Florence works as a base for Tuscany. Pick one town per day; travellers who tried three in a single day described it as a rush.
The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the tall brick Torre del Mangia, set in a medieval centre of narrow streets.
Tip: Sit on the square for a while before you climb anything; the place is the attraction.
Weather: Siena
The Leaning Tower stands with the cathedral on one wide lawn, so one stop covers the postcard.
Tip: Direct trains run often from Florence, which makes Pisa the easiest half day of the five.
Weather: Pisa
A small walled town of rooftops and towers under the hills, calmer than its neighbours.
Tip: Pair Lucca with Pisa on the Florence–Lucca–Pisa tourist rail route and you have a relaxed day.
Weather: Lucca
A hill town known for its medieval stone towers, visible from far across the vines.
Tip: Arrive early or stay for the evening; the day-trip hours are the crowded ones.
Weather: San Gimignano
A sloping main square lined with old palaces and the apse of the Pieve.
Tip: Less visited than Siena, so it is a fair choice if the other four sound like crowds.
Weather: Arezzo
How to reach the main destinations in Tuscany, official tourism information