3 Towns in Tuscany, Northern Italy – Itinerary 1 Day
1. Siena
2. San Gimignano
3. Volterra
➤ Where to Stay in Tuscany?
To truly immerse yourself in this one-day Tuscan itinerary through Northern Italy — discovering three captivating towns steeped in history and charm — you may need a car. Also, be prepared for a full day of sightseeing — it may be long, but the experience is more than worth it! As a reward, you will enjoy an unforgettable day immersed in the medieval charm of Tuscany, in the heart of Northern Italy.
You can also take a guided tour from Siena to explore the charming towns of Volterra and San Gimignano.
If time is tight, a guided tour is also well worth considering, as it allows you to visit some of the region’s most fascinating sites with the insight of an expert guide.
Begin your day at a convenient time from your location in Tuscany, aiming to arrive in Siena by around 9 a.m. On arrival, leave your car in one of the many car parks. You’ll then spend the next three hours exploring one of Tuscany’s most charming medieval towns.
Take your time to visit the Duomo, Siena Cathedral, renowned worldwide for its stunning architecture (entry fees apply).
The façade is a real masterpiece by Giovanni Pisano and one of the finest Gothic examples. Just as impressive as the outside is the interior of the Cathedral: black and white banded columns, a picturesquely painted ceiling, bright stained-glass windows, and stunning mosaic floors. As a highlight, the Cathedral features an outstanding carved marble pulpit and unique statues by Michelangelo and Bernini.
Notice the statue of the she-wolf, with Romulus and Remus on display on a column in front of the Cathedral.
3 Small Towns in Northern Italy, Itinerary One Day | Photo: Travel In Culture
Next, wind your way through the narrow streets and alleys to reach the heart of Siena — the Piazza del Campo, which dates back to before the 13th century. It is a fishbone-patterned square with eight lines of travertine that divide the square into nine sections, each representing one of the nine rulers of medieval Siena.
The piazza contains the Gaia Fountain (Gaia means joyful) from 1346, a lovely Gothic and Renaissance fountain with decorations by the artist Jacopo della Quercia. Moreover, the piazza also features the beautiful Palazzo Pubblico next to the tower Torre del Mangia. It is the highest tower (102 m / 335 ft) in Tuscany – and once one of the highest secular towers in Italy. The tower had the same height as Siena Cathedral to symbolise that the state and the church had equal power!
The square is the perfect place for people-watching!
Photo: Travel In Culture
Now it is time to get ‘a little lost’ in the ancient streets and discover the town’s soul and charm for yourself. Pop into a few shops to get a feel for the local products — and perhaps enjoy a tasting or two! Take note of the narrow passages lined with quaint, historic buildings, and observe how the light filters through the massive stone structures, creating a truly unique atmosphere.
Around noon, it is time to make your way back to the car and continue your itinerary with your next stop: San Gimignano.
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By now, you are probably feeling a bit hungry, so once you get to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano, the first thing to do is find a nice spot for lunch.
Today, the small town is unique since it still contains urban structures like squares, wells, houses and palaces dating back to medieval times. It is a walled town with two rare concentric rings of walls from the 10th and 13th centuries, respectively. Read more about San Gimignano.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Enjoy lunch at one of the Tuscan restaurants in San Gimignano — perhaps with a glass of Vernaccia, the first Tuscan white wine to receive DOC status, marking its quality and origin.
Stroll around the streets to see how many of the 14 still existing towers you can catch a glimpse of. There are quite a few around the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza della Cisterna. You might visit the Torre Grossa, built in 1311 — the tallest tower in San Gimignano at 54 metres (177 feet) — which has remained remarkably unchanged over the centuries. It is open to the public – and allows for a 200-step climb. You enter it just off the Piazza del Duomo. The views from the top over the rolling green hills in the landscape are breathtaking.
As you wander through San Gimignano’s historic centre, with its striking array of quaint medieval towers, you will discover delightful local shops selling saffron, white wine, leather goods, ceramics, olive wood utensils, and all manner of other regional specialities.
Try the world-champion ice cream in Gelateria Dondoli | Photo: Travel In Culture
The icing on the cake in San Gimignano is to try the world-famous ice cream in Gelateria Dondoli at the Piazza della Cisterna. It is a delicious homemade ice cream – a fine Italian gelato. If you are keen to try a new flavour, opt for the saffron gelato — a truly unique local treat! Don’t be surprised if the line is long – it is worth the wait! You can enjoy it right on the picturesque square, with a spectacular view of several of San Gimignano’s towers — all while soaking up the town’s medieval ambience.
By mid-afternoon, it is time to continue your itinerary through Tuscany and make your way through the scenic countryside towards Volterra.
After a breathtaking drive through the hilly Tuscan landscape full of cypress alleys, olive trees and winding roads, you will finally arrive at the ‘flying city’ – Volterra – abruptly elevated above the surrounding terrain.
It is said to be one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany, with an intriguing Etruscan history. The town is enclosed, with stone arches as gates dating from ancient times. To be here is like travelling to a genuine time warp full of enigma from its Etruscan past.
Photo: Travel In Culture
(open mid-March – beginning November)
Upon arriving in Volterra, head straight to the Archaeological Park — it is best to visit first, as it closes around 17:30.
Alternatively — or if you have a bit more time — you can visit the nearby ancient Roman Theatre, dating back to the first century AD. It features 19 tiers of seating, beautifully built into the natural slope of the hill, and you will also spot the original orchestra pit still in place.
(The Roman theatre closes at 17:30 and earlier in winter. Check the opening hours)
(Probably open until 18:45. Closes earlier in winter. Check the hours)
Do not miss a visit to the Etruscan Guarnacci Museum, located nearby. It is one of the most important museums in Volterra, offering a fascinating insight into the town’s ancient heritage.
Additionally, the first floor features rare examples of Roman mosaics from buildings in Volterra, Etruscan gold, silver, and bronze coins, and unique Roman Republican and Imperial coins. Most of the displayed objects originate from inside the city walls.
After visiting the museum, you will have a deeper understanding of Etruscan life!
3 Small Towns in Northern Italy, Itinerary One Day | Photo: Travel In Culture
Now it is time to unwind, enjoy your evening, and take a leisurely stroll to soak up the atmosphere. Take a moment to sit by the ancient city walls with the locals, admire the historic gates, and browse a few small shops offering local products such as alabaster crafts, olive wood chopping boards, and regional wines.
That is where your one-day Northern Italy itinerary comes to an end.
But… Volterra is one of Tuscany’s truly authentic towns — so why not consider staying the night in a local hotel and soaking up even more of its unique charm? Check out the hotel options.
How to Visit Volterra – Itinerary One Day
Read more about day trips in Tuscany: Visit Volterra – An Authentic Village in Tuscany and Try out Historic Thermal Montecatini
Read next: Exploring Siena, Italy! and Lucca – A Real Gem in Tuscany
Accommodation / Tours: Check Hotels, Tours & Activities
Small Towns in Northern Italy Itinerary One Day
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Towns in Italy – Northern Italy – Tuscan Towns – Itinerary Towns in Italy
