Florence may be the birthplace of the Renaissance, but the surrounding regions of Tuscany and beyond offer treasures that shouldn’t be missed. Day trips from Florence allow you to experience the diverse beauty, history, and culture of Italy without changing hotels. The best day trips from Florence include visiting medieval towns like Siena, exploring the coastal beauty of Cinque Terre, or marveling at the Leaning Tower of Pisa—all easily accessible as excursions from Florence. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about planning the perfect day trips from Florence with practical information on transportation, timing, and what to see at each destination.
- Quick Overview: Best Day Trips from Florence
- Most Popular Day Trip from Florence: Pisa
- Historical Day Trip from Florence: Siena
- Iconic Day Trip from Florence: Cinque Terre
- Scenic Day Trip from Florence: Tuscany Countryside
- Medieval Day Trip from Florence: San Gimignano
- Wine Lovers’ Day Trip from Florence: Chianti Region
- Charming Day Trip from Florence: Lucca
- Ambitious Day Trip from Florence: Venice
- Historical Day Trip from Florence: Rome
- Combining Day Trips: Siena and San Gimignano
- Transportation Options for Day Trips from Florence
- Planning Tips for Day Trips from Florence
- Make Your Day Trip from Florence Easier with Radical Storage
- Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Day Trips from Florence
- Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from Florence
Quick Overview: Best Day Trips from Florence
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick reference guide to the best day trips from Florence:
- Pisa — Home to the iconic Leaning Tower (1 hour)
- Siena — Medieval city with stunning architecture (1.5 hours)
- Cinque Terre — Five colorful coastal villages (2-2.5 hours)
- Tuscany countryside — Rolling hills, vineyards, and cypresses (varies)
- San Gimignano — Town of medieval towers (1.5 hours)
- Chianti region — World-famous wineries and tastings (1 hour)
- Lucca — Charming walled city with unique oval piazza (1.5 hours)
- Venice — Floating city of canals and bridges (2 hours by train)
- Rome — Italy’s magnificent capital (1.5 hours by train)
- Arezzo — Historic town with stunning frescoes (1 hour)
- Montepulciano — Hilltop town famous for wine (2 hours)
- Bologna — Italy’s food capital (35 minutes by train)
- Milan — Fashion capital with the famous Duomo (1.5 hours by train)
- Assisi — Birthplace of St. Francis (2 hours)
- Orvieto — Hilltop town with spectacular cathedral (2 hours)
Most Popular Day Trip from Florence: Pisa
A day trip from Florence to Pisa is perhaps the most popular excursion from the capital of Tuscany, and for good reason. The iconic Leaning Tower attracts visitors from around the world, but there’s more to this historic city than just its famously tilted campanile.
How to Get There
The train from Florence to Pisa takes approximately 1 hour, making it an easy half-day trip. Trains depart regularly from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to Pisa Centrale, with tickets starting at €9.90 one way. From Pisa Centrale, it’s a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride to the Piazza dei Miracoli where the main attractions are located.
What to See
- Leaning Tower of Pisa — Climb the 294 steps for panoramic views of the city
- Cathedral (Duomo) — Explore the impressive Romanesque cathedral with its ornate pulpit
- Baptistery — Admire Italy’s largest baptistery with its remarkable acoustics
- Camposanto — Visit the monumental cemetery with beautiful frescoes
- Piazza dei Cavalieri — Discover the Knights’ Square, the second main square of the city
Pro Tips for Your Day Trip to Pisa
- Purchase tickets online in advance to climb the Leaning Tower, as they often sell out
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds
- The combined ticket for all monuments offers the best value
- Plan 3-4 hours in Pisa to see the main attractions without rushing
- Take your obligatory “holding up the tower” photo from the grassy area to the north
For detailed information about planning your visit, check the official Tower of Pisa website.
Historical Day Trip from Florence: Siena
A day trip from Florence to Siena takes you to one of Tuscany’s most beautiful medieval cities. With its Gothic architecture, world-famous Piazza del Campo, and rich history as Florence’s historic rival, Siena offers a perfect contrast to the Renaissance splendor of Florence.
How to Get There
The most convenient way to reach Siena is by bus, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Florence’s bus station near Santa Maria Novella train station. Buses run frequently throughout the day, and tickets cost around €8-10 one way. Alternatively, trains connect Florence to Siena in about 1.5 hours, but note that Siena’s train station is located outside the historic center.
What to See on Your Siena Day Trip
- Piazza del Campo — The unique shell-shaped central square, home to the famous Palio horse race
- Siena Cathedral (Duomo) — One of Italy’s most impressive Gothic cathedrals with works by Michelangelo and Donatello
- Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia — Climb the tower for spectacular views over Siena
- Baptistery — Featuring a beautiful font with bronze panels by Donatello
- Basilica of San Domenico — Home to relics of St. Catherine of Siena
Pro Tips for Siena Day Trips
- The historic center is compact and best explored on foot
- If visiting in July or August, check dates for the Palio, Siena’s famous horse race
- Many shops close for lunch between 1-3 PM
- Consider the OPA SI Pass for access to all cathedral complex sites
- Wear comfortable shoes as Siena’s streets are steep and hilly
Iconic Day Trip from Florence: Cinque Terre
A Cinque Terre day trip from Florence takes you to one of Italy’s most photogenic coastal areas. The “Five Lands” consist of five colorful fishing villages perched along the rugged Ligurian coastline, connected by scenic hiking trails and a railway line.
How to Get There
While ambitious as a day trip, Cinque Terre is doable from Florence. Take a regional train from Florence to La Spezia (about 2.5 hours), then change to the local train that connects all five villages. Alternatively, join a guided Cinque Terre day trip from Florence with transportation included, which is the most convenient option for first-time visitors.
What to See on Your Cinque Terre Day Trip
- Riomaggiore — The southernmost village with colorful houses cascading down to the harbor
- Manarola — Perhaps the most photogenic of the five villages
- Corniglia — The only village not directly on the sea, perched on a clifftop
- Vernazza — Considered by many to be the most beautiful of the villages
- Monterosso al Mare — The largest village with beaches and seafood restaurants
Pro Tips for Cinque Terre Day Trips
- Purchase a Cinque Terre Card for unlimited train travel between villages and access to hiking paths
- Focus on visiting 2-3 villages if on a day trip to avoid rushing
- The famous coastal trail (Sentiero Azzurro) connects all villages, but sections may be closed due to landslides
- Wear proper footwear if planning to hike between villages
- Summer sees heavy crowds; consider a spring or fall visit
- For a Cinque Terre hiking day trip from Florence, join an organized tour to maximize your time
For up-to-date trail conditions and information, visit the Cinque Terre National Park official website.
Scenic Day Trip from Florence: Tuscany Countryside
A Tuscany day trip from Florence offers an escape to the iconic landscapes that have made this region famous worldwide. The rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, medieval hill towns, and vineyards create picture-perfect scenery at every turn.
How to Get There
The Tuscan countryside is best explored by car or as part of an organized tour. While public transportation reaches many towns, the real charm lies in the landscapes between them. Popular Tuscany day trips from Florence include visits to the Val d’Orcia region, Chianti wine country, or combinations of smaller towns like Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino.
What to See on Your Tuscany Day Trip
- Val d’Orcia — UNESCO World Heritage site with the most iconic Tuscan landscapes
- Chianti Region — Famous wine country between Florence and Siena
- Montepulciano — Elegant hilltop town known for its Vino Nobile wine
- Pienza — Renaissance “ideal city” with excellent pecorino cheese
- Crete Senesi — Distinctive clay hills creating lunar-like landscapes
Pro Tips for Tuscany Day Trips
- Join a small-group tour if you don’t want to drive
- Book wine tastings in advance, especially during high season
- Combine visits to 2-3 towns in one day for a varied experience
- Visit during spring for wildflowers or autumn for harvest colors
- Bring a camera—the landscapes are truly stunning
Medieval Day Trip from Florence: San Gimignano
A day trip from Florence to San Gimignano transports you to one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval towns. Known as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” for its striking tower houses, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers visitors a glimpse into Tuscany’s feudal past.
How to Get There
The most direct way to reach San Gimignano is by bus from Florence to Poggibonsi, then changing to a local bus to San Gimignano. The total journey takes about 1.5-2 hours. Many visitors opt for a guided tour that combines San Gimignano with Siena and other Tuscan highlights, or rent a car for more flexibility.
What to See in San Gimignano
- Torre Grossa — Climb the tallest remaining tower for spectacular views
- Piazza della Cisterna — The triangular main square with its ancient well
- Collegiate Church — Admire impressive frescoes depicting biblical scenes
- Palazzo Comunale and Civic Museum — Discover the town’s history and art
- San Gimignano 1300 — See a ceramic scale model of how the town looked in medieval times
Pro Tips for San Gimignano Day Trips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups
- Don’t miss Gelateria Dondoli in the main square, winner of multiple world championships
- Many day trips combine San Gimignano with Siena and other Tuscan towns
- The Walk of the Ramparts offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside
- While famous for its towers, only 14 of the original 72 medieval towers remain today
Wine Lovers’ Day Trip from Florence: Chianti Region
A Chianti day trip from Florence offers wine enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to visit the birthplace of one of Italy’s most famous wines. The Chianti region, between Florence and Siena, is characterized by gentle hills covered with vineyards, olive groves, and charming stone villages.
How to Get There
While there are buses to the main towns in Chianti like Greve and Radda, the region is best explored by car or through an organized wine tour from Florence. Many operators offer half-day or full-day Chianti wine tours with transportation included, stopping at multiple wineries for tastings.
What to See in Chianti
- Greve in Chianti — Visit the charming main square and the Wine Museum
- Castello di Verrazzano — Historic castle and winery with tastings and tours
- Badia a Passignano — Beautiful abbey surrounded by vineyards
- Radda in Chianti — Medieval walled town with panoramic views
- Castello di Brolio — Impressive castle with centuries of winemaking history
Pro Tips for Chianti Region Visits
- Book cellar tours and tastings in advance, especially at larger estates
- Consider a small-group tour to visit boutique wineries not accessible by public transport
- Don’t miss sampling local specialties like wild boar salami and sheep’s cheese
- The scenic SR222 “Chiantigiana” road offers the most picturesque drive through the region
- Visit in September during harvest season for a unique experience
Charming Day Trip from Florence: Lucca
A day trip to Lucca from Florence takes you to one of Tuscany’s most delightful cities. Known for its intact Renaissance walls, charming streets, and unique oval-shaped piazza, Lucca offers a peaceful alternative to more crowded tourist destinations.
How to Get There
Direct trains connect Florence to Lucca in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with tickets starting around €8 one way. Trains depart regularly from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station. Many tourists also visit Lucca as part of a combined Pisa and Lucca day trip from Florence, either on an organized tour or independently by train.
What to See in Lucca
- City Walls — Walk or bike along the perfectly preserved 4km-long Renaissance walls
- Piazza dell’Anfiteatro — Unique oval square built on the site of a Roman amphitheater
- Torre Guinigi — Climb this unusual tower topped with oak trees for panoramic views
- Lucca Cathedral — Marvel at the stunning marble facade and Tintoretto paintings
- Via Fillungo — The main shopping street filled with boutiques and cafes
Pro Tips for Your Lucca Excursion
- Rent a bicycle to ride along the tree-lined walls—a quintessential Lucca experience
- Combine Lucca with Pisa for a perfect full-day excursion
- Visit on a Wednesday or Saturday morning to experience the local market
- Climb the Torre delle Ore (Clock Tower) for different views of the city
- Lucca hosts a major comic and gaming convention in autumn and a summer music festival featuring international artists
Ambitious Day Trip from Florence: Venice
A Venice day trip from Florence is ambitious but entirely feasible thanks to Italy’s high-speed trains. While Venice deserves more time, a day trip allows you to experience the magic of this unique floating city and its labyrinth of canals.
How to Get There
High-speed trains connect Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to Venice’s Santa Lucia station in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Book tickets well in advance for the best prices (starting around €30 one way). The earliest trains depart around 6:30 AM, allowing for a full day in Venice.
What to See on Your Venice Day Trip
- St. Mark’s Square — The main piazza with the Basilica and Campanile
- Doge’s Palace — Former seat of Venetian power (pre-book tickets to save time)
- Grand Canal — Take a vaporetto (water bus) for a budget-friendly canal tour
- Rialto Bridge — The oldest bridge spanning the Grand Canal
- Burano — If time allows, take a vaporetto to this colorful island known for lace-making
Pro Tips for Venice Day Trips
- Take the earliest train possible from Florence to maximize your time
- Purchase a vaporetto day pass for unlimited water bus travel
- Avoid the busiest hours at St. Mark’s (10 AM to 4 PM) if possible
- Download a good offline map as it’s easy to get lost in Venice’s maze-like streets
- Consider skipping indoor attractions in favor of experiencing the city’s unique atmosphere
While a day trip from Florence to Venice is possible, it’s worth considering if you can do a day trip to Venice from Florence with your schedule. For the best experience, try to arrive early and depart late to make the most of your time.
Historical Day Trip from Florence: Rome
A day trip from Florence to Rome by train offers an opportunity to see Italy’s magnificent capital and its ancient wonders. While Rome deserves several days of exploration, a day trip from Florence allows you to see the highlights of the Eternal City.
How to Get There
High-speed trains connect Florence to Rome in just 1 hour and 30 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. Tickets on the Frecciarossa or Italo trains start around €40 one way if booked in advance. The earliest trains depart around 6:00 AM, arriving at Roma Termini, the central station.
What to See on Your Rome Day Trip
- Colosseum — The iconic ancient amphitheater (pre-book tickets to avoid lines)
- Roman Forum — Ancient Roman political and commercial center
- Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica — Home to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling
- Trevi Fountain — Throw a coin to ensure your return to Rome
- Pantheon — Remarkably preserved ancient Roman temple
Pro Tips for Rome Day Trips
- Focus on one area of Rome rather than trying to see everything
- Pre-book skip-the-line tickets for major attractions
- Consider joining a guided tour to maximize your limited time
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll do a lot of walking
- Be aware of the distance between sites; Rome is much larger than Florence
A Florence day trip from Rome is also possible for travelers based in the capital who want to explore the Renaissance city. Similarly, the Rome to Florence train takes about 1.5 hours, making a Florence and Pisa day trip from Rome possible but rushed.
Is a day trip from Rome to Florence worth it? Yes, if you’re limited on time and want to see the highlights of the Renaissance city. However, consider an overnight stay if possible to fully appreciate Florence’s rich cultural offerings.
Combining Day Trips: Siena and San Gimignano
A day trip from Florence to Siena and San Gimignano combines two of Tuscany’s most captivating medieval towns. This popular combination allows you to experience both the grandeur of Siena and the charming towers of San Gimignano in a single day.
How to Get There
While possible by public transportation, this combination is most easily done via an organized tour or private driver. Many tour operators in Florence offer day trips to Siena and San Gimignano, often including a lunch stop at a Chianti winery between the two towns.
If traveling independently, take a bus from Florence to Siena (1 hour 15 minutes), spend the morning there, then catch another bus to San Gimignano (about 1 hour), returning to Florence in the evening.
What to See
- In Siena — Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico
- In San Gimignano — Medieval towers, Piazza della Cisterna, Collegiate Church
- Between the towns — Scenic Chianti countryside views
Pro Tips for This Combination
- Start early to have sufficient time in both towns
- Consider a guided tour for the most efficient use of time
- If traveling independently, check bus schedules carefully as service can be limited
- A day trip to Siena and San Gimignano from Florence through the Chianti region offers the quintessential Tuscan experience
Transportation Options for Day Trips from Florence
Choosing the right transportation can make or break your day trip experience from Florence. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
| Mode | Pros | Cons | Tips & Notes |
| By Train | • Fast and comfortable• Frequent departures• Arrives in city centers• Eco-friendly | • Popular routes may sell out• Limited access to rural destinations• Schedules may be limited on Sundays | • Book via Trenitalia or Italo• Look for Super Economy fares• Regional trains don’t require reservations |
| By Organized Tour | • Hassle-free planning• Transport & guide included• Access to remote sites• Informative commentary | • Less flexibility• Can be pricey• May feel rushed at stops | • Opt for small group tours• Read reviews & confirm inclusions• Double-check pick-up/drop-off times |
| By Rental Car | • Full itinerary freedom• Visit multiple sites• Access rural areas | • ZTLs (limited traffic zones) in cities• Parking is limited/expensive• International Driving Permit required for non-EU visitors | • Rent from city center (cheaper than airports)• Use GPS/offline maps• Know Italian road signs and ZTL zones |
| By Bus | • Often cheaper than trains• Reaches places without train stations• Scenic routes | • Subject to traffic• Less frequent schedules• Can be slower | • Companies include SITA, Flixbus, and Tiemme• Purchase tickets in advance for popular routes |
Planning Tips for Day Trips from Florence
To maximize your day trip experience from Florence, consider these practical tips:
When to Go on Day Trips
- Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends
- Shoulder season (April-May and September-October) offers pleasant weather with fewer tourists
- Check for local holidays and festivals that might affect your visit
- Summer temperatures can reach 95°F (35°C), so plan outdoor activities for mornings
What to Pack for Your Day Trips
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Power bank for phone
- Small backpack or day bag
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Money-Saving Tips for Florence Day Trips
- Purchase train tickets well in advance
- Consider the Firenze Card for destinations close to Florence
- Pack a picnic lunch instead of eating at tourist restaurants
- Look for combined tickets that include transportation and admission
- Travel during off-peak hours for cheaper train fares
Make Your Day Trip from Florence Easier with Radical Storage
Before heading out on your day trip from Florence, consider the convenience of traveling light. Radical Storage offers secure luggage storage locations throughout Florence, allowing you to explore worry-free without dragging your bags along.
With locations near Santa Maria Novella train station and throughout the city center, you can easily drop off your luggage before catching your train to Pisa, Cinque Terre, or any other destination.
At just €5 per bag per day regardless of size or weight, Radical Storage provides an affordable solution for travelers. Each bag is also covered by a guarantee for added peace of mind.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Day Trips from Florence
While Florence itself offers endless attractions, these day trips from Florence provide a deeper understanding of Italy’s diversity and rich heritage. Whether you’re interested in medieval towns, coastal beauty, wine regions, or ancient history, the regions surrounding Florence offer something for everyone.
The best day trip from Florence depends on your interests and the amount of time you have. For first-time visitors with limited time, Pisa offers an easy and rewarding excursion. If you’re willing to spend more time traveling, Cinque Terre provides an unforgettable coastal experience. Wine enthusiasts should head to Chianti or Montepulciano, while history buffs won’t want to miss Siena or San Gimignano.
No matter which destination you choose, stepping outside Florence will enrich your Italian experience and create lasting memories. With good planning and this guide in hand, you’re ready to discover the treasures that lie just beyond the Renaissance city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Day Trips from Florence
What is the best day trip from Florence?
The “best” day trip from Florence depends on your interests, but Pisa is the most popular choice for first-time visitors due to its proximity and iconic Leaning Tower. For art and history lovers, Siena is ideal, while nature enthusiasts should consider Cinque Terre. Wine lovers will enjoy the Chianti region, and those seeking a quintessential Tuscan experience should visit San Gimignano and the Val d’Orcia landscapes.
Where should I go 2 hours from Florence?
Within a 2-hour radius of Florence, you have excellent options including Cinque Terre, Montepulciano, Cortona, Assisi, and even Venice or Rome (via high-speed train). The high-speed rail network puts many major Italian cities within day-trip distance, opening up even more possibilities for excursions from Florence.
Is Cinque Terre too far for a day trip from Florence?
While Cinque Terre deserves more time, a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre is possible and popular. The journey takes about 2.5 hours each way, leaving you with around 6 hours to explore. For the most efficient experience, consider a guided Cinque Terre day trip with transport from Florence that handles all logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying the beautiful coastal villages.
Which is better for a day trip: Pisa or Siena?
For a quick half-day excursion, Pisa is more convenient as it’s closer to Florence (1 hour vs. 1.5 hours) and its main attractions are concentrated in one area. For a full-day immersion in medieval Tuscan culture and architecture, Siena offers a more diverse experience with its stunning cathedral, unique central piazza, and charming streets. Many travelers opt to visit Pisa in combination with Lucca or visit Siena together with San Gimignano.
Can you do a day trip to Venice from Florence?
Yes, you can do a day trip to Venice from Florence thanks to high-speed trains that make the journey in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. While ambitious, this allows for 6-8 hours in Venice if you take early and late trains. Focus on experiencing the unique atmosphere of the city rather than trying to visit every attraction. For a more relaxed experience, consider an overnight stay in Venice if your schedule allows.
Is a day trip from Rome to Florence worth it?
A Florence day trip from Rome is worth it if you’re limited on time but want to experience the Renaissance city’s highlights like the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio. High-speed trains connect the cities in just 1.5 hours. To make the most of your Florence and Pisa day trip from Rome, book skip-the-line tickets for major attractions in advance and consider a guided tour to optimize your limited time.
