From Renaissance masterpieces and iconic landmarks to rolling vineyards and medieval hill towns, Tuscany was one of the highlights of our time in Italy. Using Florence as a base, we explored the city before renting a car for a scenic road trip through the Tuscan countryside to Pisa and San Gimignano.
This itinerary combines world-famous sights like Michelangelo’s David and the Leaning Tower of Pisa with slower moments wandering cobblestone streets, enjoying gelato, and driving through postcard-worthy landscapes.
Here’s how our three days in Florence and Tuscany unfolded.
Day 1: Explore the Historic Centre of Florence
After arriving from Venice in the afternoon, we spent the rest of the day exploring Florence’s historic centre on foot.
Start at Piazza della Signoria, an open-air gallery outside Palazzo Vecchio filled with marble statues and a replica of Michelangelo’s Statue of David. Kids will enjoy searching for the statues scattered throughout the piazza before wandering through the nearby streets to the Fontana del Porcellino, a bronze boar fountain. Legend says touching the boar’s nose ensures your return to Florence one day.
Finish the afternoon by walking across the Ponte Vecchio before settling into a restaurant for dinner.
Day 2: Visit the Duomo and the Accademia Gallery
Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
Spend the morning visiting the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, better known as the Duomo, one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks. With its massive red dome, intricate marble exterior, and towering bell tower, the cathedral dominates the Florence skyline and is even more impressive in person.
Take some time to admire the cathedral’s detailed façade and the bustling piazza surrounding it before heading inside. If you’re up for the climb, you can also climb Brunelleschi’s famous dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower for sweeping views over Florence’s rooftops.
Accademia Gallery
The main attraction is, of course, David. In fact, the museum itself was designed to display the statue, and the layout amplifies its impact.
As you turn the corner, the 17-foot marble sculpture comes into view at the end of a long hallway beneath a brightly lit dome, almost as though a spotlight had been placed directly above it. Additional unfinished sculptures by Michelangelo lined the walkway leading toward the statue, building anticipation as we approached.
Like many people, I had always imagined David to be closer to life-size. Seeing it in person completely changed my perspective. I could have spent hours admiring the intricate details of the hands, feet, and facial features while wondering how Michelangelo transformed a massive block of marble into something so lifelike.
The Accademia Museum’s smaller size also makes it a more manageable place to visit with kids than some of Italy’s larger galleries.
Day 3: Road Trip to Pisa and San Gimignano
Rent a car and head out for a scenic road trip through Tuscany.
As you leave Florence, stop at Piazzale Michelangelo for panoramic views overlooking the city before continuing toward Pisa.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most recognizable landmarks and is even more impressive in person. The tower, cathedral, and baptistery are all beautifully designed, but the detailed exterior of the bell tower stood out most.
Kids will especially love taking the classic tourist photos — pretending to push over the tower, hold it up, or carry it in their backpack.
San Gimignano
The drive from Pisa to San Gimignano, a small medieval hill town nestled among the Tuscan countryside, was stunning, with vineyards covering the rolling hillsides, traditional villas dotting the landscape, and cypress trees lining the roads. Visiting in the fall made it even more beautiful, as the leaves turned shades of orange and yellow.
Inside the walled town, cobblestone streets wind past pottery stores, chocolatiers, wine shops, artisan boutiques, and cafés. The pedestrian-only streets make the town feel relaxed and easy to explore with kids. And they will love sampling chocolate and gelato while parents soak in the atmosphere and browse the local shops.
Find a café with outdoor seating, enjoy a leisurely meal, or simply wander the narrow streets, taking it all in.
Road Trip Tips
While you can easily reach Pisa by train, San Gimignano does not have a direct train station. To visit by public transportation, you would first need to travel to Poggibonsi and then transfer to a local bus.
For families, renting a car makes it much easier to visit both Pisa and San Gimignano in one day. It also gives you the flexibility to stop at viewpoints, grab snacks, or take breaks along the way. Plus, the drive itself becomes part of the experience, with rolling vineyards, hill towns, and cypress-lined roads creating some of Tuscany’s most scenic views.
Driving Times
- Florence to Pisa: 90 minutes
- Pisa to San Gimignano: 90 minutes
- San Gimignano to Florence: 60 minutes
The Beauty of Tuscany
This itinerary combines the best of Florence with the slower pace and scenic beauty of the Tuscan countryside. Between Renaissance art, medieval towns, and iconic landmarks, these three days offered a perfect balance of history, fun, and relaxed exploration.
Ready to Explore Italy?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• 16-Day Italy Itinerary with Kids
• 4-Day Venice Itinerary with Kids
• Fun Things to Do in Venice with Kids
• Becoming Gondoliers: Learning to Row a Gondola in Venice
• Murano and Burano Day Trip from Venice
• Exploring Murano Island, Venice
• Exploring Burano Island, Venice
• 4-Day Itinerary in Rome with Kids
• Inside the Colosseum: Touring Ancient Rome with Kids
• The Vatican with Kids: What to Expect & How to Plan
• Roaming Around Rome: A Walking Tour for Families
• Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius: A City Frozen in Time
