12 GREAT DAY TRIPS FROM FLORENCE

If you’re dreaming of exploring Tuscany and beyond, Florence is the perfect home base for your next Italian holiday.  With Italy’s efficient transport network and Florence’s central location, you can easily access some of Italy’s most charming destinations. There is a long list of day trips from Florence, from quick visits to Tuscan Hill towns to full-day excursions to the Cinque Terre, Siena, and Lucca.

Here is a detailed guide to 12 fantastic day trips you can take from “Florence”, each with different highlights and a perspective on Italy’s rich culture. At the end of this guide, we will list our 3 favourite day trips from Florence.

PLAN YOUR SKI ADVENTURE

Booking a ski trip involves a range of reliable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. I have listed below our favorite companies we use when we plan our ski holiday.

Ski World– They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada for more than 36 years.

Skyscanner– it’s our go to for finding the best flights, we usually start here and usually finish here. They price check over 1,200 sites to help you find the best prices.

Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on Booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews. We find they have the cheapest rates and offer payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.

Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermatt, the Eurostar from London to the French Alps. We find Omio or Trainline  are the best sites for booking trains in Europe.

Car Hire – we usually hire a car it offers us flexibility and convenience, allowing easy access to most resorts. Companies like Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com provide reliable options with winter equipment.

Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We use SAFETYWING when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific.

Ski Equipment. – Bring your own ski gear, its usually cheaper and much better than renting, it ensures you have a perfect fit. Owning also saves time and money in the long run. Equipment like Skis, Pants and Jackets, Gloves, Ski-helmets and Thermal underwear” can all be bought online. You can purchase everything you need from Berg’s Ski and Snowboard (USA) or Snow and Rock (UK).

ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.

For specific resort information- we turn to the resort website, which often provides details on lift passes, equipment rentals, ski school bookings. These resources together make planning our ski trips a lot easier.

                                Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.

1. PISA

PISA                               

Pisa is worldwide known for the iconic Leaning Tower, but there’s much more to discover. Begin your visit at the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Baptistery, and Campos Anto Monument.  Climb the leaning tower, 294 steps for a panoramic view over “PISA”. Afterward explore the Arno River promenade. Visit Piazza dei Cavalieri and discover treasures like the San Matteo National Museum. ‘Pisa’is also a university town, so it has a lively vibe and hosts great bars, cafes and cultural events.

Getting to Pisa

The easiest way to get to Pisa is by train. Most people visit Pisa as a day trip from ‘Florence’, leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon. Direct trains from Florence take just over an hour, these trains run every 20 to 30 minutes. After arriving at the Pisa Centrale train station, it is about a 20-minute walk to the leaning tower. Taxis are available to speed up your journey and cost roughly 10 euros one way.

You also have the option to join a tour, here are some highly rated tours from Florence.

 

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2. LUCCA

(Our favourite Tuscan town) ‘Lucca’ has among the best-preserved city walls in Italy.  Which have been converted into a pedestrian promenade, that you can walk, cycle, and run to circle this enchanting Tuscan town, enjoying views over the medieval rooftops. Lucca’s old town is a maze of narrow alleys that lead to charming squares like Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro built on the ruins of a roman amphitheatre, visit century old churches, climb the Torre Guinigi, with its roof top garden and stunning views of the city and surrounding hills. Take time out and relax in one of the many cafes and enjoy Buccellato, a local sweet bread flavoured with anise. Lucca really is worth spending a night here.

Getting to Lucca

The best way to get to ‘Lucca’ is by train from Florence, it takes just over an hour to travel to ‘Lucca’. The Lucca train station sits just outside the walls and is a very short walk to the centre of Lucca.

Unique tours of Lucca.

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3. SIENA

Siena is one of the best and most popular day trips from Florence. Renowned for its medieval buildings, gothic architecture and the famous Palio horse race. The heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, a uniquely shell-shaped square that hosts the famous Palio horse race twice a year. The square is surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings, including the Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, which you can climb for spectacular views. Don’t miss Siena Cathedral with it’s striking Black and White marble façade. Wander through the city’s cobblestone streets, discovering the charm around every corner of this proud Tuscan city.

Getting to ‘Siena’

The best ways to travel from Florence is by Bus or Car. By Bus, take line 131R (The Rapida bus by Tiemme) a travel time of just over an hour and a cost of approximately 8 euros. If you have a ‘RENTAL CAR’ it takes about an hour and 15 minutes to drive. One of the most convenient places to park in Siena is Parcheggio San Franceso. It is located just outside the city centre. You ride up on a series of escalators, coming out next to Basilica di San Francesco.

Tours of Siena

If you prefer to day trip to Siena with a guide, and include a few more places, here are several highly rated tours to consider.

 

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4. SAN GIMIGNANO

 Known as the city of towers, ‘San Gimignano ‘is famous for its medieval skyline of stone towers, that rise above the Tuscan countryside. Once more than 70 towers dominated the town, commissioned by powerful families to show off their wealth, today 14 remain to give San Gimignano its unique skyline. Wander through the cobble stone streets and visit the Cathedral, climb the Torree Grossa the tallest tower for amazing views over the rolling hills. Visit local wine cellars to taste the Vernaccia di san Gimignano, a well known white crisp wine. Explore artisan shops offering local produce like saffron and olive oil.

 

Getting to San Gimignano

From Florence take the bus to Poggibonsi (about an hour) Bus 131, transfer to bus 130 San Gimignano (approximately 30 minutes)

Overall, it’s a much better experience having a ‘Rental Car’

Driving Distances

  • Florence – 60km (1.5hrs)
  • Siena -41km (45 minutes)
  • Volterra-30km (40 minutes)
  • Lucca- 90km (1.5 hrs)
  • Pisa -78km (1.5hrs)
  • Montalcino -80km (1.5hrs)

There are several parking lots, located outside of the city, these are all an easy walk into the centre.

Tours of San Gimignano.

If you don’t want to rent a car while in Tuscany, you can visit San Gimignano on a tour. This can save you a lot of time, also allows you to visit more than one town on a day trip.

Here are some ideas.

 

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5. CHIANTI WINE REGION

A day trip to Chianti region is a must for wine lovers. The scenic area is often called the heart of Tuscany, here you will find beautiful vineyards small medieval villages and castles. Chianti is famous for its Chianti Classico wine, with its characteristic Black Rooster, one of the best red wines in the world. Many wineries offer guided tours that include tastings, vineyard walks, and insight into wine making. The Chianti wine road winds through stunning landscapes of vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. The regions rustic charm and slow pace of life provide a perfect contrast to the beautiful streets of Florence.

Getting to Chianti Wine Region

The best and easiest way to explore this beautiful region is with own car or ‘RENTAL CAR’, as this is the best way to explore all the fascinating attractions, and landscapes at your own pace.

Tours of the Chianti Wine Region

One of the best ways to visit Chianti wine region is on a tour. These highly rated tours include a visit to two wineries in the Chianti Classico region.

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6. AREZZO

The charming city of Arezzo is particularly worth seeing, not yet as touristy as other places in Tuscany. Offering a mixture of Renaissance art, medieval architecture and Etruscan heritage. But it’s the historic centre of the city you will fall in love with, Piazza Grande, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, with its sloping design and stunning medieval buildings. Add to this the medieval charm which can still be felt in every corner. If your interested in Art, Arezzo is definitely the place to be. Admire the work of Piere della Francesca and the famous Historian Giorgio Vasari. Arezzo is also known for its Antique market, held on the first weekend of every month, attracting collectors from all over Italy.

Getting to Arezzo

From Florence, there are frequent trains to Arezzo, the journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from Florence. It’s a bit harder by bus, so if you plan to use public transport trains are the way to go. By ‘Rental Car’ it takes just over an hour to drive to Arezzo, you also with a car have the option to add Cortona in the afternoon. This is certainly done best by ‘Rental Car’.

Tours of Arezzo

Here are several tours of Arezzo and nearby places, including Wineries and Towns. If you don’t want to rent a car or take the train, this can save you a lot of time, also allows you to visit more than one town on your day trip.

 

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7. CORTONA

One of our favourite Tuscan hilltop towns, made famous by the book and movie Under the Tuscan Sun. ‘Cortona’ is a small, picturesque town perched on a hill with sweeping views over Val di Chiana and Lake Trasimeno. Cortona streets are filled with artisan shops, wine bars, and charming cafes.

This beautiful hilltop is not to be missed, its short list of sites and small size makes it a perfect day trip from Florence. Cortona can also be combined with Arezzo or Assisi.

Getting to Cortona

The best and easiest way to get to Cortona is by “Rental car” (about 1.5 hrs from Florence). By train, there are frequent trains from Florence to Terontola – Cortona station with travel times ranging from an hour to 1.5 hours, some are direct and some with a transfer. From Camucia – Cortona station, which is closer, you can take a bus or taxi to the city centre.

Here are driving distances and times from nearby destinations.

  • Montepulciano – 31 km, 40 minutes
  • Pienza – 50 km, 55 minutes.
  • Florence – 120 km, 1.5 hours
  • Arezzo – 30 km, 45 minutes
  • Siena – 75 km, 1 hour
  • Assisi – 73km, 1 hour.

       Compare Car Rental prices with “Discover Cars” or “Rentalcars.com”

Tours of Cortona

There are lots of tours that include Cortona. Once in Cortona, take a 3-hour private walking tour of the city or a cooking class.

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8. MONTEPULCIANO

“Montepulciano” is a classic Tuscan hilltop town, it sits on a hill overlooking two lovely valleys on either side of it, the Valdichiana to the east and Val d’orcia to the west. Medieval in character, it has pretty architecture, a compact centre, stunning views, and lots of good restaurants and of course great wine bars. Stop at wine cellars carved into the foundations, where you can taste the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano directly from the source.

Just outside the town is San Biagio temple, a beautiful Reniassance church set among olive groves and vineyards.  “Montepulciano” can also be combined with “Pienza” or “Cortona” to make a great day trip from Florence.

Getting to Montepulciano

The best way to get to Montepulciano is by “RENTAL CAR’ this also will allow you to add in other towns on a day trip from Florence.

Here are driving distances and times from nearby destinations.

  • Florence – 110km, 1.5hours
  • Pienza – 15km, 20 minutes
  • Montalcino – 36km, 45 minutes
  • Siena – 65km, 1 hour
  • Cortona – 32km, 40 minutes
Tours of Montepulciano 

If you don’t plan on renting a car while in Tuscany, you can visit Montepulciano on a tour, this takes care of transportation to and from Montepulciano, which can save you a lot of time since Montepulciano is not easy to reach by public transport.                              

Here are several tours of Montepulciano and nearby towns.

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9. VOLTERRA

The old town of “Volterra” is a fascinating medieval gem of Tuscany. Absolutely worth seeing is especially the historic centre, which attracts countless romantic alleys and squares. However, Volterra is famous for its rich Etruscan heritage and many archaeological sites located around the old town. Also known for its Alabaster craftmanship, you can visit workshops to see Artisans at work. Situated on a hill 550 metres high, “Volterra” offers a picturesque view of the breathtaking countryside and makes it an ideal escape from the more touristy destinations.

Getting to Volterra

The easiest way to get to Volterra is by own car or “RENTAL CAR” and takes about an hour and a half to drive from Florence. The closest train station is Volterra Saline – Pomarance, which is about 10km from Volterra. To get from the train station, you will then have to catch a Bus or taxi, which is inconvenient and will add a lot of travel time onto your visit.

Tours of Volterra

If you don’t plan on “renting” a car while in Tuscany, you can visit Volterra on a tour. This takes care of your transportation to and from Volterra, which will save you a lot of time, since Volterra is not easily reachable by public transportation. Here are some highly rated tours.

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10. FIESOLE

Just a short bus ride from Florence, Fiesole offers stunning views over the city and a chance to explore Etruscan and roman ruins. Visit the roman amphitheatre, Temple, and Etruscan walls in this archaeological area. The Cathedral of Fiesole and the monastery of San Francesco provide a serene escape, with beautiful hilltop vistas. Fiesole’s villas such as villa Medici, offers a glimpse into the luxurious country estates of the Medici Family. Enjoy a meal in a local trattoria with panoramic views, making Fiesole a perfect half day retreat.

 

Getting to Fiesole

You can reach Fiesole by Bus Autoline Toscana number 7. The bus runs 7 days a week and every 20 minutes. The Fiesole stop is the last one on the Bus route. You can take the Bus from either  SMN train station or San Marco square in Florence.

11. CINQUE TERRE

Cinque Terree is a group of five colourful seaside villages – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – clinging to the cliffs of the Italian Riveria. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail ) connects the villages, offering breathtaking views of the mediterranean. Each village has its own charm, from the sandy beach of Monterosso to the picturesque harbour of Vernazza. Sample fresh seafood, hike the terraced vineyards, and swim in the crystal – clear water.

One of the best ways to explore the Cinque Terre is to hike from town to town, you will need an early start and a full day to do this. We sped up the hike by taking the train a couple of times to skip over some of the walking.

Getting to Cinque Terre

The best way to get from Florence to Cinque Terre is by “train.’ There is no direct train, you will travel to La Spezia and then take the regional train to Cinque Terree, which takes about 2.5 hours. If you have a car it takes about the same time 2.5 hours to drive to Cinque Terree.

Tours of Cinque Terree.

12. BOLOGNA

The city of Bologna in Italy is one of the most beautiful highlights in the country, famous for Bolognese sauce, Tortellini, and Mortadella. Beyond its food , there are so many things to do in Bologna. Strolling through the old town you will enjoy a unique historical charm, there are countless fascinating sights to visit, and the Italian flair is unbeatable. The city is home to the university of Bologna, the oldest University in the world, which lends a youthful energy to its historic streets. Among the most famous attractions in the city centre are the two leaning towers of Bologna. Visit the Asinelli tower, wander through the Portico’s, and explore the quadrilateral market district for the best local delicacies

Getting to Bologna

The best way to get to Bologna from Florence is by train. A direct high-speed train takes just 40 minutes. You can save a little money by taking a regional train with a transfer time of just under 2 hours.

Tours of Bologna

 

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OUR FAVORITE DAY TRIPS FROM FLORENCE              

If you want to do a tour l recommend this “Get your Guide Tour” which includes “Siena”, “Montepulciano”, and “Cortona” or this Get your Guide Tour which includes “Siena” and “San Gimignano.

If you prefer to travel on your own schedule, ‘RENT a CAR”, combining Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino together, makes it a long but memorable day. Something a bit closer to Florence with less travel you could visit San Gimignano and Volterra in the same day.

Finally, our favourite day trip and our favourite town in Tuscany is Lucca, just over an hour by train from Florence and an easy 10-minute walk to the centre of Lucca.