Tuscany in 5 Days: Idyllic Countryside and Cultural Treasures Tour

Start your adventure in Florence at Via de' Bardi, an enticing street named after one of the wealthiest families in Florence, the Bardi family. The street, which suffered great damages during the Second World War and was re-built after, is a lovely way to start your journey in Florence and will take you to the magnificent Ponte Vecchio.

The colorful medieval bridge, Ponte Vecchio, is one of Florence's most known landmarks. Ponte Vecchio, which was built during the Middle Ages, is an entrancing arch bridge that connects the banks of the Arno River. The bridge's uniqueness is driven by the fact that as not as most bridges, stores, and shops were built on it.

Florence is an international art center, with 72 museums that contain an exceptional amount of masterpiece artworks. Visiting the Uffizi is an absolute must to anyone who loves art. The Uffizi Gallery dwells in a remarkable building from the 16th century which was designed by the notable Italian artist and architect, Giorgio Vasari.

The Museum contains a stunning collection of paintings and sculptures that begins with the Middle Ages. Including, of course, the Renaissance days which were characterized by an unprecedented amount of masterpiece artworks and artistic creativity. Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Botticelli, and Verrocchio, are a few of the fantastic artists that their artworks are exhibited at the Uffizi.

Continue at Lungarno Generale Diaz, until you will reach Piazza Mentana, where you will be able to see the Monument of Piazza Mentana. A statue dedicated to the fallen fighters at the Battle of Mentana. At the little square, you will also find restaurants and it is a good opportunity to eat and relax before you continue to your next point of interest, Ponte alle Grazie.

Ponte alle Grazie is a lovely bridge and another wonderful landmark in beautiful Florence. The original bridge was built during the 13th century but was destroyed during the Second World War. The new bridge was built after the war and it connects the banks of the Arno river and provides a beautiful view of the river and the city.

Basilica di San Lorenzo is an impressive church, who used to be the parish church of the Medici family. The ancient church was built during the 15th century and serves as the Duomo for 300 years, is one of the oldest in Florence and. The importance of the church is also due to its wonderful Renaissance architecture which was partly designed by Michelangelo. The basilica is also containing the Medici Chapel (Cappelle medicee), the last resting place of the family which designed much of Florence's history for centuries.

The Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) is another must-visit museum in Florence. It is one of the most famous museums in the city, known for its impressive collection of Renaissance art. The museum is home to the phenomenal marble statue of David, by Michelangelo, as well as other works by the artist such as the four unfinished Prisoners. Visitors can also see works by Botticelli, Lippi, and many other outstanding artists.

Wander around at Via degli Alfani street and absorb the lively atmosphere and fetching architecture in Florence.

Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral Square, is an embodiment of Florence. Timeless beauty, captivating, popular, with rich history and exceptional architecture. As part of the historic center of Florence, Piazza del Duomo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The square contains some of the most iconic places in the city. First and foremost is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore which its dome is one of Florence's most recognizable symbols. Another landmark you can find at Piazza del Duomo is the Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni). The Baptistery resides in a magnificent antique Romanesque building with an exquisite interior and contains the Tomb of Antipope John XXIII. Also, Piazza del Duomo includes Campanile di Giotto, Giotto’s Bell Tower, a wonderful 85 meters bell tower from the 14th century.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral) is the largest church in Europe and the third-largest in the world after San Pietro in Rome and San Paolo in London. The red-brown dome of the cathedral is one of the most iconic images of Florence. The outstanding Roman Catholic cathedral is UNESCO World Heritage Site and is mesmerizing, in and out.

Originally built in the 15th century for the banker Luca Pitti, and since carrying its name. The Majestic residence underwent massive changes when purchased in 1550 by de' Medici family to serve as their home. Palazzo Pitti includes fantastic museums, some of the finest and most fascinating in Florence: Gallery of Modern Art, Carriage Museum, Royal Apartments, Porcelain Museum, Costume Museum, Palatina Gallery, and the Silver Museum.

In Pitti Palace you will also find the Giardino di Boboli, Boboli Gardens. Enticing and alluring gardens, and another must-visit while you are in Florence.

The colorful medieval bridge, Ponte Vecchio, is one of Florence's most known landmarks. Ponte Vecchio, which was built during the Middle Ages, is an entrancing arch bridge that connects the banks of the Arno River. The bridge's uniqueness is driven by the fact that as not as most bridges, stores, and shops were built on it.

A masterpiece artwork by the Italian sculptor, Benvenuto Cellini, Perseus with the Head of Medusa is an enchanting bronze sculpture and a fine example of renaissance art.

A palace that was constructed and designed to reflect the power of the republic and to serve as an administrative and governmental center. As part of this demonstration of power, Palazzo Vecchio has a tower you cannot miss which rises to the height of 94 meters. The work on the palace began in 1299, but it took decades to complete the original design. Located at Piazza della Signoria, the beginning the palace was called Palazzo della Signoria. Underwent many changes during the 13 – 16 centuries, Palazzo Vecchio today hosts Museo dei Ragazzi and the Town Hall.

Piazza della Signoria was the beating heart of the Florentine Republic. The square resides right next to Palazzo Vecchio which serves the people of the republic and their rulers. For centuries, the winsome square was and still is a place of gathering for the people of Florence and was witness to numerous historical and social events in the city.

Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral Square, is an embodiment of Florence. Timeless beauty, captivating, popular, with rich history and exceptional architecture. As part of the historic center of Florence, Piazza del Duomo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The square contains some of the most iconic places in the city. First and foremost is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore which its dome is one of Florence's most recognizable symbols. Another landmark you can find at Piazza del Duomo is the Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni). The Baptistery resides in a magnificent antique Romanesque building with an exquisite interior and contains the Tomb of Antipope John XXIII. Also, Piazza del Duomo includes Campanile di Giotto, Giotto’s Bell Tower, a wonderful 85 meters bell tower from the 14th century.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral) is the largest church in Europe and the third-largest in the world after San Pietro in Rome and San Paolo in London. The red-brown dome of the cathedral is one of the most iconic images of Florence. The outstanding Roman Catholic cathedral is UNESCO World Heritage Site and is mesmerizing, in and out.

Symbol to innovation and creativity, Cupola del Brunelleschi is truly an architectural wonder. The spectacular dome of Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore is one of the most admirable monuments in Florence. It was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, which is a pioneer and notable renaissance architect. Brunelleschi's dome which was constructed from 1420 until 1436, pushed the architecture and engineering boundaries of its time and produce an extraordinary dome that is one of the most beloved and popular places in Florence.

Start your day at Lucca's historic center, at the lovely Piazza Antelminelli, and continue to the impressive St Martin Cathedral. Built during the sixth century, the Roman Catholic Cathedral has a mix of architectural styles, Gothic and Romanesque. The Cathedral receives world fame, for the Holy Face of Lucca, an ancient wooden demonstration of the Christ crucifixion. St Martin Cathedral is also home to masterpiece artworks by brilliant Italian artists, as Domenico Ghirlandaio, Tintoretto, Fra Bartolomeo, and others.

Torre Guinigi, a 45 meters Romanesque-Gothic tower that was part of the Guinigi family complex. You can climb up to the roof which has a lovely garden and provides a magnificent panoramic view of Lucca.

Do not miss one of Lucca's old city highlights, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. An enchanting elliptical square, a reminder to the ancient Roman amphitheater who held at this place. Surrounded by buildings, the lively square is a central place in the old city and another display of the way Italian cities develop architecturally with time.

San Frediano Basilica is another fine example of why Lucca is called the "city of 100 churches". The Romanesque church is famous for the unique and notable 13th century mosaic on the church's façade.

Chiesa di San Michele in Foro (Church of San Michele in Foro) is a remarkable Roman Catholic Church, with an exquisite interior and outstanding façade. The church was built on the ruins of a Roman forum that was originally constructed at this place.

Well preserved defensive walls from the 16th century, that surround the old city. Mura di Lucca as the locals call it is approximately 4 kilometers and has six gates. It is spectacular not only due to its historical value but due to the splendid trees planted along the wall.

The National Museum of San Matteo (Museo Nazionale di San Matteo) is a fascinating museum that exhibits artworks from ecclesiastical buildings in Pisa. The artworks, which includes painting and sculptures (but not exclusively), are from the beginning of the Middle Ages and until the 16th century. Among the artworks, you may find the sculptures of Nicola Pisano and Donatello.

This elegant Gothic-style church, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, dates back to the 13th century. Its stunning facade, adorned with pointed arches and intricate stonework, leads to an interior that houses beautiful frescoes and an impressive wooden crucifix. A peaceful retreat from the busy streets.

Standing proudly at 58.36 meters (191.5 feet), the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre pendente di Pisa) reigns as one of the world's most recognizable landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This remarkable bell tower of Pisa Cathedral has become Italy's ultimate photo opportunity, drawing millions of visitors annually to capture their creative "holding up the tower" poses.

Located in the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), this architectural marvel showcases exquisite Romanesque design despite its famous tilt. The tower's unintended lean, caused by an unstable foundation, has transformed an architectural challenge into a beloved global icon that has fascinated visitors for centuries.

The white marble masterpiece serves as the cathedral's campanile (bell tower), completing the stunning ensemble of medieval architecture in Pisa's sacred square. Today, it stands as a testament to both medieval engineering and modern conservation efforts that have successfully stabilized its distinctive lean.

Originally constructed at 1064, Cattedrale di Pisa, Pisa Cathedral, has an outstanding architecture, and is absolutely remarkable, in and out. While known for the Leaning Tower, which is the Cathedral's bell tower, the dome of the Cathedral is also enthralling, and the interior decoration is ravishing and fetching.

One of Italy’s most iconic squares, Piazza del Duomo (Piazza dei Miracoli) is home to the famous Leaning Tower, Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the Camposanto, Museo dell’Opera del Duomo and Sinopia Museum. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true marvel of medieval architecture and offers awe-inspiring views and photo opportunities at every turn.

The largest baptistery in Italy, this remarkable structure features a unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Piazza del Duomo or marvel at its acoustics, which make the space come alive with sound.

Walk along the ancient city walls of Pisa for a unique perspective of the city. Built in the 12th century, the walls stretch for over three kilometers and offer an elevated view of Pisa’s landmarks, from the Leaning Tower to the peaceful surrounding countryside.