Florence is the ideal base for exploring some of the most beautiful cities in Italy, offering countless opportunities for unforgettable adventures. From Florence to Siena, San Gimignano, or the breathtaking Cinque Terre, there’s no shortage of perfect day trips to take. Whether it’s a day in the Val d’Orcia or a visit to charming medieval towns southwest of Florence, these destinations showcase the best of Tuscany and beyond.
🏠 Where to Stay in Florence
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Donati Luxury Tower Firenze
- ✨ 5-Star: Hotel Bernini Palace
- 🏨 4-Star: Art Atelier
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Hotel Davanzati
- 💸 Cheap: Hotel Bavaria
- 🏢 Apartament: Piccolo Residence Apart
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Ungherese Hotel
- 🏩 For Couples: Golden Tower
For those with limited time in Florence, the proximity to Florence of many iconic destinations makes planning easy. A day tour to Siena, a day in Pisa, or even a Cinque Terre day trip are among the most popular day trips from Florence. Trips like these can be reached by car, train, or guided tours departing from Florence Santa Maria Novella Station. Whether traveling by a high-speed train from Florence or taking a scenic drive back to Florence after a day in Tuscany, these excursions showcase the best of what Italy has to offer.
💁 Best Guided Tours from Florence
- Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery from € 110 (⭐4.8/5)
- Cinque Terre Hiking Day Trip from Florence from € 80 (⭐4.8/5)
- From Florence: Small Group to Cinque Terre and Pisa Day Tour from € 200 (⭐5/5)
- Private Day Trip to Siena and Chianti Wine Country with Wine Tasting from Florence from € 400 (⭐5/5)
- Brunello di Montalcino Full Day Tour from € 560 (⭐5/5)
Best Day Trips from Florence
1. 🏛️ Pisa
Visit duration: 3-4 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour (50 miles/80 km from Florence by train)
Architectural Marvels: Pisa is home to the world-renowned Leaning Tower, an architectural wonder that has fascinated visitors for centuries. Located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, this UNESCO World Heritage Site also includes the stunning Duomo and Baptistery. Climb the 294 steps of the tower for breathtaking views of the Tuscan landscape.
Cultural Gems: Beyond the tower, Pisa offers plenty to explore. Stroll along the Arno River to admire historic buildings like Palazzo Blu or visit Santa Maria della Spina Church for its intricate Gothic design. Don’t miss Keith Haring’s Tuttomondo mural near the train station for a touch of modern art.
Insider Tip: Book tickets online for the Leaning Tower to avoid long queues. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and better lighting for photos.
⭐ Best Activities
Tuscany Day Trip from Florence: Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Lunch at a Winery: This comprehensive day trip from Florence combines visits to Tuscany’s most iconic destinations – medieval Siena, towered San Gimignano, and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Pisa and the Leaning Tower Half-Day Trip from Florence: This convenient half-day tour takes you from Florence to explore the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and the surrounding Piazza dei Miracoli. Perfect for travelers short on time, this guided experience includes skip-the-line access to climb the famous tower and expert commentary about Pisa’s architectural marvels.
⭐ Baptistry, Sinopie Museum, Graveyard & Cathedral Fast Track – Check availability of tickets
2. 🌊 Cinque Terre
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 2 hours (95 miles/150 km from Florence by train via La Spezia)
Stunning Seascapes: Cinque Terre is a collection of five colorful villages perched on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Each village has its own charm—Riomaggiore’s dramatic marina, Vernazza’s picturesque harbor, and Monterosso’s sandy beaches are just a few highlights.
Outdoor Adventures: Hiking along scenic trails like the Blue Path offers breathtaking views of terraced vineyards and turquoise waters. Alternatively, take a ferry ride between villages for a unique perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Tip: Purchase a Cinque Terre Card for unlimited train travel between villages and access to hiking trails. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven paths.
⭐ Best Activities
Scent of the Sea: Cinque Terre Park Full Day Trip from Florence: This full-day excursion takes you from Florence to explore the stunning coastal villages of Cinque Terre, with stops in Manarola, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore. The tour includes guided walks through the picturesque villages, free time to swim or shop, and comfortable round-trip transportation from Florence. Perfect for those wanting to experience the Italian Riviera’s most beautiful destinations in one day.
Small Group Cinque Terre and Pisa Day Tour from Florence: This comprehensive small-group tour combines two of Tuscany’s most sought-after destinations – the colorful villages of Cinque Terre and the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. The intimate group size ensures a more personalized experience while exploring these UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time outside Florence.
⭐ Cinque Terre, Porto Venere, Monterosso and Vernazza Tour – Check availability of tickets
3. 🏰 Siena
Visit duration: 6-8 hours / Travel duration: 1.5 hours (47 miles/75 km from Florence by train or car)
Timeless Beauty: Siena is one of Italy’s most enchanting medieval cities. Its fan-shaped Piazza del Campo hosts the famous Palio horse race twice a year, while the Gothic Siena Cathedral dazzles with its intricate marble facade and Renaissance art inside.
Rich History: Wander through Siena’s narrow streets to discover hidden courtyards and artisan workshops. Visit the Museo Civico in Palazzo Pubblico to see Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s Allegory of Good and Bad Government frescoes—a masterpiece of medieval art.
Time Saver: Combine Siena with Monteriggioni or San Gimignano for a full-day Tuscan adventure. Guided tours often include transportation, saving you time.
⭐ Best Activities
Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni Small-Group Tour with Lunch from Florence: This intimate small-group tour combines visits to three of Tuscany’s most charming medieval towns – Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni. The day includes exploration of Siena’s magnificent Duomo and Piazza del Campo, a traditional lunch at an authentic agriturismo, and time to discover San Gimignano’s famous towers.
⭐ Cathedral of Siena – Check availability of tickets
4. 🏙️ San Gimignano
Visit duration: 4-6 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour (35 miles/56 km from Florence by car or shuttle)
Skyline of Towers: Known as “Medieval Manhattan,” San Gimignano boasts 14 surviving towers that dominate its skyline. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops selling ceramics and saffron products while soaking in views of rolling Tuscan hills.
Culinary Delights: Indulge in award-winning gelato at Gelateria Dondoli or enjoy wine tasting at local enotecas featuring Vernaccia di San Gimignano—one of Tuscany’s finest white wines. Climb Torre Grossa for panoramic views you won’t forget!
Money Saver: Skip parking fees by taking a shuttle or guided tour from Florence.
⭐ Best Activities
Private Tuscany Tour: Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti by Luxury Van: This exclusive private tour offers a luxurious way to explore Tuscany’s highlights. The customizable itinerary includes visits to medieval Siena and San Gimignano, followed by a scenic drive through the Chianti wine region.
⭐ Duomo of San Gimignano and Museum of Sacred Art – Check availability of tickets
5. 🍷 Chianti Wine Region
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 45 minutes (19 miles/30 km from Florence by car or guided tour)
Wine Lover’s Dream: The Chianti region is Tuscany’s wine heartland, famous for its Chianti Classico wines produced in picturesque vineyards surrounded by cypress trees and olive groves. Many wineries offer tastings paired with local delicacies like pecorino cheese and bruschetta topped with fresh olive oil.
Scenic Drives & Villages: Beyond wine, explore charming villages like Greve in Chianti or Castellina in Chianti with their quaint piazzas and boutique shops selling artisanal goods. Don’t miss Montefioralle—a tiny hamlet considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.
Insider Tip: Book tastings in advance during peak seasons like spring or fall to avoid disappointment.
⭐ Best Activities
Chianti Region Wine Tasting Half-Day Trip from Florence: This half-day wine tour takes you through the scenic Chianti region, where you’ll sample 6-7 different Tuscan wines paired with local specialties like bruschetta, pecorino cheese, and balsamic vinegar.
⭐ Chianti Sculpture Park – Check availability of tickets
6. 🍝 Bologna
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 35 minutes by high-speed train (110 km from Florence)
Gastronomic Paradise: Bologna, Italy’s food capital, is famous for authentic tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, and mortadella. The city’s historic center features Europe’s oldest university and the iconic Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda). Piazza Maggiore, the heart of Bologna, showcases stunning medieval architecture including the impressive Basilica di San Petronio.
Cultural Heritage: The city’s distinctive porticoed walkways, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stretch for kilometers throughout the historic center. The Medieval Market District offers fresh pasta shops, traditional delis, and the historic Mercato delle Erbe, where visitors can sample local specialties and watch pasta being made by hand.
Top Tip: Take an early high-speed train from Florence to maximize your time, and book a spot to climb the Asinelli Tower for panoramic city views.
⭐ Best Activities
Full-Day Ferrari Museum Maranello and Bologna Private Tour from Florence: This exclusive private tour combines the thrill of Ferrari heritage with Bologna’s cultural richness. The day includes a 2-hour visit to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, a photo stop at the Fiorano Circuit, and exploration of Bologna’s historic center including Piazza Maggiore.
⭐ Clock Tower and Art Collections – Check availability of tickets
Hidden Gems Worth Exploring
1. 🚲 Lucca
Visit duration: 4-6 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour (48 miles/77 km from Florence by train or car)
Unique Cityscape: Lucca is a charming Tuscan town famous for its completely intact Renaissance walls that encircle the historic center. These walls are now a pedestrian promenade, perfect for walking or cycling, offering panoramic views of the city’s terracotta rooftops and surrounding countryside. Inside the walls, you’ll find picturesque piazzas like Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater.
Historical Highlights: Lucca is home to several stunning churches, including San Michele in Foro with its intricate marble facade and the Duomo di San Martino, which houses the famous Volto Santo (Holy Face) relic. The Guinigi Tower is another must-see, with its unique rooftop garden of oak trees providing a one-of-a-kind view over the city.
Money Saver: Rent a bike to explore the walls efficiently and affordably. This allows you to cover more ground while enjoying the serene atmosphere of this lesser-crowded town.
Insider Tip: Visit during the Lucca Comics & Games Festival in late October for a lively experience filled with costumes, art, and culture.
⭐ Best Activities
Pisa and Lucca Day Trip from Florence: This well-organized day trip combines visits to two of Tuscany’s most charming cities – Pisa and Lucca. The tour includes time to explore Pisa’s famous Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower and Duomo, followed by a 2-hour visit to the Renaissance city of Lucca, known for its intact city walls and beautiful Piazza Anfiteatro.
2. 🖼️ Arezzo
Visit duration: 4-6 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour (50 miles/80 km from Florence by train or car)
Renaissance Art & History: Arezzo is a hidden gem for art lovers, featuring incredible frescoes by Piero della Francesca in the Basilica di San Francesco. The Legend of the True Cross fresco cycle is considered one of the masterpieces of Renaissance art. The town’s sloping Piazza Grande, lined with medieval buildings, is one of Tuscany’s most beautiful squares and served as a filming location for Life is Beautiful.
Cultural Riches: Arezzo is also known for its monthly antiques fair, held on the first Sunday of every month. This event transforms the town into an open-air market filled with unique treasures and vintage finds. Beyond antiques, Arezzo’s quiet streets are dotted with artisan workshops and cafes where you can enjoy authentic Tuscan cuisine away from tourist crowds.
Top Tip: Plan your visit during the antiques fair for a vibrant experience and great shopping opportunities. Many churches in Arezzo are free to enter, making it a budget-friendly destination.
⭐ Arca di Luce, Arezzo Cathedral, and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art – Check availability of tickets
3. 🌄 Val d’Orcia
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 2 hours (75 miles/120 km from Florence by car or guided tour)
Rolling Hills & Vineyards: Val d’Orcia is Tuscany at its most picturesque, with rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and golden fields that seem straight out of a postcard. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to charming towns like Pienza, known as the “ideal Renaissance city,” and Montepulciano, famous for its Vino Nobile wine.
Culinary Delights: Pienza offers some of Tuscany’s best pecorino cheese shops where you can sample and buy this local specialty. Montepulciano’s underground wine cellars carved into ancient Etruscan tombs are a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Don’t miss Bagno Vignoni, a quaint village centered around ancient thermal baths that date back to Roman times.
Insider Tip: Rent a car to explore Val d’Orcia at your own pace and stop along scenic routes for photos or picnics. Visit in spring or autumn when the weather is mild, and crowds are smaller.
⭐ Best Activities
Val d'Orcia Private Tour: Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano from Florence: This private tour takes you through the stunning Val d’Orcia region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with stops in three of Tuscany’s most beautiful hilltop towns. Visit Montalcino for its famous Brunello wine, explore Renaissance-perfect Pienza known for its pecorino cheese, and discover Montepulciano’s historic wine cellars and medieval architecture.
4. 🏘️ Monteriggioni
Visit duration: 2-3 hours / Travel duration: 1 hour (31 miles/50 km from Florence by car)
Walled Wonder: Monteriggioni is one of Tuscany’s best-preserved medieval fortresses, perched on a hill surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Its circular walls and 14 towers inspired Dante’s Divine Comedy and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Inside the fortress walls lies a small village with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and peaceful piazzas that feel frozen in time.
Historical Insights: The Monteriggioni Museum provides fascinating insights into medieval weaponry and life during the Middle Ages. Visitors can also walk along sections of the fortress walls to enjoy panoramic views while imagining life as it was centuries ago.
Time Saver: Combine Monteriggioni with nearby Siena or San Gimignano for a full day of exploring Tuscany’s medieval gems. Arrive early to secure parking near the fortress.
⭐ Best Activities
Tuscany Tour: Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Chianti Day Trip from Florence: This comprehensive full-day tour combines visits to three medieval Tuscan towns with a wine tasting experience in the Chianti region. Starting from Florence, you’ll explore Siena’s magnificent Duomo and Piazza del Campo, discover San Gimignano’s famous towers, and visit the perfectly preserved fortress town of Monteriggioni.
5. 🌻 San Miniato
Visit duration: Half-day / Travel duration: 45 minutes (28 miles/45 km from Florence by car or train)
Gourmet Delight: San Miniato is world-famous for its white truffles, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Every November, it hosts the White Truffle Festival (Sagra del Tartufo Bianco), where you can sample truffle-infused dishes and shop for gourmet products like truffle oils and cheeses. The town itself is perched on a hilltop with stunning views over Tuscany’s countryside.
Historical Charm: Beyond truffles, San Miniato boasts historic landmarks like Rocca di Federico II tower, which offers panoramic views from its summit. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops selling ceramics and local olive oil for an authentic Tuscan experience.
Insider Tip: Visit during truffle season (October-December) for the best culinary experiences or join a truffle-hunting tour in nearby woods for an unforgettable adventure.
⭐ Best Activities
Truffle Hunting Experience with Lunch in San Miniato from Florence: This unique experience takes you to San Miniato, Tuscany’s truffle capital, for an authentic truffle hunting adventure with expert guides and their trained dogs. The tour includes a fascinating demonstration of truffle hunting techniques in the woods, followed by a delicious lunch featuring fresh truffles at a local restaurant.
6. 🌲 Abetone
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 2 hours (62 miles/100 km from Florence by car)
Nature & Adventure: Abetone is Tuscany’s premier mountain destination offering year-round outdoor activities. In winter, it transforms into a popular ski resort with slopes suitable for all levels, while summer brings opportunities for hiking through lush forests and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.
Alpine Charm: The area features cozy chalets serving hearty mountain fare such as polenta with wild game or chestnut-based desserts—a local specialty. For families or those seeking relaxation, there are plenty of easy trails and picnic spots surrounded by pristine nature.
Top Tip: If visiting in winter, book ski passes online to save time at ticket counters. Even in summer months, pack layers as temperatures can be cooler at higher altitudes.
7. 🍷 Montalcino
Visit duration: Full day / Travel duration: 2 hours (120 km from Florence by car or guided tour)
Wine Heritage: Montalcino is a charming hilltop town surrounded by spectacular vineyards, most famous for its exquisite Brunello di Montalcino wine. The town’s remarkable history dates back over 2,000 years, with medieval architecture and stunning views of the Val d’Orcia UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Wine estates offer tastings of the prestigious Brunello in historic cellars carved into ancient Etruscan tombs.
Cultural Experience: Beyond wine, Montalcino offers fascinating historical sites and local traditions. Many tours combine visits to nearby medieval towns like Montepulciano and Pienza, known for its pecorino cheese. The journey through the Val d’Orcia valley, featured in films like “Gladiator,” provides breathtaking views of cypress-lined roads and golden fields.
Time Saver: Book a guided tour that combines Montalcino with Montepulciano and Pienza to maximize your day in the Tuscan countryside.
⭐ Best Activities
Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tour: Full-Day from Florence: This exclusive full-day wine tour takes you to the renowned Brunello di Montalcino region, where you’ll visit prestigious wineries for private tastings of world-class wines. The experience includes visits to 2-3 wineries, exploration of medieval Montalcino town, and a stop at the historic Sant’Antimo Abbey, all while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions.
Day Trips Options by Transport Mode
1. 🚂 Day Trips By Train
Effortless Travel: Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station is a hub for train travel, making it easy to reach Tuscany’s top destinations. Pisa, just an hour away, is perfect for a quick visit to the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli. Lucca, known for its Renaissance walls and charming streets, is only 1 hour and 20 minutes by train. For longer adventures, Bologna’s culinary delights are just 35 minutes away via high-speed rail, and Venice can be reached in just over 2 hours.
Scenic Journeys: Train rides through Tuscany offer breathtaking views of rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns. Siena, accessible in about 1.5 hours by regional train, combines a picturesque journey with the chance to explore its stunning Piazza del Campo and Gothic cathedral. Arezzo, another gem reachable in under an hour, boasts Renaissance art and a lively antiques market.
Time Saver: Book high-speed train tickets in advance through Trenitalia or Italo for the best prices and guaranteed seats during busy travel seasons.
2. 🚗 Day Trips By Car
Freedom to Explore: Renting a car gives you access to Tuscany’s hidden gems that are difficult to reach by public transport. Val d’Orcia, with its postcard-perfect landscapes of cypress-lined roads and golden fields, is best explored by car. Towns like Pienza, famous for its pecorino cheese and Renaissance design, and Montepulciano, known for its Vino Nobile wine, offer an authentic Tuscan experience.
Scenic Drives: The Chianti wine region is a driver’s dream with winding roads flanked by vineyards and olive groves. Stop at small villages like Greve in Chianti or Castellina in Chianti to enjoy wine tastings or shop for local olive oil and handmade ceramics. For a more adventurous outing, head to Saturnia’s natural hot springs or the hilltop fortress of Monteriggioni.
Top Tip: Use GPS or offline maps as rural Tuscan roads can lack clear signage. Arrive early at popular destinations like San Gimignano to secure parking spots before they fill up.
3. 🚌 Guided Tours
Stress-Free Options: Guided tours are ideal if you prefer not to worry about logistics like transportation or planning itineraries. Many tours from Florence combine multiple destinations in one day—such as Siena and San Gimignano or Pisa and Lucca—allowing you to see more without feeling rushed. These tours often include skip-the-line tickets for major attractions and expert guides who provide fascinating insights into the region’s history and culture.
Convenience & Comfort: Whether it’s a full-day excursion to Cinque Terre or a wine-tasting tour through Chianti, guided tours ensure you maximize your time while traveling comfortably in air-conditioned buses or vans. They’re especially convenient during summer when navigating Tuscany’s winding roads can be challenging due to heat or crowds.
Insider Tip: Opt for small-group or private tours for a more intimate experience. Booking combo tours can save money compared to visiting each destination individually.
Tips for Planning Your Day Trips from Florence
Make It Easy: Research train schedules ahead of time or book guided tours online to avoid last-minute stress. If you’re driving, plan your route carefully and check parking options near your destination before heading out.
- Time Saver: Start your day early to beat crowds at popular attractions like Pisa’s Leaning Tower or Cinque Terre’s hiking trails.
- Money Saver: Look into combo tickets for attractions such as Siena Cathedral and its museum complex or purchase regional train passes for unlimited travel within Tuscany.
- Top Tip: Pack light but don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, and comfortable walking shoes—many Tuscan towns have steep streets and uneven cobblestones.
❓ FAQ
What are the best day trips you can take from Florence by train?
The most convenient trips from Florence by train include Pisa and Lucca (1 hour), Siena (1.5 hours), and Bologna (35 minutes). The Leaning Tower of Pisa makes a perfect day trip destination, while Lucca’s Renaissance walls offer one of the best day exploring experiences. Florence to Cinque Terre is also possible by train, taking about 2.5 hours each way.
Which towns in Tuscany are worth a day tour from Florence?
South of Florence, Siena and San Gimignano are must-visit destinations, offering medieval architecture and stunning landscapes. One of the best day trips connects Florence with charming towns like Monteriggioni and Montalcino. These destinations showcase authentic Italy travel experiences and can be reached from Florence easily by car or guided tour.
Should I recommend renting a car for day trips from Florence?
If you’re planning to explore multiple towns in Tuscany, especially those south of Florence like Val d’Orcia or San Gimignano, renting a car offers the most flexibility. A drive from Florence through the Tuscan countryside allows visitors to experience several destinations in one day, though taking the train is often more convenient for single-destination trips.
What’s the perfect day trip from Florence for wine lovers?
The Chianti region, easily reached from Florence, offers the ideal one day trip for wine enthusiasts. Towns like Montalcino and Montepulciano, both south of Florence, provide excellent wine tasting opportunities. These trips to take from Florence can be done independently or through organized tours that include transportation and tastings.
How to plan Florence to Cinque Terre as a day trip?
While ambitious, Florence to the Cinque Terre makes a possible day trip if you take an early train. The journey takes about 2.5 hours each way, and it’s best to focus on visiting 2-3 of the five villages. This trip offers a complete contrast to other days in Italy, combining coastal views with charming villages.
Can Florence and Siena be combined in one day?
Yes, Florence and Siena can be explored in one day, though it requires careful planning. The best approach is to take an early train or join a guided tour that might also include stops at other towns in Tuscany. This combination offers one of the best day exploring experiences in the region.
