TUSCANY FAMILY TRIP

Lucca • Forte dei Marmi • Chianti  |  May 28 – June 4, 2026

7 Nights • 5 Travelers • 3 Hotels

Day 1 — Wed, May 28   Pisa → Lucca

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Day 1 — Wednesday, May 28

Arrival in Tuscany

Pisa Airport → Lucca — settle in behind the Renaissance walls
Arrive Land at Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) — afternoon
Car Pickup Collect rental car at airport — large SUV or minivan for 5 + luggage Book Ahead
Optional Quick stop at Piazza dei Miracoli (UNESCO) — Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery. 10 min from airport, worth 45 min if not too tired. Open in Apple Maps
Drive Pisa → Lucca (~30 min, 20 km) — Open in Apple Maps
Hotel Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection — 2 nights (checkout May 30). Restored palazzo, rooftop terrace, steps from the Duomo. Piazza del Giglio. Needs Booking
Open in Apple Maps
Evening Stroll along the city walls at sunset — 4.2 km tree-lined promenade, flat and shaded. Rent bikes or walk.
Dinner Osteria da Pasquale — steps from the hotel on Corte Morovelli. Warm, personal service from owner Pasquale. Traditional Tuscan with truffle ravioli and boneless rabbit. Relaxed and welcoming — perfect for a first night after travel. $$$ Reserve Ahead
Open in Apple Maps
💡 Tip: If your flight arrives early enough, the Piazza dei Miracoli stop is easy and quick. Skip it if you land after 5pm — head straight to Lucca and enjoy the walls at golden hour instead.

Day 2 — Thu, May 29   Lucca

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Day 2 — Thursday, May 29

Exploring the Walled City

Towers, cathedrals, piazzas & shopping inside the Renaissance walls
Morning Torre Guinigi — iconic medieval tower with oak trees growing on top. 230 steps for panoramic views (parents can skip the climb). Then Cattedrale di San Martino — stunning Romanesque facade, each column unique.
Torre Guinigi  |  Duomo
Shopping Via Fillungo — Lucca's main shopping street. Italian boutiques, leather goods, artisan shops. Also explore Via Santa Croce and Via Cenami for antiques, jewelry, and ceramics.
Look for: Lucchese olive oil, buccellato (sweet bread), silk scarves, handmade leather.
Open in Apple Maps
Afternoon Piazza dell'Anfiteatro — oval piazza built on a Roman amphitheater footprint. Great for aperitivo at a cafe. Then Chiesa di San Michele in Foro (ornate Pisan-Romanesque facade) and Palazzo Pfanner (Baroque gardens, lemon trees, statues).
Anfiteatro  |  Palazzo Pfanner
Dinner Buca di Sant'Antonio — Lucca's most iconic restaurant since 1782. Classic Lucchese dishes: tordelli, roast rabbit, farro soup. $$$ Reserve Ahead
Open in Apple Maps
ℹ️ Gelato stop: Grab gelato near Piazza San Michele in the afternoon — several excellent gelaterias along the main streets.

Day 3 — Fri, May 30   Lucca → Forte dei Marmi

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Day 3 — Friday, May 30

Beach & the Italian Riviera

Short drive to Forte dei Marmi — cabanas, Apuan Alps, sunset pier
Morning Relaxed morning in Lucca. Final shopping, revisit favorites, or last walk on the walls.
Drive Lucca → Forte dei Marmi (~30 min, 30 km) — Open in Apple Maps
Hotel Hotel Byron — 2 nights (checkout Jun 1). 5-star boutique, 29 rooms, private beach club (Bagno Byron), central location. Needs Booking
Open in Apple Maps
Afternoon Beach day — reserve cabanas at Bagno Byron. Sandy beach, calm water, stunning Apuan Alps as backdrop. Full restaurant and bar service at the cabana.
Evening Sunset walk along Pontile di Forte dei Marmi (the pier) — views of the Alps behind the town. Then passeggiata through Piazza Garibaldi.
Open in Apple Maps
Dinner Lorenzo — Forte dei Marmi's top seafood restaurant. Exceptional crudi, spaghetti with clams. Refined but not stuffy, outdoor terrace. $$$$ Reserve Ahead
Open in Apple Maps

Day 4 — Sat, May 31   Forte dei Marmi

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Day 4 — Saturday, May 31

Designer Shopping & Beach Life

Via Carducci boutiques, optional Pietrasanta, lazy afternoon at the beach
Morning Designer shopping on Via Carducci — Gucci, Prada, Hermès, Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, and more. The surrounding streets have additional boutiques and artisan shops.
Open in Apple Maps
Optional Pietrasanta (~10 min drive) — charming art town with sculpture galleries, artisan workshops, and a beautiful main piazza. Great for a morning detour. Optional
Open in Apple Maps
Afternoon Beach at Bagno Byron. Cycling around town (hotel provides bikes). Gelato crawl through the center.
Dinner Bistrot at Hotel Byron — creative Tuscan-Italian tasting menu, garden ambiance. Refined and intimate. $$$$
Open in Apple Maps
💡 Tip: The Fortino (marble fort) in town center is worth a quick look — it's the town's namesake and sometimes hosts art exhibitions.

Day 5 — Sun, Jun 1   Forte dei Marmi → Chianti

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Day 5 — Sunday, June 1

Into the Chianti Hills

Scenic drive to Chianti with a stop in Greve — your base for the next 3 nights
Drive Forte dei Marmi → Greve in Chianti (~1 hr 45 min, 130 km). Scenic route through Tuscan countryside. Open in Apple Maps
Stop Greve in Chianti — heart of Chianti Classico. Stroll the unusual triangular Piazza Matteotti with its arcaded porticos. Visit Antica Macelleria Falorni — legendary butcher shop with incredible cured meats and tastings. Great for your dad.
Open in Apple Maps
Hotel Borgo San Felice — 3 nights (checkout Jun 4). Relais & Châteaux in a restored medieval hamlet. Pool, restaurant, vineyard setting. Needs Booking
Open in Apple Maps
Afternoon Settle in, explore the property, relax by the pool. The hamlet itself is beautiful to wander.
Dinner Borgo San Felice restaurant — Tuscan cuisine in the medieval setting. Perfect for an easy first evening after the drive.
ℹ️ Note: This is your last hotel move. You'll be based here for 3 nights with easy day trips.

Day 6 — Mon, Jun 2   San Gimignano & Volterra

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Day 6 — Monday, June 2

Medieval Towers & Etruscan Ruins

Day trip to two of Tuscany's most remarkable hilltop towns
Drive Borgo San Felice → San Gimignano (~35 min, 30 km) — Open in Apple Maps
Morning San Gimignano (UNESCO) — the "Medieval Manhattan" with 14 surviving towers. Arrive early (by 9–10 AM) before the day-trippers. Explore Piazza della Cisterna, visit the Collegiata (frescoed church), climb Torre Grossa for panoramic views (optional for parents).
Open in Apple Maps
Shopping Via San Giovanni — leather goods, saffron products, ceramics, local Vernaccia wine.
Drive San Gimignano → Volterra (~30 min, 30 km) — Open in Apple Maps
Afternoon Volterra — Etruscan heritage predating Rome. Visit the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci (one of Europe's oldest museums), the Roman Theater, and Piazza dei Priori (oldest civic square in Tuscany). Browse alabaster workshops — a tradition going back millennia, great for unique souvenirs.
Open in Apple Maps
Return Volterra → Borgo San Felice (~45 min) — Open in Apple Maps
Dinner Cum Quibus (San Gimignano) — 1 Michelin star. Creative Tuscan cuisine featuring local saffron. Book well in advance. $$$$ Reserve Ahead
Alternatively, dine at the hotel if you prefer a shorter evening.
Open in Apple Maps
💡 Tip: If dining at Cum Quibus, consider visiting San Gimignano in the afternoon instead — the town is magical in evening light with fewer crowds, and you'll already be there for dinner.

Day 7 — Tue, Jun 3   The Mall & Fiesole

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Day 7 — Tuesday, June 3

Outlet Shopping & Florence Views

Luxury outlet bargains, then hilltop views over Florence for a grand finale
Morning Relaxed start. Sleep in, pool time at Borgo San Felice.
Drive Borgo San Felice → The Mall Outlet (~30 min, 25 km) — Open in Apple Maps
Late Morning The Mall Luxury Outlet (Leccio) — Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Saint Laurent at significant discounts. Budget 2–3 hours. Your sisters will love this.
Open in Apple Maps
Drive The Mall → Fiesole (~30 min, 25 km) — Open in Apple Maps
Afternoon Fiesole — hilltop town 15 min above Florence. Visit the Roman amphitheater and archaeological area, stroll the quiet streets, enjoy panoramic views over the Florence skyline below.
Open in Apple Maps
Return Fiesole → Borgo San Felice (~45 min) — Open in Apple Maps
Dinner La Reggia degli Etruschi (Fiesole) — panoramic terrace with Florence illuminated below. Tuscan cuisine with refined execution. Grand finale dinner. $$$
Or dine at Borgo San Felice for a relaxed last night.
Open in Apple Maps
⚠️ Timing: If dining at La Reggia degli Etruschi in Fiesole, eat there before driving back to the hotel (don't drive back to Chianti and then back to Fiesole). Alternatively, have a relaxed final dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 — Wed, Jun 4   Departure

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Day 8 — Wednesday, June 4

Arrivederci, Toscana

Relaxed morning → Florence Airport for noon flight
Morning Breakfast at Borgo San Felice. Soak in the last Chianti views. Aim to leave by 10:00 AM.
Drive Borgo San Felice → Florence Airport FLR (~45 min, 55 km) — Open in Apple Maps
Car Return Drop off rental car at Florence Airport (one-way drop from Pisa — confirm one-way fee when booking).
Flight Depart Florence (FLR) at noon.
⚠️ One-way rental: Make sure to book a car rental that allows Pisa pickup → Florence drop-off. Most major agencies offer this with a small surcharge.

Driving Directions — Quick Reference

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RouteDistanceTimeMap
Pisa Airport → Piazza dei Miracoli 3 km ~10 min Open
Pisa → Lucca 20 km ~30 min Open
Lucca → Forte dei Marmi 30 km ~30 min Open
Forte dei Marmi → Pietrasanta 8 km ~10 min Open
Forte dei Marmi → Greve in Chianti 130 km ~1 hr 45 min Open
Greve in Chianti → Borgo San Felice 35 km ~35 min Open
Borgo San Felice → San Gimignano 30 km ~35 min Open
San Gimignano → Volterra 30 km ~30 min Open
Volterra → Borgo San Felice 45 km ~45 min Open
Borgo San Felice → The Mall Outlet 25 km ~30 min Open
The Mall → Fiesole 25 km ~30 min Open
Fiesole → Borgo San Felice 50 km ~45 min Open
Borgo San Felice → Florence Airport (FLR) 55 km ~45 min Open

Sightseeing & Activity Links

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Sight / ActivityLocationTypeMap
Piazza dei Miracoli (Leaning Tower) Pisa UNESCO Open
Torre Guinigi Lucca Tower / Views Open
Cattedrale di San Martino Lucca Cathedral Open
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro Lucca Roman Piazza Open
Chiesa di San Michele in Foro Lucca Church Open
Palazzo Pfanner Lucca Palazzo / Gardens Open
Via Fillungo (Shopping) Lucca Shopping Street Open
Pontile (Pier) Forte dei Marmi Landmark Open
Via Carducci (Designer Shopping) Forte dei Marmi Shopping Street Open
Pietrasanta (Art Town) Pietrasanta Town Open
Antica Macelleria Falorni Greve in Chianti Food / Shopping Open
San Gimignano (Medieval Towers) San Gimignano UNESCO Open
Piazza della Cisterna San Gimignano Piazza Open
Museo Etrusco Guarnacci Volterra Museum Open
Roman Theater Volterra Ruins Open
The Mall Luxury Outlet Leccio Shopping Open
Roman Amphitheater Fiesole Ruins / Views Open

Restaurant Recommendations

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Lucca

NameCuisinePriceNotes
Osteria da Pasquale Traditional Tuscan $$$ Night 1 pick. Steps from hotel. Warm personal service, truffle ravioli, boneless rabbit.
Buca di Sant'Antonio Classic Tuscan $$$ Night 2 pick. Since 1782, Lucca's most iconic. Tordelli, roast rabbit, farro soup.
Ristorante Giglio Refined Tuscan $$$$ Alternative. Seasonal tasting menus, modern presentation. Most upscale in Lucca.
Osteria Baralla Rustic Tuscan $$ Cozy, local favorite. Ribollita, grilled meats, lively atmosphere. Good casual alternative.
Gli Orti di Via Elisa Modern Italian $$$ Garden courtyard setting. Fresh seasonal vegetables, handmade pasta. Relaxed and refined.

Forte dei Marmi

NameCuisinePriceNotes
Lorenzo Upscale Seafood $$$$ Night 3 pick. Top seafood in town. Outstanding crudi, spaghetti alle vongole. Outdoor terrace.
Bistrot (Hotel Byron) Creative Tuscan $$$$ Night 4 pick. Tasting menu, garden ambiance. Intimate and refined.
La Magnolia Traditional Italian $$$ Elevated trattoria. Good for a group, warm atmosphere. Seafood and meat.
Pesce Baracca Seafood $$ Fresh catch, grilled fish, casual-upscale. Local favorite for relaxed evenings.

Chianti & San Gimignano

NameCuisinePriceNotes
Cum Quibus Creative Tuscan $$$$ Night 6 pick. 1 Michelin star. Local saffron, seasonal ingredients. Book well ahead.
Borgo San Felice Restaurant Tuscan $$$ Hotel restaurant in the medieval hamlet. Convenient for easy nights.
Osteria Le Logge Traditional Tuscan $$$ In San Gimignano. Relaxed alternative to Cum Quibus.

Fiesole

NameCuisinePriceNotes
La Reggia degli Etruschi Tuscan $$$ Night 7 pick. Panoramic terrace overlooking Florence. Grand finale dinner.

Booking Checklist

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ItemDatesPriorityStatus
Rental Car (Pisa pickup → Florence drop-off, large SUV/minivan) May 28 – Jun 4 High Needs Booking
Grand Universe Lucca (2–3 rooms, 2 nights) May 28–30 High Needs Booking
Hotel Byron, Forte dei Marmi (2–3 rooms, 2 nights) May 30 – Jun 1 High Needs Booking
Borgo San Felice (2–3 rooms, 3 nights) Jun 1–4 High Needs Booking
Osteria da Pasquale — dinner reservation May 28 Medium Needs Booking
Buca di Sant'Antonio — dinner reservation May 29 Medium Needs Booking
Lorenzo — dinner reservation May 30 High Needs Booking
Cum Quibus — dinner reservation Jun 2 High Needs Booking
La Reggia degli Etruschi — dinner reservation Jun 3 Medium Needs Booking
Beach cabanas (Bagno Byron) May 30–31 Medium Needs Booking
⚠️ Book soon: Late May is high season in Tuscany. Hotels (especially Hotel Byron and Borgo San Felice) and Michelin restaurants (Cum Quibus) fill up fast. Book these first.