A Week in Tuscany: From Pisa to the Rolling Hills

Seven days to fall completely under Tuscany's spell. Explore Pisa's surprisingly rich art scene, wander Lucca's Renaissance walls, hike the Cinque Terre coastline, and lose yourself in medieval villages where time moves differently. This is slow travel at its finest — no rushing, just pure Italian beauty.

Destination: Carrara, Lucca, Marradi, Pisa, Pistoia, Siena, Volterra
Created by:
Duration: 7 days

Day 1 - Summary

Arrive at Pisa International Airport, explore the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli complex, then take a short train journey to medieval Lucca for check-in and dinner in the charming old town.

Activities for Day 1

  1. Lunch at Sant'Omobono

    Duration: 1.5 hours

    Savor authentic Pisan cuisine at this traditional trattoria located near the piazza, specializing in fresh seafood and regional pasta dishes. The intimate dining room with terra-cotta walls and exposed beams evokes centuries-old Pisan dining traditions. Start with pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans) or pappa al pomodoro (tomato bread soup), then graduate to pappardelle ai frutti di mare (wide ribbons of pasta with mixed seafood) or branzino al forno (whole roasted sea bass). The house white wine from nearby vineyards pairs perfectly with seafood preparations that celebrate the Tyrrhenian Sea's bounty.

    Pisa City Center
    Type: RestaurantCost: 18

    Notes: Cash preferred; closed Sundays; try the local Vernaccia wine

  2. Pisa Airport to Piazza dei Miracoli

    Duration: 1 hour

    Transfer from Galileo Galilei International Airport (Pisa) to the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli, the world-famous square housing the Leaning Tower and Cathedral complex. The 20-minute journey by taxi or shuttle introduces you to the Tuscan landscape and culminates at the stunning white marble monuments surrounded by manicured lawns.

    Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa
    Type: LogisticsCost: 25

    Notes: Arrange transfer in advance for faster service; airport shuttle runs regularly to town center.

    Must See

  3. The Leaning Tower (Torre Pendente)

    Duration: 1.5 hours

    Marvel at the world's most famous unintentionally tilted structure, the 56-meter white marble Leaning Tower of Pisa. Constructed over 177 years (1173-1372), this Romanesque masterpiece has captivated visitors for centuries with its magical tilt—caused by settling foundations on soft clay and fine silt. Climb 294 steps spiraling through eight tiers of arcaded columns for panoramic views of Piazza dei Miracoli and the Arno valley beyond. The ascent itself is an architectural experience, with the marble stairs worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims.

    Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa
    Type: MonumentCost: 18

    Notes: Tickets include cathedral entry; not recommended for those with vertigo or mobility issues

    Must See

  4. Cathedral of Pisa (Duomo di Pisa)

    Duration: 45 minutes

    Step into the magnificent Cathedral of Pisa, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture begun in 1063. The breathtaking interior features five aisles separated by columns and arcades, a stunning wooden ceiling, and intricate marble flooring in geometric patterns. The high altar is anchored by Giambologna's bronze chandelier (chandelier bomb), a Renaissance wonder, while the pulpit designed by Giovanni Pisano showcases exquisite marble relief sculptures depicting biblical scenes with extraordinary detail and emotional depth. Natural light floods through the clerestory, illuminating the spiritual space designed to inspire awe.

    Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa
    Type: Church0

    Notes: Modest dress required; photography allowed without flash

    Must See

  5. Piazza dei Cavalieri & Palazzo dell'Orologio

    Duration: 45 minutes

    Escape the crowds at Piazza dei Cavalieri, Pisa's second most important square, where the formidable Palazzo dell'Orologio (Palace of the Clock) dominates with its imposing facade and battlements. This was the residence of Count Ugolino della Gherardesca in medieval times, and today it houses the Scuola Normale Superiore university. The surrounding buildings feature Renaissance facades and the distinctive Pisan architectural style. The piazza itself is a living stage of student life, with cafés where you can observe modern Pisa away from the tourist masses. The evening light casts long shadows across the stone, creating a cinematic atmosphere.

    Piazza dei Cavalieri, Pisa
    Type: Square0

    Notes: Central meeting point in medieval Pisa; cafés offer excellent people-watching

  6. Baptistry (Battistero di San Giovanni)

    Duration: 45 minutes

    Discover one of Italy's largest and finest baptistries, an octagonal marvel completed in 1363. The creamy white and gray marble exterior mirrors the cathedral's aesthetic, while the breathtaking interior features a single magnificent font at its center. The Battistero is renowned for its extraordinary acoustic properties—the dome creates a natural amplification that makes even whispered voices echo in an almost supernatural way. Carved stone reliefs and arched galleries create an intimate yet grand atmosphere, while light filters through small windows, casting dancing shadows across the marble surfaces.

    Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa
    Type: ChurchCost: 6

    Notes: Part of Opera Primaziale Museums; acoustics most impressive when baptistry is quiet

    Must See

  7. Camposanto (Holy Cemetery)

    Duration: 50 minutes

    Walk through the serene Camposanto, a rectangular cloister-style cemetery dating to 1278, where earth brought from Calvary allegedly sanctified the ground. Flanked by marble columns and arcaded galleries, the Camposanto once housed extraordinary frescoes including Buonamico Buffalmacco's haunting 'Triumph of Death,' damaged during WWII but partially restored. The cemetery became Pisa's burial ground for the city's most important citizens, with simple sarcophagi and memorial plaques adorning the gallery walls and creating an atmosphere that is both reverent and intimately connected to Pisan history and mortality.

    Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa
    Type: MonumentCost: 5

    Notes: Atmospheric spot for contemplation; wheelchair accessible galleries

    Must See

  8. Tuttomondo Mural (Mural by Keith Haring)

    Duration: 20 minutes

    Discover Pisa's most vibrant contemporary artwork: the enormous 32-foot tall mural painted by American artist Keith Haring in 1989 on the exterior wall of the Ospedale Sant'Antonio hospital. Comprising 200 interlocking painted figures in Haring's signature style—energetic, connected, dancing across the wall—this UNESCO-recognized artwork pulses with movement, color, and joy. The figures seem to defy gravity, forming a visual symphony of human interconnection and spiritual transcendence. Haring completed this masterwork just one year before his death, making it an especially poignant tribute to his vision of universal human connection.

    Via Giosuè Carducci, Pisa
    Type: Street Art0

    Notes: Best photography in afternoon light; short walk from Piazza dei Miracoli

  9. Train: Pisa to Lucca & Evening Stroll

    Duration: 2 hours

    Board the regional train from Pisa Centrale to Lucca (30 minutes) as the sun begins to paint the Tuscan hills in golden light. The train glides through cypress-lined countryside, rice paddies, and ancient villages, offering the quintessential Tuscan landscape experience. Upon arrival in Lucca, take an evening passeggiata (stroll) along the famous Renaissance city walls—a 4.2-kilometer-long tree-lined promenade encircling the entire old town. The walls, originally military fortifications, now serve as a peaceful elevated walkway where locals and visitors alike meander, chat, and admire sunset views over red-tiled roofs and distant mountains.

    Lucca City Walls & Center
    Type: LogisticsCost: 8

    Notes: Luggage lockers available at Lucca station; walls accessible year-round, best at sunset

    Must See

  10. Dinner in Historic Lucca Center

    Duration: 2 hours

    Savor your first evening in Tuscany with dinner at a traditional Lucchese restaurant within the medieval walls. Lucca's cuisine emphasizes farro (ancient grain) soups, handmade tortelli (stuffed pasta), and suckling pig roasted to crackling perfection. Order the pasta alla lucchese—ribbons of fresh egg pasta with meat ragù—or try the local specialty of eels from the Serchio River. The intimate dining rooms of Lucca's old town, with their arched ceilings and candlelit ambiance, provide the perfect setting for your Tuscan welcome. Finish with a shot of nocino (walnut liqueur) and espresso, an ancient Lucchese tradition.

    Lucca Historic Center
    Type: RestaurantCost: 25

    Notes: Lucchese food emphasizes local ingredients; regional wine pairings recommended

    Must See

Weather Note

Check local forecast before your visit. Pack layers and comfortable walking shoes.

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