15 Best Day Trips from Florence
Are you looking for the best day trips from Florence Italy? Say nothing more, we’ve got you covered! You can find on our list of day trips out of Florence the best Tuscany day trips from Florence, but also the best day trips from Florence by train. We are also covering a Florence to Bologna day trip, as well as a day trip to Pisa and Lucca from Florence. Now, since Tuscany is a central region, we’ve included on the list some great day trips that you can plan out of the region too.
15 Best day trips from Florence Italy
Before diving into the best day trips from Florence, make sure you check the best luxury hotels, affordable hotels, and hostels in Florence! We also cover restaurants in the city and other great things to do! The 15 best day trips from Florence Italy include as we’ve mentioned some of the best Tuscany day trips from Florence, and the best day trips from Florence by train. We’ve got some stunning Tuscan villages on our list as well as cities in the region and the neighboring regions too.
You can find some great ideas for the Emilia Romagna region, such as a Florence to Bologna day trip, but also day trips to Tuscany countryside from Florence. If you’re looking for good day trips from Florence we advise you not to think about a Florence to Venice day trip, since Venice is really far, and one day isn’t enough to see it. So if you’d like to visit Venice, definitely plan at least two or three days for it!
1. Siena
If you’re looking for day trips from Florence Italy, we must start with the second most beautiful town in Tuscany! Siena is one of the best day trips from Florence by train too, but you can reach Siena by car or bus as well. The town is located south of Florence, just about one and a half hours away from Florence.
When it comes to good day trips from Florence, and Tuscany day trips from Florence specifically, we, who have seen Siena can confirm, that this is definitely one of the best day trips in Tuscany you should do, and there are a million reasons why! Siena is the largest of the hill towns in Tuscany, a medieval town, that’s home to some amazing Gothic architecture, charming medieval streets, and amazing Tuscan food.
If you visit Siena, you must see the fabulous Piazza del Campo, the largest and one of the most significant medieval squares in Europe. Here you can also see the Palazzo Pubblico and the Tower of Mangia. Moreover, in Siena you can visit one of the most fascinating Renaissance cathedrals, the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, then try some truffles, wine, and other great local dishes! Make sure you check out the best hotels in Siena too!
2. Pisa
One of the best Tuscany day trips from Florence is definitely Pisa! The Leaning Tower of Pisa is probably one of the most iconic landmarks not just in Italy, but the whole of Europe. If you’re looking for the best day trips from Florence by train, Pisa is always a winner, since you’ve got a direct line there.
The first thing to visit in Pisa is always the Piazza dei Miracoli, where you can find the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta (Cathedral of Pisa, or in Italian it’s also called Duomo di Pisa), with the stunning baptistery on the side, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa behind it. Though, if you want to visit Pisa, it’s always best to think about 2 destinations. A day trip to Pisa and Lucca from Florence could be a great pick for good day trips from Florence.
I’m saying to plan something else on the side because there’s not too much to see in Pisa outside the Piazza dei Miracoli. We wandered around everything significant in about 3 hours, then it’s always good to eat something local and delicious, but it’s not enough to fill the whole day. Therefore, if you plan a second destination that’s reachable from Pisa by train, or car, you can see two stunning places in Tuscany at once. However, Pisa is anyway one of the best day trips in Tuscany, so don’t miss it!
3. San Gimignano
There aren’t many places better for day trips from Florence Italy than the charming San Gimignano. Between the hills of Tuscany, and millions of vineyards, there’s this small hill town, with many medieval towers that you can see from far away. San Gimignano earned to be one of the best day trips out of Florence and to be one of the top day trips to Tuscany countryside from Florence, since its magical.
A perfect medieval town packed with the most amazing food, truffles, dishes made of cinghiale (boar) meat, porcini mushrooms, cheese, great wine, and sweets. Moreover, you can find dozens of local shops to buy famous Tuscan olive oil, more wine, and ceramics. The ceramics are stunning!
Can’t be missed in San Gimignano:
While you’re roaming the cute town of San Gimignano, make sure not to miss this pastry and chocolate bar called Armando e Marcella. The story of this place is so beautiful on its own, that it just can’t be missed. This bar is a family-owned business, Armando e Marcella are those who opened it, and you can still find Marcella (who I’d say is around 80 years old) making amazing cappuccinos and serving their clients so fast, that a bartender in their 20s’ wouldn’t do it like her!
A local man recommended this place to us, and I must say that I have never had such a great brioche with cream, and brioche with chocolate as what they make! They also sell sandwiches, all types of sweets, but homemade chocolate balls (THEY ARE INCREDIBLE!) as well as homemade chocolate cream, hazelnut cream (better than Nutella!), and homemade pistachio cream! I spent more money shopping in this one bar than during my whole Tuscany trip! The charming town, the towers, the food, and this bar all together make San Gimignano definitely one of the best day trips in Tuscany!
4. Volterra
Volterra is another of the best Tuscany day trips from Florence, and another of my personal favorite Tuscan hill towns. If you’re planning day trips to Tuscany countryside from Florence, visiting San Gimignano and Volterra together can be a perfect itinerary for good day trips from Florence. These two are fairly close to each other, however, you must travel either by car or bus. If you want to rent a car in Florence, check our article!
Volterra isn’t as famous as Siena or San Gimignano, but it is definitely a stunning destination with an incredible panorama over the Tuscan hills. The best in this town is that it actually has these medieval vibes with dragon symbols around the town. Volterra’s historic center and these medieval vibes are absolutely fascinating, and sometimes you might find yourself looking if a knight covered fully in armor will show up on the next corner.
The town is steeped in mystic folklore, and those who loved the Twilight saga, I’d remind you, that the Volturi vampires had their residence in Volterra, while the town is also visible in the New Moon movie. Possibly the town was picked for the Twilight saga due to the many vampire stories originating from Volterra.
While you’re exploring this stunning town, make sure to stop by at the Alabaster Museum, and plan a lunch or dinner in the town, to try some delicious local dishes! If you like porcini mushrooms, the Risotto con Funghi Porcini is definitely something you want to try in Volterra!
5. Chianti
One of the most perfect day trips to Tuscany countryside from Florence is Chianti. The land of the perfect grapes, the land of vineyards, and the land of one of the most famous wines in the world, the Chianti wines. Chianti is one of the most unique winemaking regions in the world.
The squat wine bottled held in straw baskets that are called a fiasco, you can recognize a Chianti wine easily, and no sommelier will pass the opportunity to explore the wine region for sure! To visit this area, the best is always by car, since the vineyards are spread in the area. Otherwise, you can try local buses, a bicycle or a motorbike.
Also, since the wine region is worldwide famous, you can expect to find some of the highest quality restaurants from Italy, that are usually serving traditional Tuscan dishes, many times with a modern twist. Anyhow, any foodie will definitely leave Chianti with a happy stomach!
6. Montepulciano
Montepulciano is another of the best Tuscany day trips from Florence! A prime example of Tuscan beauty! The medieval hill town is home to Renaissance buildings, a labyrinth of cobbled streets, beautiful churches, great food, history, and wine.
If you want to think about some day trips out of Florence, and you’re looking for elegant, yet rustic, beautiful locations, day trips to Tuscany countryside from Florence, we say Montepulciano. To be honest, the best is always to get a car, and travel around 5-10 towns in Tuscany during a trip instead of doing 1-1 random day trips, however, in each case, Montepulciano is one to consider.
For wine lovers a Tuscany day trip from Florence to Montepulciano can be a perfect option, so you can visit vineyards, and try some of the most famous Italian wines that you’ve ever tasted. Since Montepulciano isn’t big either, if you’re in the area, you can combine a visit also to Cortona from here.
7. Lucca
I previously mentioned that if you’re planning to visit Pisa, the best is always to do a day trip to Pisa and Lucca from Florence. Lucca is a perfect choice for some of the best day trips in Tuscany. The medieval town center that’s really unique since it has a perfect round form, thanks to the buildings surrounding it.
While you’re in Lucca, you must explore some of the most stunning architectures, such as the Guinigi Tower. You can see on the top the holm oak trees that stand proud on top of the tower, that’s absolutely incredible to see! Also, the above-mentioned round square, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is packed with lovely cafes and restaurants serving local dishes and wine.
8. Perugia
Here’s another great option for the best day trips from Florence by train, Perugia! Perugia’s pristine medieval city center and the international student population, this is a large cosmopolitan city in the region of Umbria. If you’re looking for good day trips from Florence, and you prefer cities over towns, but still at a distance that’s doable, definitely visit Perugia!
Once you’re there, you must try one of Italy’s most famous hazelnut-flavored chocolate, the Baci. One of the most delicious chocolate treats that I’ve tried so far! Also, you must visit the beautiful Gothic palaces around the city center as well as the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, where you can see pieces displayed in more than 40 rooms!
In Perugia, you should be visiting Rocca Paolina, the Renaissance fortress, as well as Piazza IV Novembre, and stop by to try some traditional dishes from Umbria! From Florence, Perugia is about 2 hours drive, but if you’re planning a day trip from Florence by train, you could arrive within one and a half hours! If you need accommodation in the town, make sure you check our Perugia hotels list!
9. Bologna
Since this list of day trips from Florence Italy are picked by me, and because I’m based in the Emilia Romagna region, I’ve got to visit them, I can’t ignore a Florence to Bologna day trip either. Bologna is the capital city of the Emilia Romagna region, and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Italy!
The perfect foodie trip, where you can eat as much ragu, mortadella, tortellini, cheese, and whatever else you desire to eat, every corner is packed with bars serving all types of delicious local food, and restaurants serving the best dishes of Emilia Romagna. The city is considered the food capital of Italy, and besides eating, there’s a lot to do in the city too!
Since the University of Bologna is the oldest university in Europe, student life is on top levels. This makes Bologna a perfect destination for young adults especially and friend groups. Eat and party, then explore the Asinelli and Garisenda towers, walk under the millions of Porticos of the historic center, and visit the enormous Basilica di San Petronio.
10. Modena
Remaining still in the region of Emilia Romagna, beyond a Florence to Bologna day trip, you should definitely consider Modena as well! A medium-sized town that’s just about 30 minutes by train from Bologna Centrale and it’s a must-visit! The lively Emilian town is famous for many reasons, but first of all, like all the towns in Emilia Romagna, it’s famous for food!
Modena’s Aceto Balsamico (balsamic vinegar) is worldwide famous and it is definitely the best as well! Since you’re in the city, don’t miss some of the most famous restaurants in Modena, such as La Francescana or Trattoria da Ermes. Stroll on the Albinelli Market, stop for an Aperitivo and visit some local historic sights. Also, don’t forget that Modena is the home of Ferrari, and you can also visit the Enzo Ferrari museum, as well as you can sign up for a Ferrari driving experience too! Modena is also a great option for day trips from Bologna!
11. Arezzo
Yet another of the best Tuscany day trips from Florence to Arezzo. The hilltop town is easily reachable from Florence, and it is definitely a must-see since, beyond the medieval architecture and stunning panorama, there’s also a Roman amphitheater to visit. Moreover, there are plenty of churches and a fortress as well to explore in Arezzo!
The stunning historic center, the Piazza Grande, is just stunning. Moreover, the Medici Fortress on the top of the hill is unmissable, also for the spectacular panorama that it offers. Definitely, a lot of good food, wine, and local delicacies are to be found in Arezzo, so everyone can satisfy their curiosity and stomach too!
12. Assisi
Another of the best Tuscany day trips from Florence is definitely Assisi. When you think of Assisi, I’m sure the first idea to spring to mind is that of Catholic pilgrimage, and whilst that is true there’s far more to this town than religion alone. Whether you are religious or not the following sights are well worth a visit to view their splendid architecture, absorb the history, and well feel a little spiritual too. Well, Assisi is one of the best small towns in Italy!
The Porziuncola at Santa Maria degli Angeli, the tomb of Saint Francis at the Basilica of Saint Francis, and the tomb of Saint Clare at the Basilica of Saint Clare. If you are in town during the Assumption of the Immaculate Conception, you can see Mary’s Veil in the Basilica. It is claimed that the veil was a gift to Mary from the Magi, this precious silk veil was used to swaddle baby Jesus.
While exploring the beautiful town, you can stop by for a Piadina (flatbread sandwich) at Piadina Biologica, or dinner at Ristorante Vicoletto. Exploring this gem of Umbria is absolutely a must-do, and it is also easy to travel there if you’re looking for the best day trips from Florence by train!
13. Val d’Orcia
Val d’Orcia is by far the most beautiful countryside in Italy. The whole valley is a UNESCO Heritage Site, thanks to its incredible beauty! Val d’Orcia is best to be discovered by day trips from Florence Italy, or you can easily reach it from Siena (it’s much closer), but also from Rome.
The valley is famous for its amazing wine and cheese products, such as the famous Pecorino Romano cheese, but many others too. In Val d’Orcia, you can eat as much as you can, while talking with producers, and visiting factories, but also drive through the beautiful countryside that looks like a painting, and feel like you’d be driving in a painting.
14. Portovenere
Portovenere is by far one of those good day trips from Florence that bring you to the amazing and beautiful coasts of the Liguria region. After Cinque Terre and Portofino, Portovenere is another coastal town in Italy that’s absolutely beautiful and worth visiting! It’s also more affordable than Portofino!
Just south of La Spezia, Porto Venere also consists of more towns and islands. The three villages, are Fezzano, Le Grazie, and Porto Venere, and the three islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. Porto Venere is also part of the UNESCO Heritage Sites, just like Cinque Terre. A really beautiful destination that you can add to your Italy itinerary if you’re looking for day trips from Florence by car.
15. Terme di Saturnia
Terme di Saturnia is becoming more and more popular thanks to the natural pools and cascades created by limestone made this place absolutely fabulous. When you ask me about the best day trips from Florence Italy, and especially about the best Tuscany day trip from Florence, Terme di Saturnia will be one that I really recommend.
It is indeed a natural beauty, that also creates a stunning atmosphere. Terme di Saturnia is one of the most famous thermal baths in Tuscany. However remember, that Terme di Saturnia is indeed one of the best day trips to Tuscany countryside from Florence, without a car, it’s difficult to get there. It’s also pretty far from Florence, but if you plan a Val d’Orcia and Terme di Saturnia trip together, it could absolutely be the best Tuscany day trip from Florence!
15 Best day trips from Florence Italy
Now that we’ve covered the best Tuscany day trips from Florence, including tips for the best day trips from Florence by train, we hope that you’re ready for your next Italian adventure! All those who want to see more than just one city, and looking for day trips out of Florence could have found on this list all the possible good day trips from Florence that are actually doable in one day! The Tuscany day trip from Florence can include even more than one stop since in the small towns and villages there isn’t so much to do for a full day.
We also covered Emilia Romagna, Florence to Bologna day trips, but a day trip to Pisa and Lucca from Florence as well. Driving through the region was like magic, and I can say from the bottom of my heart, that there’s no place like Tuscany’s countryside. So by this, we hope you’ve found the best pick for you for day trips to Tuscany countryside from Florence. We did not include Florence to Venice day trip since Venice isn’t doable in one day and the travel time is significant too!