Itinerary

Tuscany is a stunning region filled with picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and delicious food. With a rental car, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Let’s dive into a 5-day itinerary that balances your love for photography, budget considerations, and a bit of adventure!

## Day 1: Florence - The Heart of Tuscany

Morning:

• Arrival in Florence: Pick up your rental car and check into a budget-friendly accommodation like Hotel Delle Nazioni or Plus Florence (both offer great value).
• Breakfast: Grab a pastry and coffee at a local café, like Caffè Gilli.

Midday:

• Explore Florence: Visit the iconic Piazza della Signoria and the Duomo. Don’t forget to capture the stunning architecture!
• Lunch: Try a panini at I’ Girone De’ Ghiotti.

Afternoon:

• Ponte Vecchio: Stroll across this famous bridge and snap some photos of the shops and the Arno River.
• Boboli Gardens: Head to these beautiful gardens for some great landscape shots.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at Trattoria Mario.
• Accommodation: Return to your hotel for a good night’s rest.

---

## Day 2: Chianti Region - Vineyards and Rolling Hills

Morning:

• Drive to Chianti: After breakfast, set off for the Chianti region (about 30 minutes from Florence).
• Stop at Greve in Chianti: Visit the charming town square and snap some photos of the surrounding vineyards.

Midday:

• Lunch: Enjoy a picnic with local cheeses and bread from a nearby market or a budget-friendly meal at Antica Macelleria Falorni.

Afternoon:

• Wine Tasting: Visit a local winery like Castello di Verrazzano (some offer free tastings or low-cost options).
• Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes of vineyards and olive groves.

Evening:

• Dinner: Head to Ristorante La Cantina in Greve for a cozy meal.
• Accommodation: Stay at Agriturismo La Presura, a budget-friendly farmhouse with beautiful views.

---

## Day 3: Siena - Medieval Charm

Morning:

• Drive to Siena: After breakfast, head to Siena (about 1 hour from Chianti).
• Explore the Piazza del Campo: This iconic square is perfect for photography.

Midday:

• Lunch: Try Osteria La Chiacchera for some local pasta dishes.

Afternoon:

• Siena Cathedral: Visit this stunning Gothic cathedral and take photos of its intricate details.
• Wander the Streets: Explore the narrow streets of Siena, capturing the medieval architecture.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Trattoria Papei.
• Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Italia, which offers budget-friendly options.

---

## Day 4: San Gimignano - Towers and Views

Morning:

• Drive to San Gimignano: After breakfast, head to this medieval town (about 45 minutes from Siena).
• Explore the Towers: Capture the famous towers and the stunning views from the top of Torre Grossa.

Midday:

• Lunch: Grab a slice of pizza at Pizzeria Dondoli.

Afternoon:

• Gelato Tasting: Don’t miss the world-famous gelato at Gelateria Dondoli.
• Photography: Wander the streets and capture the beautiful medieval architecture and surrounding countryside.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Ristorante Le Vecchie Mura with a view.
• Accommodation: Stay at Hotel La Cisterna, which offers budget-friendly options with great views.

---

## Day 5: Val d'Orcia - Scenic Beauty

Morning:

• Drive to Val d'Orcia: After breakfast, head to this stunning region (about 1 hour from San Gimignano).
• Pienza: Visit this charming town known for its pecorino cheese and beautiful views.

Midday:

• Lunch: Try a local trattoria like Trattoria Da Fiorella.

Afternoon:

• Photography: Explore the rolling hills and cypress trees around Vitaleta Chapel and Bagno Vignoni.
• Montalcino: If time allows, stop by this town known for its Brunello wine.

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Osteria Le Potazzine in Montalcino.
• Accommodation: Stay at Agriturismo Il Rigo, a budget-friendly option with stunning views.

---

Tips for Your Trip:

• Pack Snacks: To keep costs down, pack snacks and drinks for your drives.
• Local Markets: Visit local markets for fresh produce and budget-friendly meals.
• Photography: Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography.

Enjoy your adventure in Tuscany! It’s a region that will surely capture your heart and your camera! 📸✨