My ultimate goal was to reach Tuscany as soon as possible. After all, visiting Tuscany was my ultimate goal. The distance between Bologna and Florence is about 75 mi (120 km), or roughly a 2-hour drive. Below is more information about each of the stops on this 7 days in Tuscany road trip itinerary. You’ll find links to recommended tours and more information within each section. If you have not included Florence in your itinerary, then I recommend you spend this last day heading a little farther South and exploring the stunning area of Maremma, in the south of Tuscany. There are toll roads throughout Tuscany. They’re usually not too expensive, and most take card, but it’s always handy to have a few coins in your car just in case. Tuscany by train Like all wine regions, you'll find great restaurants wherever your car leads you. Chianti Map & Guide

If you'd like to get an indepth look at the territory, see our app with over 60 of our favorite places to eat, to stay and to do in northern Tuscany: Lunigiana App: Hidden Tuscany Garfagnana Driving Itinerary Tuscany– 11 perfect stops on the ultimate road trip to Tuscany: 7. 1. The 1st stop on a Tuscany road trip: FLORENCE The region contains numerous museums and art galleries, many housing some of the world's most precious works of art. Such museums include the Uffizi, which keeps Botticelli's The Birth of Venus, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Bargello, to name a few. Most of the frescos, sculptures, and paintings in Tuscany are held in the region's abundant churches and cathedrals, such as Florence Cathedral, Siena Cathedral, Pisa Cathedral and the Collegiata di San Gimignano. Days 5-6: Siena and Monteriggioni: Visit the Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena) and then wander the medieval streets as well as Piazza del Campo which is known for the Palio horse race and then explore Torre del Mangia for views of the city.Day 14: Cortona: Explore the hilltop town of Cortona, made famous by the book and film “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Wander its medieval streets, visit its museums, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Palazzo Carletti: This luxurious accommodation in Montepulciano has panoramic views and is in a beautiful Medieval building. The villa was stunning. The owner was helpful and lovely to deal with. The chef was amazing. We would stay there forever if we could. Below are some places to stay for this part of your Tuscany countryside itinerary. Places to stay in VolterraThe gross domestic product (GDP) of the region was 117.5 billion euros in 2018, accounting for 6.7% of Italy's economic output. GDP per capita adjusted for purchasing power was 31,400 euros or 104% of the EU27 average in the same year. The GDP per employee was 106% of the EU average. [32] Unemployment rate [ edit ] The Etruscans (Latin: Tusci) created the first major civilization in this region, large enough to establish a transport infrastructure, to implement agriculture and mining and to produce vibrant art. [17] The Etruscans lived in the area of Etruria well into prehistory. [13] The civilization grew to fill the area between the Arno and Tiber from the tenth century BCE, reaching its peak during the seventh and sixth centuries B.C., finally succumbing to the Romans by the first century BCE. [18] From the Etruscans, Tuscany took the name of Etruria, Tuscia for the Romans and subsequently Tuscania and Tuscany. While the areas of north-western Tuscany were inhabited by the ancient Ligures. In northwestern Tuscany, the area between the Arno and Magra rivers was culturally aligned with the Etruscans in the early Iron Age, and came under Ligurian control in the late Iron Age. [19]