’s Tip: Book the 8:15 AM slot to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Afternoon: Wander through the Uffizi Gallery. Even if you aren't an "art person," the Botticelli rooms are breathtaking.
Evening: Dinner in the Oltrarno district (the "other side" of the river). It's cooler, cheaper, and where the locals eat.

Morning: Explore the Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace. These vast Renaissance gardens offer great city views and a break from the narrow streets.
Afternoon: Visit the San Lorenzo Market and the Mercato Centrale for a foodie lunch. Upstairs is a giant food hall; downstairs is the traditional market.

The Experience: Take a bus or a small group tour into the Chianti Hills.
The Move: Visit a vineyard for a tasting of Chianti Classico. Many tours include a stop in the tiny hilltop town of Greve in Chianti.

The Move: Take the train from Firenze SMN to Pisa Centrale (approx. 1 hour).
Morning: Head to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). Yes, climb the Leaning Tower, but don't miss the Baptistery—the acoustics inside are hauntingly beautiful.
Afternoon: Walk away from the tower! Head to Piazza dei Cavalieri and stroll along the Arno River. It feels much more authentic and student-heavy.

Why Lucca? It’s only 25 minutes by train from Pisa.
The Highlight: Rent a bike and cycle the entire 4km loop on top of the Renaissance City Walls.
Afternoon: Visit the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a square built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater.

The Route: From Pisa, it’s only about 1 hour and 15 minutes by train to La Spezia, the gateway to the five villages.
The Experience: Spend your final day hopping between Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore via the local train.
Evening: Take the train back to Pisa for a final Italian dinner before your flight home.

Lauren’s "Find My Flights" Strategy: The Tuscany Hack

The Flight Trick: In 2026, flights into Pisa (PSA) are almost always cheaper than Florence (FLR). Many budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet use Pisa as their hub. Fly into Pisa, take the €5 "Pisa Mover" to the station, and you're in Florence in an hour.
The Trains: Don't book "high-speed" for short hops. The Regionale trains between Florence, Pisa, and Lucca have fixed prices—you can buy them at the station 5 minutes before you leave for around €9–€10.
Booking Tip: 2026 travel is all about pre-booking. You cannot walk into the Uffizi or climb the Leaning Tower without a reservation—you will be disappointed!