From Pisa’s legendary Leaning Tower and Lucca’s Renaissance ramparts to Florence’s sculpted skyline and iconic art galleries, you’ll unlock a world of Tuscan treasures when you fly into Pisa. It’s time to start ticking off those bucket-list landmarks!

Pisa

Pisa’s so much more than its Leaning Tower, but it’s a great place to start! After you’ve ticked off this bucket-list beauty, you’ll find pretty piazzas, tasty trattorias and amazing architecture around every corner. And there’s a vibrant bar scene too, which means dinnertime drinks are firmly on the cards here.

Where to shop: Borgo Stretto

A web of alleyways and Crayola-coloured buildings, Borgo Stretto has shops selling everything from boutique clothing to homemade handicrafts.

Where to eat: Piazza della Vettovaglie

You’ll find this mustard-yellow piazza right in the historic centre of Pisa. Constructed in the Medici age, back in the 16th century, it was once part of the University of Pisa before becoming a prime spot for trade. Now you’ll find local restaurants and bars tucked under the ancient arches, with tables and chairs on the cobbled stone for al fresco dining and evening aperitifs.

Must-do activity: Cycle to the beach

Did you know that the beach is well within reach of Pisa’s city centre? Take to two wheels and head for the sand — it’s about an hour’s cycle, or alternatively, you can just hop in a taxi. Make a beeline for Tirrenia, where the beaches are favoured by locals and tourists alike for their immaculate sand and clear water.

Must-see: The Leaning Tower of Pisa

It may be cliché, but you can’t leave without getting a picture with the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s one of four buildings that make up the square along with the cathedral, baptistery and the cemetery — all of which are all worth exploring!

Top tip: Avoid eating near the Leaning Tower

If you want to avoid being overcharged, steer clear of eateries near to the tower. You’ll find plenty of tantalising trattorias with a much better price point if you stray a little further from the Cathedral Square.

Travel time to Lucca: 30 minutes via train

Lucca

This marvellous medieval gem is often overlooked, but lovely Lucca has so many fabulous features to easily rival its big city counterparts. Renaissance ramparts, pretty piazzas and beautiful churches — there are so many reasons to visit this unsung hero. Plus, you’ll have the rolling Tuscan hills as your backdrop.

Where to shop: Via Fillungo

It’s easy to stumble upon the shops on Via Fillungo as it’s Lucca’s main street. Here, traditional leather shops rub shoulders with chic clothing boutiques. And when you’re done shopping, you’ll have the pick of some lovely lunch spots.

Where to eat: La Tana del Boia

Whether it’s a scrumptious sandwich or a charcuterie board filled with a medley of meat and cheese, La Tana del Boia is the perfect place for an afternoon pit stop. Whatever you choose, wash it down with an ice-cold Aperol spritz.

Must-do activity: Cycling around the city walls

It’s not unusual to see people whizzing round on two wheels here in Lucca. And if you fancy it for yourself, you can bag a bike from Piazza Santa Maria. The city walls should be your first port of call, they run round the whole city, providing a perfect view across the terracotta rooftops. Along the shaded walls, you’ll find cafés and gelato spots when you want a break from biking.

Must-see: Cattedrale di San Martino

Lucca’s Gothic cathedral is not to be missed. Dating all the way back to the 11th century, it boasts an intricately designed façade in a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque style. Inside, you’ll find several works from different Italian artists.

Top tip: You can drink from the water fountains on the street

These ancient fountains provide fresh drinking water throughout the city, so make sure you carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated!

Travel time to Florence: 1 hour 30 minutes by train

Florence

Florence hits the jackpot when it comes to art and style. The city is simply overflowing with iconic art galleries, amazing architecture and historical highlights — it’s no surprise that it’s earned a UNESCO World Heritage stamp.

Where to shop: Via Roma

From big-name brands to dinky designer boutiques, Florence knows a thing or two about shopping. Via Roma is home to designer names like Jimmy Choo and Emporio Armani, drawing in fashionistas from all over the globe. Whether you’re planning on splashing the cash or just window shopping, it’s well worth a stroll down this fancy thoroughfare.

Where to eat: Perseus

Tucked down one of the side streets, near Piazza della Libertà, Perseus is a traditional Tuscan trattoria serving up cooked-to-perfection Florentine steak. Inside, the restaurant is full of character, with higgledy-piggledy photographs hanging from the walls and fake fruit hanging from the ceiling.

Must-do activity: Take a boat ride down the river Arno

Thought Venice was the only Italian idyll with water-based trips? Think again! Hop on a dinky boat and prepare to be sailed down the Arno River. Sit back, relax and enjoy seeing the city from a different perspective.

Must-see: The Duomo

Florence’s Duomo is the fourth-largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. And with a completion that spanned over four centuries, it’s a real sight to behold. Think mosaic floors, a neo-Gothic façade and a dome that offers some of the best views of the city.

Top tip: Pre-book museum and gallery tickets

If you’re travelling in spring or summer, the queues for Florence’s museums and galleries can get pretty long. It’s best to pre-book to avoid standing in that baking summer sun.