Vacation in Liguria and Tuscany: Itinerary between Cinque Terre and Val d’Orcia

Do you want to plan a trip to the Cinque Terre and combine your visit with another iconic Italian destination such as Tuscany?

If you are unsure of the best solution, here is a guide to an ideal itinerary to admire some of the most beautiful hamlets between Cinque Terre and Tuscany.

One of the most convenient ways to go about visiting both destinations is to book a flight that lands and departs from Pisa. In fact, this historic town is strategically located between Liguria and Tuscany. Once you land, you can drive to the Cinque Terre area, which is roughly a ninety-minute drive away.

The ideal stay is of at least 3 days, so that you can have enough time to “slow travel” and visit, taste and experience the essence of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso.

Cinque Terre

On the first day, after checking-in at your boutique accommodation, you can enjoy dinner in a typical restaurant offering Cinque Terre food specialities and go for an evening stroll in the main piazza and alleys of the village.

On the second day, you can consider exploring the five villages with an expert private guide who will make you feel like a local, away from mass tourism and large groups. You can enrich the walking tour by adding experiences such as a cooking lesson or wine tasting in the Cinque Terre.

Ready for a boat ride? On day three you can discover a hidden gem that, together with Cinque Terre, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Portovenere and its islands

We are talking about the neighbouring village of Portovenere and its islands –Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto. There is no better way to admire the unique landscape of the colourful hamlet and wild archipelago than from the sea. After a motorboat ride around this part of the Gulf of Poets, you can disembark in Portovenere and explore it on foot.

And now… Tuscany

It’s time to travel to Tuscany: you can enjoy a pleasant 3-hour drive in the idyllic landscape down to Val d’Orcia, an area off the beaten path that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We suggest visiting this part of the region because it is near famous towns like Siena, but also allows you to discover hidden gems where to meet local people, taste great wines, learn to prepare ancient recipes or enjoy amazing hiking trails and bike rides.

Your base can be in Bagno Vignoni, a tiny village built around a huge thermal pool. The hot springs of the area were very popular as far back as Etruscan and Roman times! After the trip, you can relax in the free thermal baths at Parco dei Mulini and end the day with a delicious Tuscan dinner.

Charge your camera’s battery and get ready for a day full of picture-perfect landscapes on Day 5, from the idyllic hills dotted with cypresses, vineyards and stone farmhouses, to the medieval villages of Montepulciano, Pienza and San Quirico D’Orcia. In addition to all the sightseeing, you can also enjoy a winery tour with tastings, or explore the hills with an amazing e-bike tour.

The majestic Piazza del Campo awaits you on the following day! You can opt to explore Siena with an insider guide, learning about its important and interesting history not only through the walking tour, but also with a cooking lesson in a family-run restaurant.

You will be amazed at how many stories can be told through food.

On the seventh day it is time to pack and return to the airport in Pisa. If your flight time allows it, you can visit the historic centres of Pisa and neighbouring Lucca before departing.

Important advice

What about Florence? Although tempting, this is a very popular destination where you will be dealing with chaotic tourist herds and intense traffic. If you only have 7 days for a slow-travel vacation between Liguria and Tuscany, our suggestion is to leave Florence for another occasion.

What do you think of this one-week itinerary in Liguria and Tuscany?

Have a look at the “Cinque Terre and Tuscany Picturesque Villages” trip idea. If you would like to personalise your experience, do not hesitate to contact the expert team at BeautifuLiguria.

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