Tuscany Road Trip: 5 days of scenic drives, thermal springs, and unexpected photo stops. This itinerary skips the big cities and focuses on the wild side of southern Tuscany. Soaking in Saturnia’s hot springs at sunrise, walking riverside trails to waterfalls, and standing in the iconic Gladiator filming location.
For those dreaming of a Tuscany road trip filled with natural beauty and quiet corners, this 5-day guide is a great place to start.
Day 1: From Bari to Bologna to San Quirico
The first day of our Tuscany road trip was all about covering distance. After wrapping up a 10-day adventure in Puglia, we flew from Bari to Bologna. Instead of visiting the city, we picked up a rental car and headed south to our base in San Quirico, Provincia Grosseto (not to be confused with San Quirico d’Orcia in Siena). We chose this spot for its peaceful vibe and proximity to the Saturnia hot springs.
Day 2 of the Tuscany Road Trip: Rainy Detour to Lake Bolsena
On day two of our Tuscany road trip, we faced rainy weather in the region. Looking for clearer skies, we made a quick detour to Lake Bolsena in Lazio, just a 30-minute drive away. The town of Bolsena was a delightful surprise with its quiet charm, fortress views, and cobbled streets. Even though it’s outside Tuscany, it made a perfect day trip.
Day 3: Orbetello Peninsula & Saturnia Scouting
We continued our Tuscany road trip by heading toward the Orbetello Peninsula. First, we took a quick stroll through the town of Orbetello. Then, we drove around the peninsula, enjoying a mix of small seaside villages and wild nature with dramatic cliffside views. Finally, on our way back, we stopped at Cascate del Mulino (Saturnia Hot Springs) to scout the area for parking and sunrise options for the next morning.
Day 4: Sunrise Soak at Saturnia & Tuscany’s Valleys
An early start on day four paid off. We arrived at Saturnia hot springs before sunrise to experience the tranquil side of this usually crowded spot. The soft light, rising steam, and peaceful setting made it one of the best moments of the trip. After a few hours soaking in the waters, we explored more of the scenic Tuscan countryside, stopping at scenic viewpoints and photogenic spots.
Day 5 of the Tuscany Road Trip: Elsa Trail & Gladiator Filming Spot
Our final full day on the Tuscany road trip combined hiking and movie magic. First up was the Elsa Trail to Diborrato Waterfall, a 2.5 km riverside hike starting at Spugna Bridge. Due to recent rain, the river was high and the rocky crossing was submerged, so we switched to the San Marziale Bridge entrance.
The waterfall’s upper viewpoint was accessible, but the lower viewpoint required climbing over a large rock. Unfortunately, fishermen had claimed the spot, and muddy water from the rain dulled the colours. Still, it’s likely a great summer stop.
In the afternoon, we visited the iconic Gladiator filming location. Unlike the waterfall, this spot didn’t disappoint; the rolling hills and cypress-lined path felt just like the movie. A magical place to end the road trip.
Final Thoughts on This Tuscany Road Trip
After five unforgettable days of soaking in hot springs, chasing waterfalls, and exploring some of southern Tuscany’s most scenic corners, it was time to head home. On our final morning, we packed up and hit the road one last time – this time heading north toward Bologna Airport. As we drove through the Tuscan countryside, golden hills and winding cypress-lined roads rolled past our windows, offering one last look at the region’s timeless beauty.
This road trip gave us just a taste of what Tuscany has to offer, and there’s still so much more to discover from hidden villages and local wineries to longer hikes and quieter hot springs. Until next time, Tuscany.
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