Are you in search of the best day trips from Florence? Even though this gorgeous Italian city wows visitors with its historical treasures, we heartily suggest leaving the city limits and escaping the busy streets for a few day trips to explore the charming Tuscan countryside, charming villages and important historical sites that are only a short distance away.
You can venture outside of Florence with our all-inclusive list of day trips. How much you may see and do in one day will astound you! These incredible day trips from Florence offer to fully immerse you in the heart of this fascinating region, from picturesque vineyards to historic hilltop towns to authentic Italian activities like a traditional cooking class that will leave you spellbound.
Siena (1 hour drive)
Any vacation to Italy would not be complete without sampling the local wines, and the vineyards between Florence and Siena provide a broad selection of the most exquisite grape varieties because of a moderate climate that is favorable all year round. Only an hour’s drive from Florence, Siena is a medieval masterpiece frozen in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts a striking Gothic cathedral and the famous Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares.
Things to Do: Explore the winding alleys, admire the stunning architecture, and climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views.
What to Eat: Indulge in Siena’s delectable cuisine, including the famous panforte (a dense fruit and nut cake) and ribollita (a hearty Tuscan soup). You can eat at Osteria Boccon del Prete or Antica Osteria da Divo – famous for its unique dining rooms carved into ancient Etruscan tombs.
Where to Stay: For an authentic experience, consider staying in Hotel Athena or Palazzo Ravizza.
Cinque Terre (2.5 hours drive)
This charming cluster of five picturesque villages perched along the rugged Ligurian coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true gem of the Italian Riviera, just 2.5 hours from Florence.
Things to Do: Hike the famous coastal trails, explore the vibrant villages, and soak up the Mediterranean sun on the colorful beaches.
What to Eat: Savor the fresh seafood at Trattoria Dal Billy or Ristorante Miky, try the pesto alla genovese (Genovese-style pesto), and have a sip of the region’s renowned white wines.
Where to Stay: For the ultimate Cinque Terre experience, Hotel Porto Roca in Monterosso offers breathtaking views of the Ligurian Sea. Otherwise, consider staying in La Torretta Lodge.
Pisa (1 hour drive)
All year long, a day’s trip from Florence to Pisa is a delightful activity that never gets old. Undoubtedly, the focal point of interest is the magnificent Piazza del Campo dei Miracoli, which is the location of the fabled Leaning Tower of Pisa, an undeniable symbol of the city’s magnificence. Amid this magnificence, the enormous Romanesque Campo Cathedral is particularly striking, and Camposanto holds an abundance of Italy’s most remarkable murals and tombs.
Things to Do: Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, the Duomo, and the Baptistery, and stroll along the banks of the Arno River.
What to Eat: Indulge in the city’s renowned street food, including cecina (a chickpea flatbread) and torta co’ bischeri (a savory pie with chard and ricotta). Eat at La Taverna di Emma or Osteria dei Cavalieri – Popular for its seafood and classic Italian dishes.
Where to Stay: Consider staying in Hotel Relais Dell’Orologio or Hotel Bologna – A charming boutique hotel within walking distance of the Leaning Tower.
San Gimignano (1 hour drive)
There is no other picture that more strongly evokes the image of medieval Tuscany than San Gimignano, also known as “delle Belle Torri,” with its breathtaking skyline of towers and built-in aristocratic competition by squabbling nobles in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Due in part to its ease of access as a day trip from Florence or Siena, located 27 km to the southeast, the town has long captured the attention of tourists who see it as a “Medieval Manhattan.”
Remarkably impressive, impeccably kept, charmingly rustic, and adorned with an exquisite collection of frescoes, San Gimignano is everything that is promised. Although the town sees a surge of visitors during the summer, it is a delightful place to explore and could be one of the reasons Italy is ranked second in the world, behind New Zealand, for sheer natural beauty.
Things to Do: Wander through the narrow streets, visit the Collegiate Church and its stunning frescoes, and climb the Torre Grossa for panoramic views.
What to Eat: Sample the local specialties, such as the famous white Vernaccia wine, saffron-infused dishes, and delectable gelato. You can find some excellent local wines at Ristorante Dorando or Cum Quibus.
Where to Stay: For an authentic experience, consider staying in La Cisterna Hotel or Hotel Bel Soggiorno.
Val d’Orcia (2 hours drive)
The Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a picturesque valley in Tuscany, just 2 hours from Florence, famous for its rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and medieval villages. The Val d’Orcia extends from San Quirico d’Orcia to the Lago di Bolsena and the Lazio border. Beautiful landscape, the area is dotted with fortifications dating from the seventh century, when the Via Francigena, which runs through the valley, was an important route leading north of Rome.
The first main draw is the amazing Bagno Vignoni Medicean sulfur baths. If you have a car or a bike, you may drive south from here to the monastery of San Salvatore, which is the center of medieval power in the area. Make sure to take a detour to the incredibly beautiful Radicofani.
Things to Do: Explore charming towns like Pienza and Montalcino, take a scenic drive through the countryside, and visit wineries to sample the renowned Brunello di Montalcino wine.
What to Eat: Indulge in the region’s delicious pecorino cheese, pici pasta, and the world-famous Brunello di Montalcino wines.
Where to Stay: Consider staying in a rustic agriturismo or a historic villa surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Lucca (1.5 hours drive)
The most elegant of Tuscany’s provincial capitals, Lucca is serene without being boring. It is surrounded by a ring of Renaissance walls that are adorned with gardens and massive bastions. The city welcomes guests with ease and has a serene, independent historic center that is enjoyable to explore on your own. Being one of the few areas in Tuscany where a large number of people live on bicycles, the ancient center is surprisingly traffic-free.
There were allegedly once seventy churches in the city, and even now, you would be hard-pressed to find a five-minute stroll without encountering a charming plaza or a church building with a marble exterior. Rich in top-notch museums, one honoring the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini, the city exudes grace and a sophisticated way of life.
Things to Do: Stroll along the top of the ancient city walls, explore the picturesque piazzas, and visit the opulent Basilica of San Frediano.
What to Eat: Savor the local delicacies, such as tordelli lucchesi (meat-stuffed pasta), buccellato (a sweet bread with raisins and anise), and the renowned Lucchese olive oil.
Where to Stay: Consider staying in a historic palazzo or a cozy B&B within the city walls to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere.
Arezzo (1 hour drive)
You will be mesmerized by the elegance and charm of this stunning Tuscan town as soon as you arrive in Arezzo. Arezzo is well-known for its internationally renowned antiques market, which attracts both locals and tourists. It also has a magnificent church with some of the most exquisite stained-glass windows you will ever see.
Things to Do: Explore the Piazza Grande, one of Italy’s most magnificent squares, visit the Basilica of San Francesco with its incredible frescoes, and discover the city’s Roman archaeological sites.
What to Eat: Indulge in the local specialties, such as porchetta (roasted pork), ribollita (hearty Tuscan soup), and the region’s famous Chianti wines.
Where to Stay: Stay in Minerva hotel or Iconic Resort & Spa for easy access to the sights.
Assisi (2 hours drive)
Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, is a charming hilltop town located 2 hours from Florence, known for its stunning Basilica of St. Francis and its peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. Take in Giotto’s magnificent frescoes that portray the life of San Francesco within the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, and you will begin to understand the deep significance of this sacred pilgrimage site.
Visit the Basilica of Santa Chiara, which honors a devoted disciple of San Francesco, and then spend some time independently exploring this mysterious city. As you proceed with your tour, you will stop at the Santa Maria degli Angeli Church, which is home to the Franciscan Order’s founding, before traveling to Cortona.
Things to Do: Visit the Basilica of St. Francis and its awe-inspiring frescoes, explore the narrow streets and picturesque piazzas, and take a scenic hike through the surrounding Umbrian countryside.
What to Eat: Savor the local Umbrian cuisine, such as torta al testo (a savory flatbread), strangozzi (thick, hand-rolled pasta), and the region’s delicious truffles.
Where to Stay: For an immersive experience, consider staying in Portica 10 or Hotel La Terrazza & SPA.
Saturnia (3 hours drive)
Saturnia, a picturesque town in the Maremma region of Tuscany, is 3 hours from Florence and is famous for its therapeutic natural hot springs and cascading waterfalls.
Things to Do: Soak in the rejuvenating thermal waters of the Terme di Saturnia, explore the charming town, and take a scenic hike through the surrounding hills and valleys.
What to Eat: Savor the local cuisine, including wild boar dishes, pecorino cheese, and the region’s excellent Maremma wines.
Where to Stay: Consider staying in a luxurious spa resort or a cozy agriturismo to fully enjoy the area’s natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
Bolgheri (2.5 hours drive)
Bolgheri, a small village in the Maremma region of Tuscany, is 2.5 hours from Florence and is renowned for its prestigious wineries and stunning cypress-lined landscapes.
Things to Do: Visit some of the area’s famous wine estates, such as Ornellaia and Sassicaia, for wine tastings and tours, explore the charming village, and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean scenery.
What to Eat: Indulge in the local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and, of course, the world-famous Bolgheri wines.
Where to Stay: Stay in a luxurious wine resort or a cozy agriturismo surrounded by vineyards and olive groves for an authentic Tuscan experience.
Quick Tips For A Perfect Day Trip
Transport: Most of these destinations are accessible by train or bus from Florence. Renting a car can also be a good option for more flexibility.
Timing: Start your day early to make the most of your trip, especially for popular tourist spots.
Reservations: Make restaurant reservations in advance to avoid long waits, especially during peak tourist seasons.
