The Grand Tuscan Tour: 10 Days of Pure Italian Magic
Ten extraordinary days across the full breadth of Tuscany. From Pisa's piazzas to Val d'Orcia's cypress-lined roads, from Volterra's Etruscan mysteries to Montepulciano's noble wines — this is the definitive Tuscan journey. Every day brings a new landscape, a new flavor, a new reason to never leave.
Day 1 - Summary
Arrive in Pisa, explore the iconic Leaning Tower and Cathedral Complex, wander medieval streets, discover street art, and depart for Val d'Orcia
Activities for Day 1
Arrival & Check-in at Agriturismo Il Rigo
Duration: 3 hoursTravel to your base for the week: an authentic agriturismo nestled in the rolling hills of Val d'Orcia. This working farm offers stunning panoramic views, organic farm-to-table breakfast, and a welcoming Tuscan atmosphere.
Podere Casabianca, 53027 San Quirico d'Orcia, SienaType: Logistics0Notes: Hotel check-in is on Day 1 only
Torre di Pisa & Piazza dei Miracoli
Duration: 2 hoursThe world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa dominates this UNESCO World Heritage site. The white and gray marble tower, begun in 1173, leans at an angle of 3.97 degrees. Climb the spiral staircase for panoramic views over Pisa and the Arno Valley. The tower stands in the center of Piazza dei Miracoli alongside the magnificent Cathedral, Baptistry, and Cemetery.
Piazza dei Miracoli, 56126 PisaType: MonumentCost: 18Notes: The tower has 294 steps; not recommended for those with mobility issues or fear of heights
Must SeeCathedral & Baptistry of Pisa
Duration: 1.5 hoursThe Cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta) showcases stunning Romanesque architecture with a green and white striped marble facade. Inside, discover ornate chandeliers, Renaissance artworks, and the famous bronze doors. The adjacent Baptistry, the largest in Italy, features a beautiful domed interior with remarkable acoustics that create ethereal choir effects.
Piazza dei Miracoli, 56126 PisaType: ChurchCost: 5Notes: Both buildings feature masterpieces of Pisan Romanesque architecture
Must SeeCamposanto Cemetery & Frescoes
Duration: 1 hourThis monumental cemetery features a stunning Gothic cloister with frescoes depicting the Triumph of Death and other medieval scenes. The walls are lined with Roman sarcophagi and medieval tombs. Walking through this solemn yet beautiful space provides insight into how Pisa honored its distinguished citizens and reflects on mortality with Renaissance sensibility.
Piazza dei Miracoli, 56126 PisaType: MuseumCost: 5Notes: Heavily damaged in WWII but carefully restored; houses masterpieces of medieval art
Must SeePiazza Cavalieri & Palazzo dell'Orologio
Duration: 1 hourThis elegant square features the Palazzo dell'Orologio (Palace of the Clock), a striking Renaissance structure that incorporates the Torre Guelfa. The palace's history is dramatic: it once housed Count Ugolino, whose imprisonment and starvation became a central episode in Dante's Inferno. Today, the peaceful piazza with its manicured gardens and historical buildings showcases a different side of Pisa from the monumental Piazza dei Miracoli.
Piazza Cavalieri, PisaType: Walking Tour0Notes: The tower is accessible via guided tours only; book in advance
Tuttomondo Mural & Street Art Walk
Duration: 1.5 hoursDiscover Pisa's vibrant contemporary art scene, anchored by Keith Haring's iconic Tuttomondo mural (1989)—a whimsical 180-square-meter fresco celebrating figures dancing, playing, and moving in joyful abandon. The mural transformed Pisa's perception as a living city beyond its Renaissance monuments. Walking the surrounding streets reveals additional street art, galleries, and the authentic, less-touristy side of Pisa.
Via Matteo Ricci, PisaType: Walking Tour0Notes: Best visited in natural daylight for photography; the area is safe but less touristy than Piazza dei Miracoli
Dinner & Departure to Val d'Orcia
Duration: 2 hoursEnjoy an early dinner in Pisa's historic center, sampling Tuscan specialties in a traditional trattoria. Taste fresh pasta dishes, local wines, and seasonal vegetables prepared with authentic regional techniques. This is your introduction to Tuscan cuisine before heading south toward Val d'Orcia.
Centro Storico, PisaType: RestaurantCost: 35Notes: Drive south to Val d'Orcia after dinner (2.5 hours); arrive at agriturismo by 22:00
Weather Note
Check local forecast before your visit. Pack layers and comfortable walking shoes.