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Tuscany Itinerary Suggestions for 3 days + Logistics of Renting a Car in Florence

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I would really appreciate if any one can share their opinion and travel experiences. I am taking a once in a lifetime trip to Italy with my parents and wanted to get your feedback as to the best way to spend three days in Tuscany. So here's the plan so far:

After spending three nights at an Air BnB in Florence, I check-out on a Saturday (June 18). I plan on renting a car from the Downtown Florence office as it's less expensive than the Florence Airport location. Here are several questions I have:

1) I have read about the strict driving laws and ZTL Zones in Florence. Am I better off renting from the Airport location to avoid paying fines while trying to navigate out of the city? It is my understanding that from the airport I can take a direct shot to the highway and avoid the nightmare of ZTL zones???

2) After three days (June 21) my plan is to drop the vehicle off at an AVIS location at the Chiusi Railway Station before hopping on the train to Rome. Is this route something you would suggest as a practical way to tour Tuscany?

Now going back to the Itinerary Suggestions. After doing lots of research it seems the majority of posters on the Rick Steves Forum prefer Montepulciano as a solid base to tour Tuscany. I found a pretty cool property that doubles as a farm near Montepulciano. The owner is a Superhost and also has lots of animals on the property. This place really ticks all the boxes for me. I would probably spend the first day (June 18) dropping my bags off and exploring the city.

3) How would you spend the day in Tuscany for the next two full days? (June 19 and June 20) I would like to see as much of Tuscany without being exhausted. I am not really into wine tasting (also because I have to drive). I know there are lots of beautiful cities in Tuscany, but given the time constraints what would be an efficient way to see most of Tuscany in two days and which routes make the most sense.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback and any bit of advice would be reciprocated with lots of gratitude and internet karma points.

Posted by
6 posts

  1. The ZTL zones are mostly in central Florence where the historical sights are and the car rental places (especially near SMN Trail Station) will be able to give you specific directions to get out of town without hitting a ZTL. Here's a good article if you want to do a little more research beforehand: https://www.visitflorence.com/tourist-info/driving-in-florence-ztl-zone.html

  2. No idea.

  3. This is hard to answer because there are a lot of variables, but I'd look at concentrating your efforts on the Southern parts, near the Val d'Orcia if you are looking for a balance of beautiful landscapes and easier access to Chiusi. My personal option is that, once you've seen like three small hill towns, they sort of start to resemble each other, so it's not really worth it trying to see more than that. There are spas and mineralthermes in the area (including spas with daily admissions or free ones throughout the countryside), hiking routes, pilgrimage routes, Etruscan caves/roads, so there are a ton of options that aren't wine (which you'll be able to try anyway in Montepulciano as you are exploring). Also, Montepulciano is within easy striking distance of Assisi, which could give you a good exploration of St. Francis.

Posted by
144 posts

We spent five days outside of Montepulciano a few years ago. You picked a great spot.

One day we did Rick's Heart of Tuscany drive from the Italy guidebook. You'll hit Montepulciano, Monticchiello, Pienza, Bagno Vignoni and some other places. It's a lovely drive. Plan your drive to enjoy a leisurely lunch with a view somewhere (Rick makes some recommendations but we stopped for lunch and gelato in Pienza.

There's also a sweet little wine bar/restaurant with lovely views in Monticchiello...https://www.laguardiolawinefood.it/en/

We actually toured Montepulciano on a separate day but you could add or subtract stops according to your time/interest. I would say the drive with lunch took about 3-4 hours, which left us some time to enjoy the pool at our agriturismo later in the afternoon.

Posted by
2209 posts

Welcome to the forum! It's good you are here gathering information.

I'll leave car rental specifics to others. You should be able to pick up the car and hit the road out of Florence with no ZTL worries.

The nice thing about your plan is that the drive from Florence to Montepulciano will allow you to experience the Chiantigiana. We visited all the towns mentioned here. We actually stayed just outside Greve in an agriturismo. Get an early start and make it a nice relaxing ramble.

I suggest for the next two days that you plan at most half the time. That will allow you to explore on a whim and not feel the need to rush from one place to the other. For me, it's less what you see as how you see it.

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