The Best Day Trips from Florence Italy

Florence, the city of art and architecture is a must-see destination for any traveler. However, if you find yourself with some extra time on your hands or want to explore beyond Florence there are several wonderful easy day trips from Florence Italy that you shouldn’t miss. From medieval hill towns to therapeutic hot springs, you’re sure to find a Florence day trips that suits you. Here are some of our favorite day trip destination.

How to Travel to your Florence Day Trip

There are several day trips you can choose from when traveling to Florence. There are what you call a full day and a half day trip, either one you choose from them, you’ll be sure to have a blast in these amazing towns surrounding Florence!

By Public Transportation

The easiest way to take a day trip from Florence is by using Italy’s fantastic train system. Their trains are fast, clean, and have relatively punctual train station. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance to get seats together. Some journeys may require a bus journey as well.

By Car

If you’re more interested in taking a Florence day trip into the rural countryside, you’ll most likely need to rent a car. I like to rent cars in Italy from this site. If you decide to rent a car, be sure you have your international driving permit. It’s illegal to drive in Italy without it.

Take a Tour

The easiest way to take a day trip from Florence is to take an organized tour. There are so many great options that provide a local guide and private transportation. It’s not exactly the budget option, but you get what you pay for and I think it’s worth every Euro to have the expertise and connecting experience of having a local guide. I like to book my tours from this site and this company. I’ve had great experiences in Italy with both of them.

The Best Day Trips from Florence Italy

San Gimignano

If you’re looking for a taste of medieval Italy, then a day trip to San Gimignano is a must. This small town is located about an hour outside of Florence and is home to 14th-century towers that loom over the town. You can also enjoy some of the delicious Tuscan wine that the region is known for.

Public Transport	2 hours
By Car	1 hour
Tour	Pisa, Siena & San G Tour

Siena

One of the best day trips from Florence, Siena is another small hill town located just over an hour outside of town. It’s best known for its annual horse race, the Palio, which takes place in the main square (Il Campo). Siena is also home to several art museums and churches, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Public Transport	2 hours
By Car	1 hour
Tour	Pisa, Siena & San G Tour

Pisa

This is a great day trip from Florence by train. Pisa is probably one of the most well-known cities in Italy thanks to its iconic Leaning Tower. While the tower is definitely the main attraction, there’s also a beautiful cathedral and baptistery worth exploring. Pisa is a no brainer Florence day trip due to it’s proximity and easy train ride. Pisa is about an hour and a half away from Florence by train. I recommend booking your skip the line tickets to the tower ahead of time. If you don’t want to stress about the train and enjoy having a private guide, I recommend booking a half day tour.

Public Transport	2 hours
By Car	1 hour
Tour	Pisa, Siena & San G Tour

Lucca

Lucca is another medieval town located in Tuscany that’s just a short train ride away from Florence. This walled city is incredibly picturesque and offers plenty of things to do, including walking or biking along the city walls, visiting churches and museums, and strolling through quaint cobblestone streets lined with shops and cafes. I highly recommend taking this walking city tour in Lucca while you’re there.

Public Transport	1.5 hours
By Car	1 hour
Tour	Pisa & Lucca Tour

Chianti

If you’re looking for a Tuscany day trip from Florence, Chianti is a beautiful area located between Florence and Siena. It’s best known for its Chianti wine tour, which you can sample at any number of vineyards in the area. Chianti is also home to several medieval villages and castles, as well as a variety of hiking trails. This Florence day trip includes a few hours in Chianti and includes lunch in a vineyard.

Public Transport	1.5 hours
By Car	1 hour
Tour	Chianti Tour

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a region located on the Italian Riviera, about 3 hours outside of Florence. It’s comprised of 5 small towns (hence the name), each with its own unique charm. Cinque Terre is best known for its breathtaking scenery, with dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea below.

The great thing about Cinque Terre is that it is really easy to access by train. Take the train directly to La Spezia and then transfer to any of the 5 towns in the Cinque Terre. It’s about a 2-minute ride between towns. Read more about Cinque Terre.

An easy way to see Cinque Terre and avoid having to do several train changes is to take a guided tour. I love this Cinque Terre day trip from Florence tour that includes time with a local and picks you up near or at your hotel so you don’t have to worry about anything on your Cinque Terre day trip!

Public Transport	1.5 hours
By Car	1 hour
Tour	Cinque Terre Tour

Thermal Springs

If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, spending a day at one of Tuscany’s many thermal springs is the perfect day trip from Florence. There are several spas located in the area where you can soak in natural hot springs and enjoy treatments like massages and facials. One of the most popular spots is Rapolano Terme, which is about an hour and a half away by car.

Public Transport	3 hours
By Car	1 hour

Saturnia Hot Springs

Saturnia Hot Springs, known in Italian as Terme di Saturnia or Cascate del Mulino, is one of the amazing wonders of the Tuscan countryside. Naturally warm water cascades into travertine stone pools, creating a perfect atmosphere for visitors to wonder at the beauty of nature and relax. These are seriously some of the most picturesque hot springs you’ll ever see. Here’s a guide on how to visit Saturnia Hot Springs.

Public Transport	3.5 hours
By Car	2.5 hours

Arezzo

If you want to take a day trip from Florence that is not as well-known, head to the beautiful Tuscan city of Arezzo. It is located less than an hour south of Florence by train and it is easy to get to. Arezzo has beautiful churches, stunning views of the Tuscan countryside, and plenty to do. While you are there, make sure you check out the Medici Fortress, the archaeological museum, and the frescoes in the Church of San Francesco.

Public Transport	1.5 hours
By Car	1 hour

Bologna

Bologna is basically the food capital of Italy! It is the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region of the country and it’s a great day trip from Florence for foodies. Here you’ll be able to try classic Italian delicacies such as real balsamic vinegar (if you’ve never had it you’re in for a real treat!), mortadella, Parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and more! I highly recommend taking a food tour while in Bologna. If you really want to make it all about food, this small group tour is the perfect way to spend your day.

Public Transport	30 minutes
By Car	1 hour
Tour	Bologna Food Tour

Fiesole

If you’re looking for a unique way to do a Florence day trip, hiking to Fiesole could be just for you. It’s about a one-hour hike out of Florence, but you also have the option to take the bus. Fiesole offers stunning views over Florence. You can also explore the Roman ruins, Francesco Monastery, and the cathedral. This is a quick and easy day trip from Florence if you don’t want to venture too far.

Public Transport	20 minutes by bus
By Car	10 minutes
Hike	1.5 hours

Verona

Verona is a beautiful city full of history that’s easy to access from Florence. Verona has a colosseum that’s even older than the Colosseum in Rome! You can also see the fictional Juliet’s house and balcony. There’s also some fantastic high-end shopping

Public Transport	1.5 hours
By Car	2 hours

Val d’Orcia

This area in Tuscany is known for its iconic picturesque rolling hills and stunning views. It’s also known for its wine and cheese. This area is best explored by car. If you’re not comfortable driving, there’s a great cheese and wine tasting tour to Val d’Orcia from Florence. If you’re up for a delicious and historic tour including a wine tour is a great choice!

Public Transport	2 hours
By Car	1.5 hours
Tour	Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour

Volterra

Volterra is an ancient hill town just south of Florence that dates back to the Etruscans. You can visit the Piazza dei Priori and explore the old walls and Roman ruins. You may recognize the name Volterra as the headquarters for the Volturi in the Twilight Saga, but you won’t recognize any sites from the movie here, as it was all filmed in Montepulciano. Read more about movies filmed in Italy.

Public Transport	1.5 hours
By Car	1 hour

Orvieto

While not extremely close to Florence, you can take a 2.5-hour train ride to visit Orvieto, another ancient hilltop town with incredible views and a charming historic city center. You can visit the Etruscan necropolis, climb the Torre del Moro, and go inside St. Patrick’s well.

Public Transport	2 hours
By Car	1.5 hours

Pienza

Pienza is a small town in Val d’Orcia. You can explore the San Biagio and Piazza Pio II, as well as the Pienza Cathedral. Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is perfectly preserved so it’s really like you’ve gone back in time.

Public Transport	3.5 hours
By Car	1.5 hours

Cortona

Yes, yet another hilltop town that is adorable and contains historical significance. I mean, could you really ever get tired of these? You’ll also get a magnificent view of Lake Trasimeno, which. is one of the best lakes in Italy!

Also yet another town from a movie or book set in Italy…You may recognize it from Under the Tuscan Sun.

Public Transport	1.5 hours
By Car	1.5 hours

Portovenere

Portovenere is a gorgeous town on the Ligurian coast known for its sea caves and picturesque town center. If you’re looking for beach time, this is a great choice for a Florence day trip. Definitely take a hike in the Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere. If you’re feeling ambitious you can combine a trip to Portovenere with a visit to Cinque Terre.

Public Transport	4 hours
By Car	1 hour 45 minutes

Montalcino

Another hilltop village yay! This medieval town is truly a little gem though. There are many wineries to explore, an old abbey, and gorgeous views.

Public Transport	3 hours
By Car	1.5 hours

Assisi

You will find many Catholic visitors making the pilgrimage to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. But even if you’re not Catholic, there is still a lot to see here. The main attraction here is the UNESCO site St. Francis Basilica.

Public Transport	2.5 hours
By Car	2 hours

Milan

If you want to explore a city that’s very different from Florence, hop on the fast train to Milan. Known as Italy’s fashion capital, the city offers great shopping as well as history, culture, and people-watching. The Milan Duomo is gorgeous and worth a visit. While you’re there, I recommend seeing DaVinci’s Last Supper, which absolutely needs to be booked in advance.

Public Transport	2 hours
By Car	3 hours
Tour	Last Supper Tickets

Venice

Venice is always a good idea when you’re in Italy. Although I would recommend staying for more than just a day, it’s an easy train ride if that’s all the time you’ve got. You’ll have enough time to wander the alleyways, get lost, ride a gondola, and have a good meal.

Public Transport	2.5 hours
By Car	2.5 hours

Rome

You should never leave Italy without seeing Rome. It’s a magical city and, like Venice, worth more than just a day trip. But if it’s all you’ve got, you can still do Rome in a day.

Public Transport	1.5 hours
By Car	2.5 hours

Vespa Day Trip from Florence

If there’s one thing I love more than riding a vespa in Florence, its riding a Vespa in the countryside. This Florence day trip takes you on a vintage Vespa ride through the gorgeous Tuscan scenery.

Tour	Vespa Tour

Horseback Riding in Tuscany

If you want a truly unique experience just outside Florence and you have a love of animals and food, I highly recommend this Horsebackriding tour with lunch. You’ll ride horses through a vineyard and olive tree groves followed by a traditional Florentine pasta lunch. It doesn’t get more romantic than this!

Tour	Horseback Riding Tour

Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re interested in wine tastings, taking a day trip from Florence to try authentic Tuscan wine is a great idea. The best part is that you have a designated driver. This semi-private wine-tasting tour in Tuscany is fantastic. You’ll visit 2 different wineries during your trip as well as enjoy olive oil tasting.

Tour	Wine Tasting Tour

Cooking Class Day Trip from Florence

If you are looking for an authentic cooking experience just outside Florence, this Tuscan cooking class is such a fun experience! There are plenty of cooking classes you can take in Florence, but this class is such a fun experience being in an old farmhouse in the Tuscan countryside. You’ll get to try lots of different dishes and you’ll love them all!

Tour	Tuscan Cooking Class

There are so many wonderful places to explore near Florence, Italy. Whether you’re interested in medieval history, wine tasting, prefer to relax at a spa, or learning how to cook traditional Italian food, there’s definitely a day trip that’s perfect for you. So get out there and start exploring!