12 Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy + Helpful Tips
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I may have traveled the world over, but some of my absolute favorite travel experiences have been on day trips from Florence, Italy.
Between zipping through the Tuscan countryside on vintage Vespas, exploring medieval hilltop towns, wine-tasting in Chianti, and hiking to the seaside villages of Cinque Terre, countless adventures await outside Florence’s ancient city walls!
Florence is the perfect base to explore Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, and beyond. Whenever I visit, I stay for at least a week so I can schedule in a few day trips to new places and old favorites!
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite day trips from Florence, Italy. I’ve personally done each of these Florence day trips at least once, so you know you can trust these recommendations!
Whether you want to book a guided tour, take a high-speed train, or self-drive, I’ve got you covered. Here are the 12 best day trips from Florence!
Summary: Best Day Trips from Florence
Short on time? Here’s a quick list of the best day trip options – all based on my personal experience. Read on for all the details!
Best Guided day trips:
- Tuscany in One Day (Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, Pisa) – MUST DO!
- Cinque Terre Day Trip – see all five colorful towns via train, scenic ferry, and/or hiking!
- Chianti Wine & Cheese Safari – my all-time favorite day trip!
- Explore the Tuscan Countryside on a Vintage Vespa or a Vintage Fiat 500
- Tuscan Farmhouse Cooking Class & Market Tour
Best train day trips:
- Bologna (40 minutes) – my favorite train day trip, because this is Italy’s food capital!
- Other day trips by train: Pistoia (33 minutes), Arezzo (1 hour), Pisa (1 hour), Verona (1.5 hours), Lucca (1.5 hours), Siena (1.5 hours)
Book your train tickets in advance directly from Trenitalia.
Best Self-Driving day trips:
- Eastern Tuscany (Pisa, Lucca)
- Southern Tuscany (Cortona, Montepulciano, Montalcino) – for the more adventurous!
- Central Tuscany (San Gimignano, local vineyards, Siena)
- Truffle-Hunting & Central Tuscan Villages – go truffle-hunting with a local, then visit villages like Volterra and Monteriggione
I always use this website to find great deals on rental cars.
Best Guided Day Trips from Florence
Let’s start with the best organized, guided Florence day trips. Because, sometimes, you just want a local travel expert to handle the logistics so you can relax and enjoy.
1. Tuscany in a Day: Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, Pisa
If this is your first time in Tuscany, then this classic Tuscany in One Day Tour is a must-do!
I have done this tour twice and can confirm: this is the most fun and comprehensive Tuscany day trip from Florence. (And thousands of other 5-star reviews back me up!)
Highlights of the Tuscany in One Day Tour
During this Tuscany in One Day Tour, you will…
- Go on a guided historical walking tour of Siena (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to learn about the city’s rich history and unique cultural heritage. The tour includes the magnificent Duomo di Siena, featuring Renaissance art by Michelangelo, Donatello, and Pisano.
- Enjoy free time in Siena to climb the Torre del Mangia for incredible views and try Siena’s famous panforte di Siena (spiced fruitcake).
- Visit a family-owned vineyard in Chianti for lunch. Walk the vineyards, learn about olive oil and wine production, and savor incredible countryside views. You’ll enjoy fresh pasta, local cheeses, cured salami and prosciutto, homemade bread, artisanal olive oil, and plenty of wine. This is my favorite part!
- Explore the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano. Known as “the Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” San Gimignano’s 14 stone towers boast incredible views of Tuscany’s green rolling hills. I love this town for its narrow cobblestone streets, cute wine shops offering tastings, and craft leather shops.
- Taste some of the world’s best gelato. The gelateria in San Gimignano’s Piazza della Cisterna has won gold at the Ice Cream World Championships!
- See (and climb up!) the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and go for a peaceful stroll along the Arno.
Book your Tuscany in One Day Tour here! This tour sells out almost every day, so don’t wait to book it.
READ MORE: Tuscany in One Day Itinerary: Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, Pisa
PREFER A PRIVATE OPTION? Book this Private Day Trip to Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti instead. It accommodates a group of up to seven people, so this can be a very cost-effective option!
2. Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence
I’ve embarked on this Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence twice, so I can say with certainty: Visiting the colorful seaside towns of Cinque Terre will be a highlight of your Italian vacation!
If you didn’t already know, the Italian word cinque means five. On this Cinque Terre Day Trip, you’ll explore all five wondrous villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare – in one day, via a combination of hiking trails (optional), quick regional trains, and even a scenic boat ride!
You’ll discover jaw-dropping views, stunning swimming spots, gelato shops, beachfront wine bars, fresh seafood, and pesto-topped everything… (Fun fact: pesto was invented here, in the Liguria region!)
This full-day trip is about 14 hours long, so you’ll be exhausted when you return to Florence. But I promise, it’s worth it. You simply have to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site – and its sparkling azure waters, rocky cliffs, lush terraced farms, and rainbow-colored houses – with your own eyes.
Note: Even though it’s possible, I don’t recommend going on a self-guided day trip to Cinque Terre. Between trains, ferries, hiking trails, and national park tickets, there are a lot of details to coordinate.
Click here to book this Cinque Terre day trip from Florence!
READ MORE: How to Take the Perfect Day Trip from Florence to Cinque Terre
PREFER A PRIVATE OPTION? This Private Tour to Cinque Terre from Florence is the perfect option.
3. Wine Tasting on a Chianti Wine & Cheese Safari
It’s SO hard to choose, but I think this Chianti Wine & Cheese Safari is my favorite day tour from Florence! If you’re a wine-lover, this is the one for you!
During this amazing Florence day trip, we went off-roading in a 4X4 through Chianti’s rolling hills – past olive groves, rustic farms, and ancient monasteries – to visit some of Tuscany’s most luxurious and historic Renaissance-era villas and wine estates.
I felt like royalty as I strolled through the estates’ vineyards, drank Chianti Classico in their cellars, and tasted all kinds of traditional Tuscan food.
We tried so many incredible local wines – from Chianti Classico to Super Tuscan to sparkling rosé – that I lost count of how many we tasted… at least thirteen!
Along the way, our expert tour guide taught us a lot about wine-making – and what sets Chianti wine apart from the rest. Not to mention, the scenery the entire time was gorgeous.
We also tasted many artisanal foodie specialties, from local cheeses, cured meats, and olive oils, to bruschetta, black truffle ravioli, and cinghiale (wild boar) pappardelle… Complete with wine pairings, of course!
This Chianti Wine & Cheese Safari tour is the most magical day trip from Florence. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!
4. Explore the Tuscan Hills on a Vintage Vespa
What could be more quintessentially Italian than cruising through the Tuscan countryside on a vintage Vespa to a lovely farmhouse for lunch?
This Vespa Tour of Tuscany is bucket list material – and one of the most unique things I’ve experienced in Italy!
On this amazing Vespa tour of Tuscany, we stopped by a beautiful 11th-century church and cemetery, offering the best secret viewpoint of Florence. Then, we rode by centuries-old castles, medieval towers, and other historic monuments, little villages, endless rolling hills, olive groves, and wildflowers.
Then, the experience peaked with a luscious farmhouse lunch – including an antipasto platter of local cheeses, bruschetta, cured meats, artichokes, and olives, pasta, bread, and more. And of course, local red wine! (Not too much, though!)
And finally, we drove back to Florence. So fun!
Click here to book your Florence Vespa Tour of the Tuscan Hills.
5. Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Florence
If driving a Vespa isn’t your thing, no worries. You can embark on the exact same guided tour I mentioned above… But in a vintage Fiat 500 car instead of a Vespa!
You can’t trust me to drive anything (successfully) on two wheels. If I hadn’t been the passenger on our Vespa, I would’ve booked this one instead.
6. Cooking Class at a Tuscan Farm
If you’re a foodie like me, then you’ll jump at the chance to take a cooking class, led by an expert Italian chef, at a farm in the Tuscan hills!
And yes, sipping on Chianti wine over amazing views is a key part of the experience. Obviously.
Best Cooking Day Trips from Florence
I have two amazing class options for you to choose from; it just depends on what you want to learn to make!
- On this 7-hour cooking day trip, you’ll visit a historic, local market in Florence to collect fresh ingredients to make your 4-course Italian feast! Then, out at the farmhouse, you’ll learn to make pasta from scratch, along with porchetta (this is a pretty impressive thing to know how to make at home!), bruschetta, and tiramisù. Click here to book your Tuscan Farmhouse Cooking Class and Market Tour.
- Or, on this shorter pizza, pasta, and gelato half-day trip, you’ll skip the market and head straight for the hills. There, you’ll learn to make pizza and gelato from scratch! I opted for this, and it was so much fun! As a group, we made 14 different gelato flavors! Then we crafted our pizzas; we kneaded out our dough, added our favorite toppings, and watched the expert pizzaiolo fire them in the wood-burning oven. And finally, we savored the flavors and views over unlimited Chianti wine. Heavenly! Learn more about this Pizza and Gelato Farmhouse Cooking Class.
Best High-Speed Train Day Trips from Florence
From Pisa and Bologna to Pistoia, let’s talk about the best day trips from Florence by train, departing from Florence’s central train station: Santa Maria Novella.
HOT TIP: The easiest way to purchase train tickets is via the Trenitalia website or app. Remember to check in (validate) your tickets in the smartphone app before you board; you may be fined if you don’t.
7. Bologna: Welcome to Italy’s Food Capital
Foodies, listen up! Bologna is the undisputed food capital of Italy. And lucky for you, this delicious (young, lively, and cool) city is just a 40-minute, high-speed train ride away from Florence.
On a day trip from Florence to Bologna, your main objective should be to try as many Bolognese dishes as possible… including tagliatelle al ragù alla Bolognese, tortellini in brodo (in broth), lasagna verde alla ragù Bolognese (green lasagna, thanks to spinach pasta sheets!), aged balsamic vinegar from Modena, and of course, Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano from Parma.
I highly recommend booking this Bologna Walking Food Tour to taste as many of Bologna’s top dishes as possible in one day. All while learning about the city’s history and food culture! I was completely stuffed (and so very happy!) after.
After your Bologna Walking Food Tour, there’s more to discover. While in Bologna, make sure to also:
- Stroll under the Portico di San Luca, from the city center up to the Sanctuary of San Luca
- See the leaning Two Towers
- Explore the magnificent Santo Stefano complex
- Browse the artisanal food shops and markets
- Have a cocktail in lively Piazza Santo Stefano
- Make a dinner reservation at Vicolo Colombina (order the “roasted rabbit with its side dishes” – it’s incredible!)
Get ready to eat! They don’t call Bologna “La Grassa” (“The Fat One”) for nothing.
READ MORE: 19 Best Things to Do in Bologna (Italy’s Food Capital!)
8. Other Day Trips from Florence via Train
As mentioned above, Bologna is my top pick for a day trip from Florence via high-speed train. However, there are some other destinations in Central and Northern Italy worth day-tripping to via train.
I’ve only included destinations with direct train routes (no changes). Book high-speed trains when possible!
- Pistoia (33 minutes): The culture-rich town of Pistoia was prominent for gun-smithing in the 16th century; locals passionately claim the pistol was born here. Highlights of the historic center include a 220-foot Romanesque belfry attached to the charming Saint Zeno Cathedral.
- Pisa (1 hour): While in Pisa, tour the Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, and the Leaning Tower, stroll along the Arno, and consider joining this Tuscan food tour of Pisa!
- Arezzo (1 hour): The hilltop town of Arezzo was a key fortified center during the Roman and Medici eras. Arezzo is the perfect place to escape the crowds of Florence! Highlights include the lively piazza, pentagon-shaped Fortezza Medicea, and stunning Legend of the True Cross frescoes in the Basilica of San Francesco.
- Lucca (1.5 hours): Lucca is lovely – and way quieter than neighboring Pisa! I loved climbing the Torre Guinigi, shopping in the Plaza del Anfiteatro, and visiting nearby wineries.
- Verona (1.5 hours): You could easily spend two days in Verona! But during a day trip, you should see the Verona Arena and Piazza Brà, go on this Verona walking tour, ride the funicular, and dine at Trattoria I Massenini.
- Florence to Siena day trip (1.5 hours via regional train; it’s faster to bus or self-drive): Go on this walking tour of the city and the Duomo di Siena and enjoy wandering one of my favorite Italian cities!
More options: It’s also possible to spend one day in Milan (2-hour train), Rome (1.5-hour train), or Venice (2.25-hour train). But, hopefully, you’ll visit these major Italian cities independently – they deserve more than just a day trip.
READ MORE: How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Siena from Florence
Best Self-Driving Day Trips from Florence by Rental Car
Feeling adventurous? Renting a car is my favorite way to explore Tuscany – it gives you the most flexibility, allows for spontaneity, and enables you to visit hidden gems (like wineries and small towns!) that are inaccessible by train.
Renting a car comes with some hassle (i.e. picking up the car, dropping it off, getting gas, etc.). If you’re up for it, there are endless combinations for self-driving day trips from Florence.
Here are my three favorite self-driving routes for one day in Tuscany, by region!
HOT TIP: This is my favorite website for finding amazing deals on rental cars in Italy and beyond!
9. Self-Drive to Eastern Tuscany: Pisa and Lucca
My favorite Eastern Tuscany day trip includes a quick stop in Pisa, followed by the beautiful medieval walled city of Lucca.
Of course, Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower. It’s located in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), surrounded by the equally-impressive Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery of St. John. Spend an hour or so in Pisa, grab a cappuccino, then drive to Lucca.
In Lucca, I recommend exploring the city streets, climbing up Torre Guinigi, and having lunch at Sottosotto (so delicious!). I love Lucca. It’s peaceful, quiet, super green, and so underrated.
Next, hop in your car to reach this winery experience, 15 minutes from the city. I learned SO MUCH about wine on this tour; it’s a very intimate experience! The wine was delicious too.
Next time, I want to check out a certified organic and biodynamic vineyard called Fabbrica di San Martino. Go, and let me know how it is!
And finally, before driving back to Florence, savor a fantastic multi-course dinner and some more wine (if you’re not the driver!) at the local farm/vineyard Fattoria Sardi. It’s amazing. Further afield, Antica Locanda di Sesto is another super tasty dinner option. Either way, you must make a reservation.
10. Self-Drive to Southern Tuscany: Cortona, Montepulciano, Montalcino
Head south for some of Tuscany’s less-visited gems! As you drive, you’ll be awestruck by the views of the Val d’Orcia. In my opinion, it’s one of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes.
On a day trip from Florence, you’ll have time to visit two (maybe three) of these destinations:
- Montalcino: The nearby hilltop town of Montalcino, known for its premium wine – Brunello di Montalcino – is the treasure of Tuscany. This wine tour at Castello Tricerchi is fabulous, but Sanlorenzo and Camigliano also offer tastings worth considering!
- Cortona: Consider visiting the charming town of Cortona (featured in one of my favorite movies ever, Under the Tuscan Sun). Make sure to dine at Osteria del Teatro; oh my goodness, the food here is amazing.
- Montepulciano: Then check out the famous wine-making town of Montepulciano. The streets and shops are lovely, but you must explore underground, too! I enjoyed this Montepulciano Cellar Tour, which included a guided walk through a vast, ancient cellar, followed by tastings of six different wines, including Rosso di Montepulciano and Nobile. Also, make sure to stop into La Vineria di Montepulciano for a seriously fantastic and well-priced tagliere misto (meat and cheese board) and a glass of local Montepulciano.
HOT TIP: If you’d rather go on a guided tour to this region, check out this Siena, Cortona, Montepulciano & Val d’Orcia Semi-Private Tour from Florence. (Note: I have not been on this one before.)
11. Self-Drive to Central Tuscany: San Gimignano, Vineyards, Siena
For a classic Tuscany day trip (similar to #1), rent a car and drive yourself to the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, a vineyard in the surrounding countryside, and the beautiful city of Siena.
Kick off your day of explorations in San Gimignano. Then, outside of the town walls, visit this organic family-run winery and have a typical lunch; it includes tastings of eight organic wines paired with the local olive oil, cheeses, cold cuts, and other artisanal products. Book this San Gimignano vineyard experience!
Other options for a farm-fresh lunch and wine tasting include Fattoria Poggio Alloro or Azienda Agricola San Quirico. Wherever you visit, you must book in advance!
However, if you want to dine in San Gimignano, don’t miss Le Vecchie Mura. The views, food, and service are *chef’s kiss!*
Then, continue on your day trip to Siena. Make sure to go on this Siena guided walking tour, which includes a skip-the-line ticket to the magnificent Duomo! I recently went on this tour and it was fantastic!
Oh, and grab a sandwich at Il Bocconcino!
HOT TIP: Have more time? Break up your grand tour of Tuscany into two days and spend the night at a romantic agriturismo (farm stay). I recommend either Agriturismo Mormoraia or Tenuta Sovestro!
12. Truffle-Hunting & Charming Tuscan Towns
And finally, the most unique day trip from Florence: a 3-hour Truffle Hunting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside, followed by a visit to one or two charming small towns.
First up, truffle hunting! In your rental car, drive out to San Miniato (50 minutes east of Florence) to Francesca’s beautiful hilltop villa. There, her family has been truffle hunting and growing grapes and olives for four generations!
Alongside an expert truffle dog named Ciocco, you’ll search the forest for black summer truffles. To my surprise, we found at least 20 truffles in about 30 minutes – some of them were massive!
Then, you’ll return to the villa for a traditional, truffle-focused three-course meal. Everything is covered in fresh truffle shavings! You can even up the ante with truffle olive oil, truffle salt, and even truffle balsamic vinegar. Plus, you’ll taste the delicious wine Francesca’s family produces.
If you love food, wine, dogs, and nature, you will love this Truffle Hunting Experience!
After, hop in your rental car and visit one or two lovely towns nearby: San Gimignano, Volterra (Twilight fans, New Moon was filmed here!), Monteriggione, Colle di Val d’Elsa, and/or Siena.
Best Florence Day Trips: FAQs
Florence is one of Italy’s main hubs, so it’s easy to reach other nearby destinations in Central and Northern Italy by train, rental car, guided tour, or even bus.
If you want to take a Florence day trip, the options are endless. You can go wine-tasting in the Chianti wine region. Explore the medieval town of San Gimignano and try the world’s best gelato! And witness the famous Palio horse race in Siena – or, at least learn about it. (This guided Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence takes you to all of these places in a day!)
You can also explore romantic cities like Arezzo, Bologna, or Verona, or hilltop villages like Montepulciano and Montalcino.
Cinque Terre is another popular option!
In my opinion, Lake Como is too far from Florence (roughly 3 hours by train one way) to be a great day trip option. If you plan to visit Milan, then I recommend taking a day trip to Lake Como from Milan instead.
MORE ITALY TRAVEL INSPIRATION
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Hi,
My husband and I are visiting Florence for 8 days first week of March and plan to do day trips to Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, Bologna and maybe throw in a 2 day stay in Venice. We think renting a car to visit some of these towns would be nice (other towns we would use the train), but after reading some travelers mention the hardships with a car rental we are second guessing this. What are your thoughts on renting a car for days trips for the towns we’d like to visit?
Thanks!!
Hi Chrostone,
I recommend taking the high-speed train to Bologna for a day trip and also the high-speed train to Venice for your 2-day stay.
You can see Siena, wine/dine at a vineyard in Chianti, and visit San Gimignano in one day on an organized small-group day trip like this one (https://maddysavenue.com/recommends/siena-and-san-gimignano-small-group-tour-from-florence/), or a private day trip like this one (https://maddysavenue.com/recommends/private-tour-siena-san-gimignano-chianti/). I highly recommend choosing one of these instead of driving yourself.
To rent a car for one day is a hassle, but it can be done. The bummer is that you’re bound by the open/close times of the rental shop if you plan to return it within the same day – this will cut your day trip a bit too short to see all 3 places; otherwise you’ll have to find overnight parking in Florence which can be pricey and also a hassle. Plus having to navigate the roads, ZTL zones, find parking everywhere, etc… I would just go with one of the day trips above.
Something else to note: you can reach Siena easily by regional train or bus; here’s my guide about taking a day trip to Siena from Florence (https://maddysavenue.com/best-day-trips-from-florence-italy/). However, for wine country and San Gimignano, a guided trip or car is best.
Hope that helps!
Hi Maddy,
I did an online search for “day trips from Florence” and came across your website.
We’re going to be in Firenze from 17 December through 21 December, then spend the next nine days in Rome.
This will be our fourth trip to Italy, but never during Christmas (I’m so excited!).
Based on your recommendation, I just booked the Tuscany in One Day – Full Tour + Leaning Tower Tickets, through Viator, linked from your website.
I was glad to read that you’ll get a commission, because it was from your experience that we booked this tour.
Also, without having read any other information from your site, you may have mentioned this already, but if you get the chance, go to Amalfi. This is my heart. Learn to make Limoncello from Vittorio, at Antichi Sapori D’Amalifi and have a lemon cream filled cornetto at Bar Pasticceria Leone, life doesn’t get any better.
Anyway, thank you for your website and may your travels always be safe and fun.
Yours,
Bob
Hi Bob! Thanks for your sweet comment :)
I hope you have the most fabulous trip to Italy yet.
Hi Maddy, my husband Mark and I would like to do a 7 or 8 day trip of Tuscany including the cinque terre. We have been to Italy including Florence years ago. We are not sure if we should stay in one hotel/ Airbnb in Florence and use it as our home base or stay in several areas along the way? We usually book our own trips and a rental car but wouldn’t mind having some help this time along with some guided tours and transportation. We are 56 yo and very active so we don’t mind being on the move but it might be nice to have some help along the way . Please let us know your suggestions. Thank you , Lisa Borosky
Hi Lisa,
Perhaps you could look at staying in Florence for the majority of the time, taking some of the guided day trips above so you don’t need to rent a car. There’s so much to do in Florence, and all of the above day trips are incredible, so it’s the best of both worlds. Then take the train to Cinque Terre and stay for 1-3 nights. You could choose to move around to different villages each night, or stay in one village and explore the other 4 villages via a combination of trains, boats, and hiking. I hope that helps!