Best Day Trips from Florence: Explore Must-See Destinations

Taking a day trip from Florence introduces travelers to the enchanting countryside of Tuscany—filled with picturesque hill towns, vineyards, wineries, and coastal beauty. Various nearby regions can also be easily explored.

Siena

Address: 53100 Siena, Province of Siena, Italy

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Siena is a breathtaking Tuscan medieval hill town, renowned for its stunning fan-shaped piazza, beautiful cathedral, and charming pedestrian streets lined with shops. Don’t miss the chance to visit the second highest medieval bell tower in Italy, with 505 steps leading to breathtaking views.

Located 60 km south of Florence, Siena is easily reachable by train or bus. However, it is worth noting that while the bus stops close to the town center, the train station is positioned below town, necessitating a connecting bus to reach the main attractions.

Pisa

Address: Pisa, Province of Pisa, Italy

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Pisa is celebrated for its iconic leaning tower, beautiful Duomo, and Baptistery situated in Piazza dei Miracoli. Additionally, the city features a vibrant medieval center and a charming riverside promenade, making it an ideal destination for a full day of exploration.

The city is conveniently accessible from Florence via a quick train ride taking approximately 45 minutes; regional trains may take a bit longer, around one hour.

Fiesole

Address: 50014 Fiesole, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy

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Situated in the hills just above Florence, Fiesole provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat and offers panoramic views of the Florentine landscape. The area is home to an impressive archaeology park featuring a Roman amphitheater, as well as ruins from Etruscan and Lombard civilizations, making it a fantastic destination for history enthusiasts. A connecting bus runs from the Florence train station to Fiesole.

Lucca

Address: 55100 Lucca, Province of Lucca, Italy

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Lucca is renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls that offer scenic walking and cycling paths adorned with gardens. Visitors can easily explore the flat terrain of Lucca’s historic center, making it an excellent choice for those avoiding steep climbs. The city features stunning churches, vibrant shopping areas, and several towers providing magnificent views from the top. Frequent trains operate between Florence and Lucca, with a journey time of just over an hour.

San Gimignano

Address: 53037 San Gimignano, Province of Siena, Italy

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San Gimignano, a charming walled hill town, is known as the City of Beautiful Towers due to its 14 surviving medieval towers. Visitors can climb to the top of one tower for breathtaking views of the Tuscan landscape. The town also features an 11th-century duomo adorned with 14th-century frescoes, several museums, and delightful restaurants serving authentic Tuscan cuisine.

Travelers can reach San Gimignano via bus or train from Florence to Poggibonsi, followed by a short bus ride of approximately 20 minutes.

Bologna, Emilia Romagna City

Address: Bologna, Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy

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Bologna is celebrated for its exceptional cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. The city showcases magnificent squares, picturesque porticoed walkways, and historically rich buildings. Notably, the iconic medieval towers offer visitors the chance to climb their steep staircases for stunning views of the city. Culinary enthusiasts can partake in cooking classes that start with a market tour and culminate in a delightful meal.

Bologna is conveniently accessible by fast trains from Florence, taking roughly 30 to 35 minutes, followed by a short walk or bus ride to the city center.

Montecatini Terme

Address: 51016 Montecatini Terme, Province of Pistoia, Italy

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Montecatini Terme, known for its historic thermal baths, offers a serene environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, visit various spas, or experience the therapeutic thermal waters at the Liberty-style Terme Tettuccio. An enchanting funicular railway also transports guests up the hill to the quaint medieval town of Montecatini Alto.

Regional trains provide a cost-effective travel option to Montecatini, with a journey time of under an hour.

Winery Guided Tours

A fantastic way to explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside and experience local viticulture is by joining a guided winery tour. Generally, these tours include transportation to and from Florence, delightful wine tastings, and a delicious lunch.

Chianti Wine Region

The picturesque Chianti Classico wine region lies south of Florence and to the north of Siena. This area is characterized by its rolling hills covered with vineyards and charming wine towns. It offers a plethora of wineries where you can enjoy tastings. The region is best explored by car or through guided tours, although it is possible to reach the quaint wine town of Greve via bus from Florence.

Biking Tours from Florence

This four-hour scenic tour from Florence includes wine tastings and olive oil sampling. Participants will visit a historic Renaissance villa and wine estate, exploring the cellars and learning about the unique wine varieties produced in this beautiful region.

Viareggio and the Versilia Coast of Tuscany

Address: 55049 Viareggio, Province of Lucca, Italy

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Viareggio is the main city along Tuscany’s stunning Versilia Coast, easily reachable by train from Florence. With a car, you can further explore charming towns and beautiful beaches along the coast.

Cinque Terre Guided Day Trip from Florence

Address: Cinque Terre, SP, Italy

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Visiting the breathtaking Cinque Terre from Florence is possible, but it can be slightly challenging if relying solely on public transport. A guided day trip is an excellent way to explore these beautiful coastal towns while alleviating the stress of travel logistics.