Signature itinerary
Tuscany Grand Tour
Florence, Chianti, the Val d'Orcia and Versilia
Six days where the road is the reason for the trip: the Chiantigiana, the Val d'Orcia clay hills, the descent into Versilia. One car for the whole route, and here it needs to handle the gravel roads too. Your advisor prepares the car and the paperwork, and explains how the restricted traffic zones work before you drive into one. You drive.
Day 1
Arrival in Florence
Delivery at Peretola or in town, staying outside the restricted traffic zone.
Driving notes: Florence's centre is closed to cars for most of the day and the cameras do not forgive. Leave the car in a garage and walk.
Day 2
The Chiantigiana
SR222 from Florence through Greve, Panzano and Castellina, reaching Siena in the afternoon.
Driving notes: Continuous bends on good tarmac, but busy at weekends. Leaving early changes the drive.
Day 3
Val d'Orcia
Pienza, Montepulciano and Montalcino, with detours onto the white gravel roads between the cypresses.
Driving notes: The white roads are packed gravel: take them slowly and avoid sharp braking. It is why we do not suggest a low-slung car on this itinerary.
Day 4
San Gimignano and Volterra
Up to the towers of San Gimignano and the old town of Volterra, then down towards the coast.
Driving notes: After Volterra the road narrows and drops through hairpins. Nothing difficult, but not a leg to do after dark.
Day 5
Versilia and the Apuan Alps
Forte dei Marmi and the seafront, then the climb to the marble quarries above Carrara.
Driving notes: The quarry road is steep and loaded trucks come down it. Climb calmly and always give way to anyone descending.
Day 6
Lucca and return
Morning inside the walls of Lucca, drop-off in Pisa or back to Florence.
Driving notes: Lucca has a restricted zone too. The car parks sit just outside the walls, a few minutes on foot from the centre.
FAQ
Which car for this itinerary?
One car for all six days. You want something that handles the gravel roads without making you think about it: a Porsche Macan or an Audi Q5 are the right size, and for four people with luggage a Mercedes-Benz GLE. We advise against convertibles and low sports cars, because the Val d'Orcia gravel is half the trip.
How do the restricted traffic zones work?
Florence, Siena and Lucca close their centres to traffic, with cameras at the entrances. Hotels can register your plate for the length of your stay, but it has to be arranged in advance and is not always possible. Your advisor covers this when preparing the trip, so you avoid fines that arrive months later.
Can I drive the white gravel roads in a rental car?
Yes, the Val d'Orcia ones are public roads and well kept. Take them slowly, and expect the car to be dusty at drop-off. What you do not do is leave the road to shoot photos between the vines: those fields are private.
Want to live this itinerary? Talk to a concierge.