Taste Tuscany: A Florence Round Trip

Welcome to Florence, the heart of Tuscany and the ideal starting point for a motorhome road trip throughout the region. This first leg of your journey will begin by exploring this historic Italian city before hitting the road to visit nearby Prato and taste its famous biscuit treats. From there, it’s on to Bologna and Parma, two more towns known for their iconic foods and spectacular architecture. Finally, you’ll spend a day or two relaxing in the five small towns of Cinque Terre to soak up coastal views and fresh ocean air. This leg is the longest and offers the most to see, so it will likely take roughly three or four days to fit it all in.
 
Florence
 
While Florence is certainly a practical option for picking up a motorhome and beginning a road trip in Tuscany, it’s also regarded as one of the most beautiful cities on the planet - an unmissable stop on any holiday in Italy. Begin by wandering through the streets and squares around the Piazza del Duomo - they are practically unchanged from the 15th and 16th centuries and are bursting with all the cobblestone-street and historic architecture charm you could dream of. Make sure you visit the city’s most iconic attractions, such as the Uffizi Gallery, a beautiful art museum with collections from the Renaissance period, and the medieval Florence Cathedral, a free-to-enter wonder of architecture and art. The Mercato Centrale - Central Market - is one of the best spots to try local food and produce, and it’s open from 10 am to midnight daily for easy shopping and taste-testing. The Arno River is at the heart of the city, and while there are many beautiful bridges crisscrossing the water, the top one to see is the Ponte Vecchio, which was initially the only bridge across the river until 1218. Rebuilt after flooding in 1345, and today occupied by an array of goldsmith and jewellers shops, it makes for a spectacular, historical, and romantic stopping point on your travels through Florence.
 
When you manage to tear yourself away from Florence, head 45 minutes northwest of the city to reach the first stop on your drive, Prato.
 
Prato
 
Prato is one of the larger cities in Tuscany and historically known for its booming textiles industry. However, for travellers looking to taste all of what Tuscany has to offer, Prato is the birthplace of, and the best place in the world to try, biscotti - otherwise known as biscotti di Prato, or cantucci. If you haven’t already come across biscotti, it’s a twice-baked biscuit often enjoyed dipped in sweet wine or coffee. You will find it practically everywhere, but for the real deal, head to Antonio Mattei in the old town where it was first created. Aside from snacks, a visit to the main cathedral - Duomo di Prato - is a must. It was constructed in the 10th century, and even though its striking striped facade remains unfinished, the interior is filled with a collection of incredible sculptures and artworks from throughout the ages. The Prato Textile Museum is a surprisingly interesting and enjoyable attraction, as you can tour through to see the exhibitions, artefacts, machinery and more that were involved with the city’s involvement in Europe’s industrial heritage.
 
It’s just over an hour north from Prato via the E35 up to Bologna.
 
Bologna
 
Bologna is a modern-day city with an impressive history. You’ll find majestic medieval streets and quarters, as well as the world’s oldest university, and endless dishes of tagliatelle al ragu - the city’s original pasta. Begin in the Piazza Maggiore, the city’s central square, where you can get a feel for Bologna and indulge in the bars, cafes and restaurants that line the streets. The San Petronio Basilica is on the edge of the square, and even though the facade was never finished, there are 22 chapels inside, each filled with impressive artworks. It’s not hard to find mouth-watering food in Italy, and Bologna, which is the home of Bologna sausage, is no exception. For a travel experience that keeps on giving, enrol in a class at The Culinary Institute of Bologna, where you can learn to make some of your favourite Italian dishes for yourself. Before you leave town, make a stop at the Quadrilatero, a section of the city packed with stalls, delis, and cafes, where you can pick up everything from fresh produce to jewellery and baked goods for the road.
 
Another hour along the E35 heading northwest and you’ll arrive in Parma.
 
Parma
 
Parma has made a name for itself on the world stage on its cheese and ham alone. You may sample Parmesan cheese and Parma ham fairly regularly at home, but if you want to taste the original versions of these tasty treats, you can do so in almost any deli, cafe or restaurant in Parma. Once you’ve had your fill, take some time to visit the city’s other sights, such as the Teatro Farnese, a stunning Baroque theatre where you can watch operas and other performances live on stage. The Parma Cathedral offers another beautiful building filled with artworks and high painted ceilings.
 
From here, make your way directly to the coastline via the E33 to reach one of Italy’s most prized gems.
 
Cinque Terre
 
After visiting numerous sites and attractions throughout Tuscany, Cinque Terre has all the rest and relaxation you need. Cinque Terre isn’t just one place - it’s a string of five towns dotted along the Italian Riviera, each one as sparkling and inviting as the last. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Sanctuary in 1997 and boasts some of the most impressive cliff-side scenery on the planet. Cars and vehicles have largely been banned from the towns, so it can be a lot easier for motorhome travellers to leave their RVs at the train station in La Spezia and head into Cinque Terre by train, and by foot. The villages include Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso, and you’ll need at least a full day to explore them all. Your time here will likely be spent venturing down the hilly paths, stopping in restaurants and cafes to enjoy a meal and a drink overlooking the coast, and tackling some of the short hikes for the best views. Note that the area is not known for its beaches, but you can find small sandy areas in certain spots.
 
Cinque Terre is a fantastic place to rest for the night so you can spend a little more time in the area. Camping Cinque Terre is well-placed in the nearby town of Levanto with a bar, pizzeria, laundry, and other facilities.
 
To finish this first leg of your Tuscany road trip, make your way an hour southeast on the E80 to reach Carrara.

The second leg of your RV tour of Tuscany begins in a tucked-away town that’s responsible for practically all the marble architecture in Italy. You’ll move on to another small town, Lucca, to explore its Renaissance walls and cobblestone streets before arriving in Pisa to take your photo with the famous leaning tower. The last stop is the seaside port of Livorno, where you can enjoy its local fresh seafood and picturesque waterfront promenade. You’ll want a couple of days to briefly visit each spot along the way.
 
Carrara Marble Caves
 
As you travel through Tuscany, you’ll notice plenty of marble used throughout the architecture. This marble comes from Carrara, a small town by the coastline and the world’s most important place for marble excavation. There are hundreds of quarries in the area, and you can tour some of them. You’ll find yourself surrounded by towering white mountains, and you’ll learn about how this marble has been used throughout the centuries to create some of Italy’s most iconic structures. You can also stop by a marble workshop in town to watch as sculptors create works of art with the stone, and perhaps enrol yourself in a class to create something of your own. Wander through the town centre to see the abundance of marble throughout the shops and stores and pick up a souvenir or two before heading away.
 
From here, continue driving southeast along the E80 for roughly 45 minutes to reach the town of Lucca.
 
Lucca
 
Lucca offers a taste of small-town Italy with its cobblestone streets and inviting promenades. The spot is most well-known for its Renaissance-era walls that surround the central township, and it makes for a perfect afternoon activity to hire a bike or simply walk around the ramparts for an overview of the city. The top attractions in town include the Guinigi Tower, a medieval structure with a refreshing oak tree garden on the roof, the San Michele in Foro, an unmissable ornate church built in the 1100s, and the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a central square surrounded by cafes and restaurants. In true Italian fashion, this small town is also known for two delicious treats. One is olio d’oliva Lucchese, a locally made olive oil that you’ll find in local cafes served with warm bread. The other is Lucchesi wine, a tasty red, grown on a nearby hill that’s gaining traction in the wine world for its fruity and full flavours.
 
With Lucca ticked off your list, drive just 30 minutes down the road to visit one of Italy’s most iconic destinations.
 
Pisa
 
Pizza, pasta, and that one shot of travellers holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa - there are few things as intrinsically Italian as this tipsy tower. The tower was never meant to lean, but the inadequate foundation caused it to slowly sink onto one side until it was stabilised at the start of the century. While striking a pose next to this architectural quirk is a must, there are a number of other worthy attractions in town to visit before continuing your trip. Take a stroll down the Corso Italia shopping street and walk along the Arno River embankments to take in the medieval structures and beautiful buildings along the way. If you’re looking for a night out on the town, Pisa is the place to go as this student city is brimming with fun nightclubs, bars and restaurants.
 
The final stop on this leg is another 30 minutes south towards the coastline. Note that the E80 is the most direct route, but it also has road tolls so prepare some cash to pass through.
 
Livorno
 
Livorno is a little different to the towns and cities you’ve seen so far. It’s a major port town, which has created a mix of old and new thanks to its rich history and booming trade. Merely to walk along the Terrazza Mascagni - the checkerboard patterned waterfront promenade - is an experience in itself, as you can enjoy the brightly coloured buildings on one side and countless boats of all shapes and sizes in the water on the other. On the foodie front, Livorno is known for its fresh and fantastic seafood, which you can enjoy in most waterfront restaurants and many throughout the town as well. For something unique, check out the Livorno Aquarium, which features sealife from all over the region, including green turtles, sharks, and jellyfish.
 
It’s time to head back inland. Drive roughly 90 minutes southeast via Pontedera to begin the next leg of your road trip.

As you move into the second half of your road trip through Tuscany, you’ll explore more historic small towns, as well as a few new extra gems from the region. You’ll begin in San Gimignano, which is known for its ancient walls and buildings, before moving on to an outdoor extravaganza of modern artworks and sculptures in the Chianti Sculpture Park. From here you’ll move on to Siena to see its famous town ‘square’, and finally onto arguably the most beautiful valley in Italy - Val d’Orcia - for its wineries, hot pools, and rolling hills. It’s only a short drive to get between them all, and you’ll want to schedule a day or two for this leg.
 
San Gimignano
 
San Gimignano is a town that is so important that UNESCO declared it to be part of the World’s Architectural Heritage. To enter this village, you must arrive via its main gate, and once inside, you can set about discovering what makes it so special. Begin by making your way to the Porta San Giovanni, an ancient gate built in the 13th century as part of the town’s wall. The Piazza della Cisterna is a triangle-shaped square in the heart of town, surrounded by medieval houses, whereas the nearby Piazza del Duomo is surrounded by more ancient architecture - as well as plenty of cafes and gelato shops for a little energy boost. For art, and a tower you can climb for phenomenal views out over the town and surrounding countryside, visit the Torre Grossa, a museum filled with frescoes - and of course, more historic architecture.
 
Your next stop offers something new again, so drive just over an hour southeast to the Chianti Sculpture Park for artwork of a more modern kind.
 
Chianti Sculpture Park
 
The Chianti Sculpture Park is a vast outdoor space covering 17 acres where you’ll spend a couple of hours wandering and discovering the creative, weird and wonderful sculptures that dot the landscape. The park has been named as one of the world’s most beautiful by the National Geographic, as it brings together art and nature in unexpected ways. Artists from across the globe were invited to contribute, and they used a wide variety of materials and ideas to make this outdoor space happen. You’ll get the most out of your visit by signing up for a tour or simply downloading the ChiantiPark app, which works as an audio guide to give you more information on each of the sculptures. Also keep an eye on the park’s event calendar, as it often hosts live performances in its amphitheatre (partially built with Carrara marble!) so you can enjoy a concert or show outdoors.
 
Another 30 minutes south in your motorhome and you’ll reach the town of Siena.
 
Siena
 
Siena is a city right in the middle of the Tuscany region and is undoubtedly one of Italy’s lesser-known treasures. The Piazza del Campo is the main square in town, and notable for its iconic shell shape, stunning Fonte Gaia fountain, and for being the hub of Siena since the 1300s. The Piazza del Campo is also where the bi-annual Palio horse race takes place if you happen to be in town during the event! If you’re ready for a workout, climb the 400 steps up the Torre del Mangia and be rewarded with a view that covers the entirety of Siena and beyond. Once you’ve worked up an appetite climbing the tower and exploring the other architectural wonders around the square, try some of the local traditional dishes. The daring might order hare, wild boar, or even Cinta Senese (a local breed of pig), while others might simply stick to the local pappardelle pastas, sausages, and cheese.
 
From here, follow the SR2 for an hour as you continue southeast. When you struggle to drive more than a few minutes without stopping to take photos, you’ll know you’ve arrived in Val d’Orcia.
 
Val d’Orcia
 
Val d’Orcia is neither a city nor a town but a valley and has been called the most beautiful valley in Italy. It’s a UNESCO Heritage Site and an iconic location for artists and painters who flock to the region to try to capture one of nature’s masterpieces on canvas. The valley itself is actually quite large and includes small towns such as Pienza, which has become known as the ‘Ideal Town’ for its quaint and charming streets and buildings. It’s where you’ll find the Vitaleta Chapel, a small hillside chapel from the 16th century which has become one of the most popular photography spots in the country for its surreal beauty. A large part of the valley, however, is simply rolling hills and vineyards. Make stops at wineries such as Capitoni Marco Winery and Trequanda Farm for tastings, snacks, and exceptional views. Before you go, consider a dip in the hot springs at Bagno Vignoni, where instead of a town square, the village offers a large hot pool.
 
Stay in the midst of Val d’Orcia’s scenic hills at Camping il Treccoolo. The site offers all the main facilities you could need, but the real attraction is the stunning scenery you’ll wake up to each morning.
 
Depending on where in the valley you are, it will take roughly an hour to drive to Montepulciano and the start of the final leg of your tour.

The last leg of your journey is a short, wine-themed one that you could either squeeze into a day or stretch out over several days. You’ll begin in the clifftop town of Montepulciano which is known for a specific wine, before visiting one of the area’s top vineyards that also produces olive oils and cosmetics on site. Your final must-see is the Chianti region, which you’ll drive through on your way back to Florence, stopping at one decadent winery after another along the way.
 
Montepulciano
 
The town of Montepulciano perches high on a clifftop, and aside from its medieval churches, Renaissance palaces, and sweeping valley views, this hilltop hideaway is known for one thing - Vino Nobile. This rich red wine is crafted on the surrounding hillsides and is one of the oldest wines in Italy. Dry and flavourful, you’ll find it in any bar or restaurant in town. Aside from tasting all the Vino Nobile you can find, you can easily spend an afternoon wandering through the streets to enjoy the views and architecture. Montepulciano was once more of a hidden gem in Tuscany but has grown in popularity after parts of the films Twilight and New Moon were shot here, so arriving early in the morning or later in the day will help you avoid the crowds.
 
Next, start heading north again via the A1 and E35. Note that this hour-long drive includes a toll road.
 
Villa la Ripa
 
Villa la Ripa is one of the most spectacular wineries and vineyards in Tuscany, so a quick stop here on your way back to Florence is a must. It’s set in a Renaissance villa and produces wine, olive oils, and even wine cosmetics for something a little different. Your visit will include a tour of the villa and the surrounding olive groves and farmland, as well as tastings of both the vinos such as Merlot and Shiraz and the olive oils. You can also pick up wine cosmetics such as a wine leaf mask or grape hand cream as a gorgeous souvenir to take home.
 
From here, start making your way back to Florence - you have just one more stop at the halfway point to finish your trip.
 
Chianti
 
There’s no better way to finish a road trip through Tuscany than with the unforgettable Chianti Wine Region. One of the country’s most notable, this wine region just south of Florence produces a number of drops, including Chianti Rufina, Classico, and Chianti Colli Fiorentini. You may be best to book a wine tour of Chianti so that no one has to sit out on the tastings as you explore the countryside with a guide who can share a little more information on the region’s history, and take you to some of the best gems of Chianti. Alternatively, the wineries are close enough together that you can hire bikes to get around so that you can decide on where to go and when.
 
Your drive back to Florence will take just an hour, so you can make the most of your time in Chianti before dropping your motorhome back to the rental company.
 
By the end of this Tuscany tour, you should be completely in holiday mode - filled with great food, delicious wine, and unforgettable memories. Your round trip will have taken you through some of Tuscany’s - and Italy’s - most magical locations, and hopefully you’ll have picked up a few souvenirs and bottles of vino to take home with you to remember the trip. If you’re feeling a little sad that it’s all coming to an end, that simply means you’re ready to start planning your next motorhome holiday somewhere else just as wonderful.