Are you looking for day trips to Florence Italy? We have you covered. Our list of day trips to Florence includes the best day trips in Tuscany from Florence and the best day trips by train from Florence. We also cover a Florence-to-Bologna day trip as well as a day trip from Florence to Pisa or Lucca. We’ve also included some fantastic day trips from Tuscany, as it is a central area.
15 Top Day Trips from Florence Italy
We’ve listed the 15 best day trips to Florence Italy. Our list includes stunning Tuscan villages as well as cities within the region and neighboring regions.
There are many great day trips from Florence to Bologna and Tuscany to Bologna. We recommend that you don’t consider a Florence-to Venice day trip if you are looking for day trips from Florence. Venice is far away and it takes more than one day to see it. If you want to visit Venice, plan at least two to three days.
1. Siena
Day trips from Florence Italy must begin with the second most beautiful Tuscany town. You can also reach Siena by bus or car. This is one of the most popular day trips from Florence. It is situated south of Florence and only one and a quarter hours from Florence.
We can tell you that Tuscany day trips from Florence are excellent, but we have also seen Siena. There are many reasons to do this day trip. Siena, the largest hill town in Tuscany, is home to amazing Gothic architecture, charming medieval streets and delicious Tuscan food.
Visit Siena and you must visit the Piazza del Campo. It is the largest and most important medieval square in Europe. You can also find the Palazzo Pubblico, and the Tower of Mangia. You can also visit Siena’s Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta Renaissance Cathedral. After that, you can try truffles, wine and other delicious local dishes.
2. Pisa
Pisa is a great place to visit Tuscany from Florence. Pisa’s Leaning Tower is a landmark that is a must-see, not only in Italy but across Europe. Pisa is a great choice for day trips from Florence, as it has a direct train line.
Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli is the first place to see. Here you will find the Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta (Cathedral of Pisa), or in Italian Duomo di Pisa. It has the incredible baptistery and Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s best to consider two destinations when you visit Pisa. For day trips to Florence, a day trip to Pisa or Lucca could be a good choice.
Because there isn’t much else to do in Pisa, outside of the Piazza dei Miracoli, I suggest that you plan another activity. After walking around all the important sites in 3 hours, it was time to eat. However, it wasn’t enough to last the entire day. You can visit two beautiful places in Tuscany if you plan to go by train or car from Pisa. Pisa is a great day trip in Tuscany so make sure you don’t miss this!
3. San Gimignano
The charming San Gimignano is a great place to take day trips from Florence Italy. This small hill town is nestled between the hills of Tuscany and millions of vines. It boasts many medieval towers you can see far away. San Gimignano has been voted one of the top day trips from Florence and one of the top day trips into Tuscany countryside from Florence.
The perfect medieval town is filled with delicious food like truffles, cinghiale (boar), meat dishes, porcini mushrooms and cheese. There’s also great wine and sweets. You can also find many local shops where you can buy the famous Tuscan oil, more wines, and ceramics. These ceramics are amazing!
San Gimignano is a must-see:
You can’t miss the Armando and Marcella pastry and chocolate shop while you’re in San Gimignano. The bar is family-owned. Armando e Marcella opened it. Marcella, who I would guess is 80 years old, still makes amazing cappuccinos. They also serve their customers so fast that a bartender in her 20s wouldn’t be able to do it as well.
This place was recommended to us by a local man. I can honestly say that they make the best brioche, cream, and chocolate brioche. You can also buy sandwiches and other sweets. But their homemade chocolate balls are amazing! They also sell homemade chocolate cream and hazelnut cream (better that Nutella!) Homemade pistachio cream and homemade chocolate cream. This was the only place I spent more money than on my entire Tuscany trip. San Gimignano is a charming town with towers and delicious food.
4. Volterra
Volterra, another great day trip to Tuscany from Florence and one of my favorite Tuscan hill towns, is another option. A perfect day trip to Tuscany from Florence can include San Gimignano or Volterra. You can only travel by bus or car between these two cities.
Volterra may not be as well-known as San Gimignano or Siena, but it’s still a beautiful destination with a breathtaking view over the Tuscan hills. It has this medieval vibe with dragon symbols all around it, which is what makes it one of the best places in town. These medieval vibes and Volterra’s historic centre are fascinating. You might even find yourself wondering if there is a knight in full armor around the corner.
It is rich in mystic folklore. Those who love Twilight will recall that Volturi vampires lived in Volterra. The New Moon movie also shows the town. The many Volterra vampire stories may have led to the selection of the town for the Twilight story.
You should also make sure you stop by the Alabaster Museum while exploring the beautiful town. The Risotto Con Funghi Porcini, a dish made with porcini mushrooms is a must-try in Volterra.
5. Chianti
Chianti is a wonderful day trip to Tuscany from Florence. Chianti is the land where the best grapes are grown, the land where the vineyards flourish, and home to one of the most renowned wines in the world, Chianti wines. Chianti is one the most distinctive wine-making regions in the entire world.
A squat wine is bottled in straw baskets and is called a fiasco. You can easily recognize a Chianti wine, and no sommelier would pass up the chance to visit the wine region. The best way to visit this region is by car. There are many vineyards in the area. You can also use local buses, bicycles, or motorbikes.
You can also expect to find top-quality restaurants from Italy in Chianti, which will often serve traditional Tuscan dishes with modern twists. Anyone who visits Chianti will be satisfied with their meal.
6. Montepulciano
Montepulciano is another great day trip to Tuscany from Florence. This is a prime example of Tuscan beauty. This medieval hill town is home of Renaissance buildings, a labyrinthine network of cobbled streets and beautiful churches. It also has great food, history, wine, and other interesting things.
Montepulciano is a great option for day trips from Florence. If you are looking for beautiful, but rustic, locations in Tuscany, Montepulciano is the best choice. Although it is better to rent a car and visit 5-10 Tuscany towns during a single trip, Montepulciano is worth considering in each instance.
A day trip to Tuscany from Florence to Montepulciano is a great option for wine lovers. You can visit vineyards and taste some of the best Italian wines. Montepulciano isn’t huge so you can also visit Cortona if you’re in the vicinity.
7. Lucca
As I mentioned, if you are planning on visiting Pisa it is a good idea to take a day trip from Florence to Pisa or Lucca. Lucca is the perfect place to go on some of the most memorable day trips in Tuscany. It is a medieval center with a unique shape thanks to its buildings.
You must visit Lucca to see some of the most beautiful architectures such as Guinigi Tower. It’s amazing to see the tower’s holm oak trees. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, a square containing the above mentioned holm oak trees, is home to many lovely cafes, restaurants, and shops that offer local cuisine and wine.
8. Perugia
Perugia is another option for day trips from Florence via train. Perugia is known for its beautiful medieval center and international student population. It is also a large, cosmopolitan town in the region Umbria. Perugia is a great place to go if you are looking for day trips from Florence and prefer cities over towns.
You must visit Italy to try the Baci, the most popular hazelnut-flavored chocolate in Italy. This is one of my favorite chocolate treats! You must also visit the gorgeous Gothic palaces in the city center, as well as Galleria Nazionale dill’Umbria where pieces can be seen in over 40 rooms.
You should visit Perugia’s Rocca Paolina, a Renaissance fortress, and Piazza IV Novembre. Don’t forget to stop by to taste Umbrian traditional dishes! Perugia is approximately 2 hours away from Florence. However, if you plan to travel by train from Florence, it will take you only one and a quarter hours to reach Perugia.
9. Bologna
This list of day trips from Florence Italy is mine. And because I live in the Emilia Romagna area, I have to go there. I also can’t miss a Florence-to-Bologna day trip. Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romagna’s region, is definitely worth a visit.
A perfect place to go on a foodie vacation, you will find bars that serve delicious local food and restaurants that offer the finest Emilia Romagna dishes. It is known as the Italian food capital. There are many things to do in the city.
The University of Bologna, Europe’s oldest university, is a top-rated destination for students. Bologna is a great destination for young adults, especially friends. After a night of partying, explore Asinelli and Garisenda towers. Next, take a walk under the millions Porticos in the historic center. Finally, visit the immense Basilica di San Petronio.
10. Modena
You should also consider Modena if you are still in Emilia Romagna. It’s a medium-sized town, only 30 minutes away by train from Bologna Centrale. It’s worth a visit! This lively Emilian town is well-known for its food, just like other towns in Emilia Romagna.
Modena’s Aceto Balsamico, or balsamic vinegar, is world-famous and is considered the best. You can’t miss Modena’s most popular restaurants, Trattoria da Emmes or La Francescana while you’re there. You can stroll the Albinelli Market, have an Aperitivo, and see some of the historic sites. You should also remember that Modena is home to Ferrari. There are many places you can visit, including the Enzo Ferrari Museum. You can also sign up for a Ferrari driving lesson. Modena is a great choice for day trips starting from Bologna.
11.Arezzo
Another great day trip to Tuscany from Florence to Arezzo. It is easy to reach from Florence. This hilltop town offers stunning views and medieval architecture. Arezzo also has many churches and fortresses to explore!
Piazza Grande is a stunning historical center. The spectacular view from the top of the hill makes the Medici Fortress a must-see. Arezzo is home to a wide variety of delicious food and wine.
12.Assisi
Assisi is another great place to visit in Tuscany. Assisii is often associated with Catholic pilgrimage. However, there is so much more to the town than that. These sights, regardless of your religious beliefs, are worth a visit. You can admire their beautiful architecture, take in the history, and feel a bit spiritual. Assisii is one the most beautiful small towns in Italy.
Santa Maria degli Angeli’s Porziuncola, Saint Francis’ tomb at the Basilica of Saint Francis and Saint Clare’s tomb at the Basilica of Saint Clare. You can also see Mary’s Veil at the Basilica if you are visiting during the Assumption Of The Immaculate Conception. The veil is believed to have been given to Mary by the Magi. It was said that this precious silk veil was used for swaddling baby Jesus.
You can also stop by Piadina Biologica for a flatbread sandwich or dinner at Ristorante Victoroletto while you’re exploring this beautiful town. This gem of Umbria must be seen. It is easy to get there by train if you are looking for day trips from Florence.
13. Val d’Orcia
Val d’Orcia is the most beautiful area in Italy. Because of its breathtaking beauty, the entire valley is a UNESCO Heritage Site. You can reach Val d’Orcia best by taking day trips from Florence Italy.
It is known for its incredible wine and cheese products like the Pecorino Romano cheese. But there are many other attractions. You can eat as much as possible in Val d’Orcia while speaking with producers and visiting factories. But you also have the option to drive through beautiful countryside that looks almost like a painting.
14. Portovenere
Portovenere, a day trip from Florence that takes you to the beautiful coastlines of Liguria, is by far the best. Portovenere, like Cinque Terre or Portofino is another beautiful coastal town in Italy. It’s definitely worth visiting! It is also cheaper than Portofino.
Porto Venere, located just south of La Spezia is also made up of additional towns and islands. Fezzano Le Grazie, Porto Venere and Fezzano are the three villages. The three islands Palmaria Tino, Tinetto, and Le Grazie are also included. Porto Venere, like Cinque Terre, is also part the UNESCO Heritage Sites. If you are looking for day trips from Florence, this is a beautiful place that you can add on to your Italy itinerary.
15. Terme di Saturnia
Terme di Saturnia has been growing in popularity due to its natural pools and cascades made of limestone. Terme di Saturnia is a place I recommend when you want to know about the best day trips to Florence Italy and the best Tuscany daytrip from Florence.
It is a beautiful natural setting that creates an amazing atmosphere. Terme di Saturnia, one of the most well-known thermal baths is Tuscany. Terme di Saturnia can be a great day trip to Tuscany from Florence. However, it is difficult to reach without a car. Although it is quite far from Florence, it can be a great day trip to Tuscany if you combine a Val d’Orcia with Terme di Saturnia.
15 Top Day Trips from Florence Italy
We hope you are ready to embark on your next Italian adventure after we have covered the top Tuscany day trips, as well as tips for day trips by train from Florence. This list has all the day trips that you can make from Florence for those who wish to see more than one city. You can make the Tuscany daytrip from Florence with more than one stop, as there aren’t many things to do in the smaller towns and villages.
We also covered Emilia Romagna and Florence to Bologna day tours, as well as a day trip from Florence to Pisa or Lucca. It was magical driving through the area, and I can tell you, there is no place like Tuscany’s country. We hope this helps you make the right choice for your day trip to Tuscany from Florence. Since Venice is not possible in one day, and because of the significant travel time involved, we did not include a Florence to Venice day trip.
