In March 2024, I went on a 8-day road trip to Tuscany, Italy, in a motorhome from WebCamper Luxembourg - a dream finally realized! We began our journey in Luxembourg, traveling through Florence, Siena, Pienza, and the Val d'Orcia, before reaching the thermal springs of Cascate del Mulino in Saturnia, southern Tuscany. In this article, I'll share insights into life in a camper and tips for an unforgettable stay in the region. 

 

Here's a glimpse of our itinerary:

- Day 1: Departure from Luxembourg, arriving in Florence

- Day 2: Exploring Florence

- Day 3: More of Florence and then off to Siena

- Day 4: Discovering Siena and the Val d'Orcia countryside

- Day 5: Visiting Pienza

- Day 6: Leaving Pienza for the thermal springs in Saturnia

- Day 7: Departing Saturnia for Pisa, visiting Pisa

- Day 8: Return journey home

General information about Tuscany

Tuscany owes its name to its pre-Roman inhabitants, the Etruscans. Following the Roman Empire's demise, the area became known as Tuscany (Toscana in Italian), undergoing numerous changes in rulership. By the Middle Ages, cities like Pisa, Siena, Arezzo, Pistoia, Lucca, and Florence had flourished due to their involvement in textile manufacturing, trade, banking, and agriculture. Despite the prosperity, territorial and power conflicts were common. Florence, however, rose to prominence above the rest. The 15th century marked the ascendancy of the Medici family, heralding a golden age of arts and literature and the birth of the Renaissance. Tuscany's landscape, largely unaltered over centuries, features medieval villages perched atop misty hills, with lush valleys and cypress trees dotting the scenery below.

 

When to visit Tuscany

Although Tuscany comes alive with sunflowers and fruit trees in summer, the season also brings crowds and soaring temperatures. For a more serene experience and to witness Tuscany's verdant fields, consider visiting between March and May or from late September to October. These periods offer vibrant landscapes and pleasant weather, with spring temperatures ranging from 17°C to 23°C and autumn temperatures from 20°C to 26°C. Autumn is particularly enchanting as the harvest season transforms the rolling hills into a kaleidoscope of reds and golds.

How to prepare for a camping trip in a motorhome

 

1.Make a reservation in advance

Securing a campsite without a prior reservation can be stressful. To avoid this, make reservations ahead of time through websites like park4night.comrecreation.gov. Park4night is particularly helpful for finding spots to camp for the night, park for city visits, locate amenities for your camper life, and ensure safety.

 

2.Check the campsite amenities

Campgrounds vary significantly in terms of amenities. Before you book, find out if the campsite offers potable water, bathrooms with showers, dishwashing facilities, firewood for purchase, and if there are any fire restrictions. This information is usually available on the booking site, but if not, contact the campground directly. Opting for a campsite with at least a 4-star rating is highly recommended.

 

3.Check-in in a campsite in Italy

Unlike in other countries such as Switzerland, where campsite check-in times are typically restricted to certain hours (for example, until 15:00 or 22:00), in Italy, you have the flexibility to check into camping sites at any hour. This was a notable convenience during our travels.

 

4.Plan your meals

Decide on the number of meals you'll cook and what you’d like to eat. Make a grocery list to ensure you have all necessary ingredients before leaving. This approach prevents the last-minute rush and the likelihood of forgetting something important.

 

5. Organize your equipment

For a comfortable and hassle-free stay at a campsite, consider packing the following essentials:

 

- Barbecue and tongs

- Camping chairs and table

- Lamp and flashlight

- Hammock

- Bedding (pillows, pillowcases, sheets, spare blanket)

- Picnic and chair cushions

- Cleaning supplies (dustpan and brush, tablecloth)

- Firepit with wood

- Laundry supplies (wash line with pegs, laundry basket)

- Pocket knife

- Rain gear (coats, rain fly for tents, tarps)

 

Additionally, don’t forget a bathrobe and slippers for shower facilities, and a torch for connecting cables at night. For a personalized checklist, REI’s Family Camping Checklist (https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html) is a great resource.

 

6.Motorhome manual

 

• Never put fuel in the freshwater tank

Mistaking the fuel filler for the water tank filler is a common error. Fuel tanks usually have black or yellow caps, whereas freshwater tanks have white or blue caps. If you mix these up, you'll need to drain and clean the tanks appropriately.

 

• Know your weight limits

Adding items to your motorhome increases its payload. Exceeding the legal weight limit can void your insurance. With a Class B driver’s license, you're allowed to drive a motorhome up to 7m in length and 3,500 kg.

 

• Understanding your motorhome's electrical system

In most motorhomes, the 230V electrical outlets only function when connected to an external power source. Even then, avoid using high-power appliances like hairdryers, microwaves, toasters, and kettles all at once to prevent overloading the campsite's electrical supply. It's a fundamental principle of motorhome living. Consider acquiring a gas kettle if you have a gas stove, enabling you to make tea or coffee while off-grid, such as during wild camping or while parked for a lunch break.

 

• Managing your resources

Embracing the van life means being mindful of your consumption of fuel, gas, and water. These resources are used more cautiously than in a stationary home. Always refill your supplies whenever possible and keep your gas bottles filled regularly for necessity. Stay warm by getting to know your motorhome's heating controls before setting off. Ensure your diesel or LPG tanks and gas bottles are full to avoid running out of heat unexpectedly. Gas bottles come in blue for butane and orange for propane.

 

• Taking short hot showers

Unlike at home, where you might take long showers, in a motorhome, conserve water by taking quick showers to avoid depleting both the hot water and the freshwater supply. We had just 15 minutes of hot water before having to wait another 30 minutes. Alternatively, using the campsite's shower facilities with flip-flops is an option.

 

• Monitoring electrical consumption

To prevent draining your battery, which powers most of your electrical devices, keep an eye on your energy usage, especially when not connected to a mains hookup. Understanding and managing your 12V usage is crucial. Familiarize yourself with your fuse box and carry spare fuses for emergencies.

 

• Carrying an extra gas bottle

If space allows, bring an additional gas bottle for peace of mind. Running out of gas mid-cooking can be frustrating and wasteful. While one bottle may suffice for short trips, consider two for longer journeys or international travel to ensure you're always prepared.

DAY 1

Departure from Luxembourg, arriving late in Florence

The navigator had estimated our journey would take approximately 9 hours and 18 minutes; however, in reality, we spent about 13 hours on the road, including breaks, while maintaining an average speed of 110 km/h.

Despite it being a lengthy drive and our first time traveling in a motorhome, we felt extremely safe and comfortable throughout.

DAY 2 

Exploring Florence

On our first day in beautiful Tuscany, we started slowly, enjoying a nice breakfast, getting to know our motorhome better, and checking out what the campsite had to offer. Later in the day, we took the campsite’s shuttle to get to the centre of Florence, because no trip to Tuscany is complete without visiting its famous capital. Florence is a breathtaking city, filled with amazing buildings, churches, and art galleries at every turn, offering endless sights like the Uffizi, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge, not to mention the chance to shop at stores of famous designers who started here back in the 1920s and local craftspeople who make everything from gold jewellery to shoes.

DAY 3

More of Florence and then off to Siena

After checking out, we left our camper in the parking lot at the campsite, eager to dive back into the wonders of Florence for a second day. There's a richness to this city that truly requires at least two days to begin to appreciate fully. This way, you can take your time, try out different places to eat, and really live in the moment.

Later that day, we made our way to Siena, driving for about an hour and a half. We found a cosy campsite in Monti, not too far from Siena, about half an hour away. Even though we got there after the reception had closed for the day, we didn't run into any trouble finding a spot for our camper and getting it connected to the power supply.

DAY 4

Discovering Siena and the Val d'Orcia countryside

First stop: Siena

Our morning in Monti began peacefully as we enjoyed breakfast and tended to the camper's needs - emptying the grey water, refilling with fresh water, and clearing out the toilet. After these tasks were completed, we checked out of the Monti campsite and headed towards Siena. We found a parking lot 1.5 kilometers from Siena's center, predominantly used for buses but also offering a few spaces for motorhomes. Normally, a walk from this lot to the city center would take around 30 minutes. However, electric escalators located just a 10-minute walk from where we parked significantly shortened our journey, taking us directly up to the city and reducing our walk to merely 15 minutes.

Second stop: Val d'Orcia

On our way to Pienza, we stopped multiple times in the picturesque Val d'Orcia region, which is roughly an hour's drive from Siena and merely 20 minutes away from Pienza. After witnessing what could easily be described as the most stunning sunset in all of Tuscany, we continued our journey to Pienza, where we spent two nights.

When I think of Tuscany, the immediate image that springs to mind is a boundless stretch of golden hills dotted with lines of cypress trees. The beauty of Val d'Orcia is something I find myself struggling to fully capture in words, and I deeply regret not spending more time there. I would earnestly recommend dedicating at least two days to exploring this area. The valley is dotted with picturesque medieval villages like Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, and Monticchiello. This region is also celebrated for producing the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine, near the majestic Sant’Antimo Abbey. Moreover, the area has thermal baths that have been used since Roman times, with the romantic town of Bagno Vignoni featuring a large thermal bath right in its central square.

Here are the most picturesque places to take pictures in Val d'Orcia:

1. Agriturismo Baccoleno

It is famed for its winding entrance road, offering a captivating introduction to the estate. The best views of this road are enjoyed from the nearby hills, where parking is conveniently available close to the north entrance. Remember, drone flying is restricted here since it's private land. If you're considering a stay in Val d’Orcia, Baccoleno offers excellent accommodation.

2. Agriturismo Poggio Covili

This spot is well-known for its frequent appearance on postcards, drawing photographers to the long line of cypress trees leading to its entrance. The best shots of Agriturismo Poggio Covili are taken from higher up, and luckily, you can easily park your car on the road nearby to get the perfect angle.

3. Bosco di Cipressi

At first glance, this cypress forest at the top of a hill might not seem like much, but it's actually a favourite among photographers looking for that quintessential Tuscan shot.

4. Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta

This charming little chapel, framed by two cypress trees, is one of the most snapped churches in Tuscany.

5. Via Crete Senesi

Near Asciano lies Crete Senesi, translating to the Clays of Siena, a picturesque landscape south of Siena characterized by its bare, grey soil and rounded hills, evoking images of desert dunes.

6. The Elysian Fields

As depicted in the final scene of the movie Gladiator where Maximus Decimus Meridius, portrayed by Russell Crowe, walks through the wheat fields into the afterlife, was filmed in Val d’Orcia, just a few kilometers outside Pienza. This picturesque setting was chosen by Ridley Scott as the embodiment of the Roman's Paradise, making it a must-visit for fans and those curious about the real-life location of these iconic cinematic moments.

7. Pienza

Known as the heart of Val d’Orcia, Pienza is a medieval town that caught the eye of filmmakers and was featured in The Gladiator. Famous for its Pecorino di Pienza cheese, the town is surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of the Tuscan hills.

8. Monticchiello

Close to Pienza, Monticchiello is a lesser-known medieval town perched on a hill, with stunning views over the valley. It's often referred to as the terrace of Val d’Orcia. Don't miss the Monticchiello Punto Panoramico and Cipressi di Monticchiello for some of the best vistas in the region.

9. Biancane di Leonina 

It is known as the Accona desert because it gets darker when wet and turns white under the sun's heat. Despite being called a desert, the area is dotted with bushes and small trees, making it a popular spot for hikers with several trails crisscrossing through it.

DAY 5

Visiting Pienza

Pienza is a quaint town nestled in the Val d'Orcia region, down in the southern part of Tuscany, not too far from other notable places - it's 15 kilometres from Montepulciano, 20 from Montalcino, and about 50 kilometres from Siena.

DAY 6

Leaving Pienza for the thermal springs in Saturnia

In the morning at the campsite, we enjoyed our breakfast and got our motorhome ready for the trip to Saturnia to spend the day soaking in the famous "Cascate di Mulino" hot thermal springs. Saturnia is about a two-hour drive from Pienza.
First, I would recommend to visit the town of Saturnia

Saturnia is a charming small town perched on a hill overlooking the thermal springs. It has an ancient history, with roots stretching back to pre-classical Greece, as noted by a Greek historian in 60 BC. The Etruscans and Romans left their mark here too, evidenced by the Porta Romana dating from the 2nd century B.C.
Then, relax at the Hot Springs "Cascate di Mulino"

Renowned for their mineral-rich waters bubbling up through the Earth in an area extending from Mount Amiata to various Tuscan hills. These waters, rich in sulfur, have a distinctive smell but are celebrated for their therapeutic and relaxing qualities, believed by the Etruscans and Romans to be divine gifts.
The springs are said to have been created where Jupiter's thunderbolt struck in a mythological battle, leaving behind steamy, smelly water. Over time, locals built a well-maintained resort around these healing waters, including the luxurious Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort, but there are also two free natural waterfalls, Cascate del Mulino and Cascate del Gorello, available to the public year-round.

DAY 7

Departing Saturnia for Pisa & visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Our adventure is almost over. We're about 12 hours away from Luxembourg, so we decided to make a quick stop to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa since it's on our way, and then we'll spend the night in Milan. This means we'll have just 7 hours of driving left to get home the next day, making our last stretch a bit easier and giving us a chance to see a bit more of Italy before we head back.

DAY 8

Return journey home

We woke up in Milan and found a really relaxed campsite that had everything you could want, with about 200 places to park, all thanks to the website I talked about when I first started sharing our journey. Even when we called them late at night, around midnight, they had someone there to answer our call, ready to help 24/7. 

Our route back home took us by the beautiful Lake Como, then through Switzerland and the Alsace region in France, leading us all the way back to Luxembourg, the country we love so much.
I want to say a huge thank you to WebCamper for giving us this opportunity and for making it possible for us to see such beautiful parts of Tuscany.