20 Best Day Trips From Florence, Italy

The beautiful historic city of Florence is certainly one of my favourite cities in Italy to discover. This central Italy hub is thought for its historic heart, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, delicious food, Renaissance artwork, and the numerous well-known artists and scientists who’ve known as the town house. Its central location within the nation and enormous practice station makes Florence a improbable base to discover the Tuscan countryside and past.

Regional trains run commonly from Florence to the smaller cities of Tuscany. There are additionally highspeed trains that may simply join you to extra of Italy’s different well-known large cities like chic Milan and medieval Bologna. If you don’t really feel like being tied to an area practice schedule, you possibly can simply be part of an organized tour to go wine tasting or discover the rolling hills of Tuscany by yourself by renting a automobile.

We’ve compiled an inventory of the very best day journeys from Florence that it’s best to add to your journey itinerary. Some of those Florence day journeys shall be all-day excursions, however most locations solely require a half-day go to to get in all of the must-do actions, so that you’re nonetheless left with loads of time to discover Florence. Grab a glass of Chianti and prepare to discover one of the vital beautiful regions of Italy!

Best Day Trips From Florence, Italy

1. Pisa

One of the most well-liked day journeys from Florence by practice is to Pisa, house of the world-famous Leaning Tower. It takes lower than an hour to get there and might be reached by native trains that run each twenty to thirty minutes. The picturesque Tuscan metropolis sits close to the mouth of the Arno River and is surrounded by wineries.

Start your go to on the Piazza del Duomo, the place you’ll discover the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This skip-the-line ticket grants guests entry to each the leaning tower and the Cathedral. Visitors can climb to the highest of the tower and benefit from the attractive Romanesque structure of the cathedral. Don’t miss an opportunity to additionally cease by the Pisa Baptistery – the acoustics are completely very good.

The fantastic thing about Pisa doesn’t finish on the Piazza del Duomo. After trekking up the steps of the leaning tower, make your approach all the way down to the previous city. Pisa has beautiful colourful buildings, impressive Renaissance palaces, and great eating places.

During your half-day journey, you possibly can go for a golf cart tour to maximise your time within the metropolis whereas seeing its most luxurious sights, or you possibly can take pleasure in a Pisa food tour. This meals tour takes you across the Pisa metropolis heart whereas sampling among the area’s most scrumptious culinary choices, together with cured meats, Tuscan soup, focaccia, and wine.

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2. San Gimignano

Located within the province of Siena, the hilltop city of San Gimignano is a tiny medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lovely Tuscan city is surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and intact metropolis partitions that date again to the thirteenth century. San Gimignano is the most effective day journey from Florence if you wish to get out of the larger cities and discover certainly one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval cities.

San Gimignano is thought for its distinctive skyline, comprised of a number of unimaginable medieval towers. While there have been believed to be round 72 towers at one level, solely 14 are nonetheless standing right now. During the center ages, rich households constructed these towers to represent wealth. Visitors can take pleasure in Italian artistic endeavors from the 14th and 15h centuries by the city’s cathedrals and spiritual buildings.

San Gimignano is well accessible from Florence by public transport. Several direct trains run between the 2 cities; the journey is slightly below two hours every approach. If you propose to drive, I extremely advocate reserving this dreamy lunch set in the midst of a surprising wine property. Otherwise, in case you don’t wish to drive or take a practice, this guided tour will transport you from Florence to San Gimignano as you admire Siena and the Chianti hills.

See Related: Where to Stay in Florence, Italy: Best Areas & Neighborhoods

3. Siena

Siena is a big province inside the Tuscan countryside, and it’s additionally one of the vital lovely cities in Tuscany. If you take pleasure in Florence however wish to discover someplace with fewer individuals, that is the place for you. Siena’s main square, Piazza del Campo, options most of the metropolis’s prime sights, together with the Torre del Mangia and the Gothic city corridor.

This Florence day journey vacation spot is known for its annual horse race occasion. Each summer season, Siena hosts the well-known Palio horse race, as soon as on July 2nd and once more on August sixteenth. The Siena horse race dates again to the seventeenth century. Ten riders (and horses) experience bareback and characterize every of Siena’s ten metropolis wards. Each ward hosts their very own festivities across the time of the race, creating fairly a buzz within the metropolis.

If you’re not visiting Siena in July or August, don’t fear, there’s nonetheless rather more to see and do right here. Siena’s foremost cathedral, the Duomo di Siena, is simply as attractive because the one in Florence. The inside is adorned with beautiful frescoes. The most beautiful a part of the Duomo di Siena is the Piccolomini Library. If you’re looking for a extra distinctive expertise, take pleasure in a wine tasting in a medieval cave close to the San Domenico Basilica.

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4. Bologna

When pondering of massive Italian cities, Rome and Milan are often the primary ones to come back to thoughts. But Bologna is one lesser-known metropolis you need to see on a day journey from Florence! It’s house to the oldest repeatedly operated college on this planet and a few of Italy’s most well-known dishes, like ragu (bolognese sauce), tortellini, and mortadella.

This culturally-rich metropolis is a simple day journey from Florence and takes simply over half-hour on the high-speed practice. Start your tour of Bologna off at Piazza Maggiore, the town’s foremost sq.. It’s nice for individuals watching or admiring the encompassing Medieval and Renaissance buildings from a restaurant.

The Basilica di San Petronio stands out in the midst of the sq. with its half-brick and half-marble facade. If you wish to be mind-blown by some significantly previous structure, stroll just a few blocks to Le Tre Frecce “The Three Arrows”. The oak beams date again to the 1200s and are actually spectacular.

As I discussed earlier, Bologna has given us a few of Italy’s most well-known (and scrumptious) dishes, so I extremely advocate joining a food tour whereas within the metropolis. If you’d slightly take your time consuming by the town by yourself, you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in a strolling tour to be taught all concerning the metropolis’s long and fascinating history.

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5. Lucca

Lucca is an lovable previous metropolis recognized for its charming cobblestone streets and tree-lined walkways. It’s the one metropolis in Tuscany the place you possibly can stroll all the size of its fortified partitions! Lucca is well accessible by hourly trains from Florence’s central practice station, making it one of the vital accessible Florence day journeys.

The vibe of Lucca might be described as someplace between the bustling metropolis of Florence and the medieval city of San Gimignano. One of the highest sights to go to in Lucca is the Guinigi Tower. Visitors can climb its 232 steps to the highest to take pleasure in beautiful panoramic views of the town.

There are many giant pedestrian piazzas all through the town, like Piazza San Michele, that are excellent for stress-free in between visiting landmarks just like the Mura di Lucca, St. Martin Cathedral, and the Puccini Museum. Lucca can also be surrounded by the picturesque Tuscan countryside crammed with many wineries and delightful olive groves.

To see the town in one of the best ways, take this guided tour on e-bikes of Lucca and the encompassing countryside. The tour additionally features a wine tasting of native wines with accompaniments together with bruschetta, cheese, and charcuterie.

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6. Fiesole

The picturesque hilltop city of Fiesole was as soon as a well-liked weekend escape for rich households from Florence. Being simply outdoors of Florence’s metropolitan space, it nonetheless stays an ideal day journey from the town right now. It’s only a twenty-minute drive from Florence to Fiesole, or you possibly can take an area bus.

Fiesole is thought for its ample historic Etruscan and Roman ruins, together with centuries-old vacation villas belonging to rich households from Florence. Fiesole’s lovely cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint Romulus of Fiesole, has been round since 1028 and options two giant frescoes.

There are a number of different previous and beautiful cathedrals and convents all through the medieval village that may simply be explored on a half-day tour. The city is surrounded by archaeological websites, together with Etruscan gates and Roman baths. If you like seeing components of historical past up shut and private, that is the proper little village so that you can go to.

See Related: Top Day Trips from Rome, Italy

7. Cinque Terre National Park

One of probably the most scenic locations to go to on a Florence day journey is Cinque Terre National Park, positioned within the Liguria area of Italy. Cinque Terre is comprised of 5 tiny fishing villages crammed with colourful homes and beautiful vistas. Between the villages are gorgeous hiking trails that join every village.

If you propose to hike these trails, I extremely advocate spending no less than two or three days of your journey right here. Additionally, these are true mountain climbing trails, so that you’ll definitely want to come back ready with comfy mountain climbing footwear, strolling sticks, and solar safety.

If you’re quick on time, don’t fear, you possibly can nonetheless simply take pleasure in the fantastic thing about Cinque Terre in a single day. This full-day guided tour will take you from Florence to 4 of the 5 fishing villages that can go away you breathless. The tour additionally contains lunch and a scenic boat experience.

A day journey to Cinque Terre can simply be achieved by yourself as effectively. Parking is extraordinarily restricted, so it’s greatest to go between the cities by practice. Trains are frequent and take lower than 5 minutes to journey between every village. My favourite Cinque Terre villages are Manarola and Vernazza. If you go to in the summertime, Monterosso al Mare has a surprising seashore dotted with colourful umbrellas.

As for meals, be certain to obtain Nessun Dorma Cinque Terre’s app and make a reservation about an hour earlier than you’d wish to eat. If you don’t have time for a sit-down meal, there are tons of little eating places serving up focaccia and fried seafood to-go.

See Related: Best Places to Stay in Cinque Terre

8. Borgo San Lorenzo

Tucked away within the Mugello Valley is a quiet little city known as Borgo San Lorenzo. This hidden gem has been a favourite escape of Italian artists all through the centuries. This small however lovely city is surrounded by previous church buildings and lots of unimaginable villas.

Borgo San Lorenzo is thought for its custom of ceramics and pottery-making. One of the most effective locations to be taught extra about that is the Chini Manufacturing Museum, positioned contained in the Pecori Giraldi villa. Galileo Chini was a well-known artist from Florence recognized for his work and pottery. He additionally created outstanding frescoes within the city’s church.

Every 12 months in May, the city hosts a competition known as Mugello da Fiaba on the primary two Sundays of the month. This competition revolves round kiddos as they find out about literature, theater, and music by numerous actions like storytelling, playtime, and workshops. It’s definitely a enjoyable and distinctive exercise that the whole family can enjoy!

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9. Arezzo

Between Florence and Perugia lies the unimaginable city of Arezzo. The city was as soon as well-known for its gold and silver and is an superior day journey from Florence for many who like to go antique shopping. You’ll undoubtedly discover some hidden treasures in terms of issues like clothes, artwork, furnishings, and decor items.

Shopping is just not the one factor to be loved about Arezzo. The Piazza Grande is positioned within the heart of city and has been for the reason that 1500s. It’s nonetheless a foremost hub for gatherings and is lined with many cafes, wine bars, and retailers. It’s within the Piazza Grande the place you’ll additionally discover the Museo Palazzo di Fraternita, a museum that showcases creative, scientific, and archaeological finds from round Tuscany and contains a beautiful clock tower.

To get the complete expertise of this historic metropolis, take a private tour to find out about Arezzo’s most vital websites and landmarks. The metropolis was an vital image of Roman growth, so it’s filled with historical past and engaging tales.

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10. Livorno

The Tuscan countryside is most well-known for its iconic rolling hills, countless vineyards, and olive groves. Livorno gives a little bit of Tuscany that many guests appear to overlook about: its lovely shoreline. This lovely coastal city is house to the primary port of Tuscany and options these hallmark colourful buildings that so many Italian seaside cities are recognized for.

There are many family-friendly actions to take pleasure in whereas visiting Livorno. You can discover the Aquarium of Livorno, stroll down the Terrazza Mascagni seaside promenade, and eat your approach by Livorno’s Mercato Centrale, one of many largest markets in Europe.

There are so many extra issues to see and do in Livorno – from its quite a few statues and monuments to its intricate and delightful canal system. The best solution to see all of those sights on a single day journey is by using the hop-on hop-off bus.

The bus will take you to all of Livorno’s prime landmarks, and you will get on and off as a lot as you’d like. If you need a fast tour, the complete route with out getting off takes nearly one hour.

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11. Greve in Chianti

Located within the coronary heart of the Chianti area, Greve is an enthralling city surrounded by among the most superb vineyards within the nation. It’s positioned lower than 20 miles away from Florence, making it among the finest day journeys in case you’re seeking to do a bunch of wine tastings in at some point. In reality, occurring a wine tour is the most popular activity that guests take pleasure in in Greve.

In regards to the precise city, although it’s small, it’s very full of life with nice eating places and retailers. You can’t go flawed with a cease at Trattoria D’ì Borgo, which makes a speciality of traditional Tuscan cuisine, together with dishes like Florentine steak, pici pasta, and native wines and cheese. And don’t overlook to save lots of room for his or her scrumptious home made desserts!

Greve is called the gateway into the picturesque Chianti countryside and is positioned on the SR222 provincial street, nicknamed the “Strada del Vino” or “Road of Wine.” This half-day guided tour from Florence takes all the fear about planning a street journey. Instead, loosen up as you traverse the Strada del Vino attempting nice wines and ultimately ending your tour in Greve.

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12. Assisi

One of probably the most well-known Roman Catholic cities in Italy is Assisi, positioned within the Umbria area. This metropolis has been an vital pilgrimage vacation spot for hundreds of years and was the birthplace of Saint Francis, one of the vital well-known patron saints of Italy.

If you like studying about historical past, particularly in regard to faith and tradition, you undoubtedly have so as to add this city to your listing of locations to go to whereas in Florence. The hottest place to go to in Assisi is the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This grand church was in-built 1228 and is definitely comprised of two church buildings and a crypt, the place Saint Francis was laid to relaxation. Within the higher and decrease church buildings are attractive frescoes created by a number of well-known Italian painters. Another vital spiritual website is the Temple of Minerva, a Roman temple positioned within the historic heart of the city.

With all the unimaginable spiritual websites and historical past to see and find out about, it’s extremely beneficial to take a guided tour of the city. This three-hour tour will take you round Assisi’s historic heart and into a few of its cathedrals, together with the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi.

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13. Milan

In slightly below two hours on the high-speed practice, you possibly can attain certainly one of Europe’s most romantic cities from Florence. Milan is a simple day journey from Florence with totally different sights, meals, and sounds to be explored. Europe’s vogue capital is thought for its unimaginable structure, the towering Duomo di Milano, and, after all, world-class procuring.

The coronary heart of Milan is Cathedral Square. Surrounding Cathedral Square, you’ll discover the well-known Duomo di Milano, the Royal Palace of Milan, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and numerous bars and eating places. Be positive to book your ticket for the Duomo upfront to keep away from the lengthy strains.

Another factor you’ll wish to see in Milan is The Last Supper within the Santa Maria delle Grazie. It gave me chills to see it in actual life, so I believe it’s effectively well worth the trouble of getting to purchase date-specific tickets months upfront.

When you go to Milan, it’s a must to take pleasure in a little bit of shopping. Via Monte Napoleone is the place you’ll discover a excessive focus of high-end retailers, together with manufacturers like Chanel, Goyard, and Hermès. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a surprising murals in and of itself and options much more luxurious manufacturers.

Other must-see locations in Milan embody Teatro alla Scala, Sforzesco Castle, and Sempione Park. And whereas Italy is thought for its superb cafes, there’s a Starbucks Reserve in Milan in case you want a mid-afternoon pick-me-up (or only a place to relax for a bit).

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14. Orvieto

I hope you’re not getting bored with these superb small villages as a result of there are such a lot of that may be simply explored from Florence. One of my favourite underrated close by cities is Orvieto. Driving to Orvieto from Florence will take slightly below two hours, however in case you take a high-speed train, you’ll save thirty minutes.

This charming medieval city contains a well-known cathedral, the Duomo di Orvieto. Construction on the cathedral started in 1290 to commemorate a miracle witnessed by a priest in 1263. Construction was accomplished in 1591 and is widely known for its ornate Gothic structure. One of probably the most intriguing components of the cathedral is its system of underground tunnels, which might be accessed on this tour.

There’s a lot extra to see and do on this charming Italian city, from visiting the Teatro Mancinelli to the large Pozzo della Cava effectively. If you wish to take pleasure in a extra thrilling exercise, join this traditional cooking class or take pleasure in a half-day of truffle hunting.

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15. Volterra

The beautiful hilltop city of Volterra is among the most well-known Etruscan settlements that’s nonetheless round right now. It’s the house of amazingly well-preserved historic artwork, medieval fortresses, and a Roman Theater advanced. With a journey time of beneath two hours, it’s a simple day journey from Florence for anybody who enjoys studying about historic civilizations.

The partitions of the town date again to the third and fourth centuries and options two gateways and a tomb courting again to the Etruscan civilization. The Roman Theater advanced, which dates again to the primary century BC, is touted as one of many best-preserved Roman theaters in Italy and stays certainly one of Volterra’s hottest sights. To be taught extra about Volterra’s huge historical past, I extremely advocate reserving this private walking tour of the town and its cathedral.

Other locations to go to in Volterra to find out about historical past embody the Mario Guarnacci Museum, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, the Palace of the Priors (metropolis corridor), and the Volterra City Museum and Art Gallery. If you’d wish to expertise life as a noble household throughout medieval occasions, go to the Palazzo Incontri Viti. Your admission ticket even features a wine tasting!

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16. Montecatini Terme

If you like so as to add a little bit of relaxation and rest to a visit filled with exploration, add Montecatini Terme to your listing of must-visit day journeys from Florence. This city is known for its stress-free Parco delle Terme spa advanced. It’s sometimes called the most important spa city in Italy, so be ready for lots of pampering and rest!

These spas are fueled by pure sizzling springs and have been a real Tuscan countryside secret for hundreds of years. Mineral-rich water rises from deep within the earth, is of course heat in temperature, collects in swimming pools, and is assumed to have therapeutic properties inside them.

While Romans knew about this centuries in the past, right now’s guests can nonetheless benefit from the thermal baths at Parco delle Terme. There are three foremost complexes with water and coverings claiming to assist with diabetes, kidney points, and abdomen circumstances.

The thermal baths aren’t the one purpose to go to Montecatini Terme. Throughout this small city are beautiful gardens, meticulous frescoes, and beautiful marble buildings. A drive from Florence to Montecatini Terme takes round one hour, or you possibly can take a direct practice, which can take about the identical period of time.

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17. Cortona

Cortona is among the prettiest cities you’ll discover beneath the Tuscan solar. Like many different cities all through the Tuscan countryside, it was as soon as a big settlement for the traditional Etruscans. With a lower than two-hour drive or practice experience, Cortona is among the best day journeys from Florence to take if you wish to be taught extra about Tuscany’s historical past.

Start your go to off on the Accademia Etrusca, which homes a big assortment of Etruscan artifacts, together with bronze and ceramic objects. They even have fairly just a few artistic endeavors, together with work from the 14th and fifteenth centuries.

Tickets are pretty priced, and you’ll even get a mixture ticket to the close by Archaeological Park. Afterward, go to the Basilica of Saint Margaret of Cortona, Diocesan Museum, and stroll by the Piazza della Repubblica.

Take benefit of being within the countryside by having fun with a standard Tuscan cooking class at a stunning Tuscan farmhouse. This cooking class can accommodate vegans and vegetarians and contains making recent pasta from scratch! After making ready your meal, you possibly can benefit from the unimaginable panoramic views from the home as you sip on native wines.

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18. Monsummano Terme

Just like its sister city of Montecatini Terme, Monsummano Terme is one other common spa resort city tucked away within the hills of Tuscany. Along with its pure thermal waters, Monsummano Terme can also be recognized for its assortment of artistic endeavors at its two foremost museums: the Museum of the City and Territory of Monsummano Terme and Museo di Arte Contemporanea e del Novecento.

Monsummano Terme is a worthy day journey vacation spot in case you’re searching for a day of rest. The hottest place to expertise the nice and cozy thermal waters of Monsummano Terme is Grotta Giusti Thermal Spa Resort. It’s additionally certainly one of my favourite resorts of all time!

You don’t should be a visitor of the lodge to benefit from the spa and enormous thermal pool; day passes are supplied. There’s a big outside thermal pool in addition to an indoor thermal spa circuit. If you’re feeling adventurous (and are scuba-certified and insured), there’s additionally a thermal water cave on the property – one of many only a few caves on this planet you could dive in.

Combine your spa day with a fast cease within the close by city of Vinci, the birthplace of one of the vital well-known artists of all time – Leonardo da Vinci. The city is tiny, however you possibly can go to the house he was born in, they usually even have an excellent Leonardo da Vinci Museum.

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19. Saturnia

Saturnia was a kind of Instagram-famous locations that had been on my bucket listing for years. When I lastly noticed it in actual life, it far exceeded my expectations! Its milky blue water and calm cascades made for an ideal early morning exercise. Legend has it that the baths have been fashioned by lightning bolts thrown by Jupiter!

If you’re renting a automobile and driving your self to Saturnia, I extremely advocate getting an early begin. Large tour buses arrive round 8:30 am, so that you’ll wish to get in forward of them. Besides the Cascate del Mulino, you may also go to a number of day spas across the space. If you aren’t renting a car, there are a number of guided excursions just like this one that can take you to the Cascate del Mulino, pictured above.

Saturnia is about three hours away from Florence, making this one of many longer journey occasions for day journeys from Florence. However, I believe Saturnia is effectively well worth the drive. It’s attractive, stress-free, and simply so surreal to see up shut.

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20. Venice

Venice could look fairly removed from Florence on the map, however with the assistance of high-speed trains, you possibly can go to this romantic Italian metropolis in simply two hours. Venice is known for its beautiful community of canals, glasswork, Venetian masks, and, after all, gondolas! There are numerous well-known landmarks and wondrous sights to see in Venice, however it may possibly undoubtedly be achieved all in at some point.

Things you received’t wish to miss in Venice embody St. Marks Basilica and Doge’s Palace. I don’t advocate consuming or consuming wherever in St. Mark’s Square – it’s approach overpriced, and you’ll find higher hole-in-the-wall cafes and eating places additional into the town.

One expensive factor I do advocate doing is happening a gondola ride by the canals. Is it touristy? For positive. But it’s enjoyable and undoubtedly beats the one in Vegas.

Cross the Grand Canal on the Rialto Bridge, there are tons of little retailers the place you’ll find souvenirs, and it’s additionally an excellent place for a photo op. Along this canal are many eating places and gelato retailers. End your day having fun with this live classical music concert.

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