10 Best Day Trips from Florence
Uncover the best day trips from Florence to see more of the beautiful region of Tuscany.
Tuscany, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns, is a DREAM destination. As a travel blogger who has explored every corner, I can confidently say that Tuscany has a magic that never fails to captivate.
💡 One of the things I love most about Tuscany is its perfect location for day trips to some of the most stunning places in Italy. Venturing beyond Florence through Tuscany’s best day trips, each offering a unique slice of Italian culture, history, and natural beauty.
Let’s delve into why I love Tuscany and its incredible day trip destinations that are sure to leave you enchanted and planning your next adventure.
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In This Post
10 Best Day Trips from Florence
Siena
⏰ Time to Reach: 1.5 hours – 2 hours
Siena is one of my top recommendations for a day trip from Tuscany. Famous for its medieval architecture and narrow streets, Siena feels like stepping back in time.
The highlight is Piazza del Campo, a stunning square hosting the famous Palio horse race twice yearly. This historic event is an exhilarating experience, filled with colorful pageantry and intense competition.
💡 I highly recommend visiting during the Palio if you can—it’s easily one of the most amazing events in Europe that happens on July 2nd and August 16th every year.
How to get from Florence to Siena:
🚂 By Train: The train ride from Florence to Siena takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Although the Siena train station is about 2 kilometers from the center, you can catch a local bus or taxi to reach the heart of the city.
🚌 Bus: Buses depart frequently from Florence’s main bus station (Firenze S.M.N) and take approximately 1.5 hours to reach Siena’s central bus station.
🚗 By Car: The drive from Florence to Siena takes about 1.5 hours. Just be prepared for narrow, winding roads and limited parking in Siena’s historic center.
Pienza
⏰ Time to Reach: 2 hours
Pienza is one of those magical Tuscan towns that I always recommend visiting. It’s about two hours from Florence, making it a perfect day trip.
Pienza is often called the “ideal city of the Renaissance,” and it’s easy to see why. The town was redesigned by Pope Pius II and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its charming streets, you’ll find stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the Val d’Orcia.
💡 Try to visit during the Fiera del Cacio in September, a festival dedicated to this famous cheese, complete with tastings and traditional games.
How to get from Florence to Pienza:
🚗 By Car: Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach Pienza.
🚂 / 🚌 By Train and Bus: Although there is no direct train to Pienza, you can take a train from Florence to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Chiusi, you can catch a local bus to Pienza, with the bus ride taking around 1 hour.
🚎 By Tour: Many tour companies offer day trips that include transportation and a guided visit to Pienza, often combined with other Tuscan highlights.
Why I Recommend This Tour:
I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking to experience the true essence of Tuscany. The guided day trip to the medieval villages of Montalcino and Pienza from Florence is a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.
This tour is a must-do for those wanting to embark on one of the best day trips from Florence!
➡️ Book here!
Val D’Orcia
⏰ Time to Reach: 2 hours
Val d’Orcia is a dreamlike landscape that you simply can’t miss when exploring Tuscany. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its scenic beauty—think cypress-lined roads, golden fields, and charming hilltop towns like Montalcino and Montepulciano.
💡 One of my favorite activities here is to simply drive through the countryside, stopping at various towns to enjoy local wines and delicacies. If you are visiting in July, don’t miss the Orcia Wine Festival in San Quirico d’Orcia, where you can sample some of the best local wines.
The timeless beauty of Val d’Orcia makes it a perfect escape from the bustle of Florence, offering a quintessential Tuscan experience that feels like stepping into a painting.
How to get from Florence to Val d’Orcia:
🚗 By Car: Driving is the most flexible and scenic way to reach Val D’Orcia. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your exact destination within the valley.
🚂 / 🚌 By Train and Bus: There’s no direct train to Val D’Orcia, you can take a train from Florence to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme or Siena. From Chiusi, local buses connect to various towns in Val D’Orcia, but schedules can be infrequent, so check in advance.
🚎 By Tour: Opting for a guided tour is a convenient and informative way to explore Val D’Orcia. Many tours depart from Florence and include transportation, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
I highly recommend visiting the enchanting Val D’Orcia valley on this day trip from Florence with THIS TOUR.
This tour brings you to explore the towns of Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano. One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to enjoy two wine tastings!
This tour is one of the best ways to do an amazing day trip from Florence and see the beautiful region.
➡️ Book this tour HERE!
Pisa
⏰ Time to Reach: 1 hour
Pisa is one of those iconic destinations that’s a must-visit when you’re in Tuscany. The main reason to visit Pisa is, of course, the famous Leaning Tower. But there’s so much more to this city.
The Piazza dei Miracoli, where the tower is located, also houses the stunning Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery, both architectural masterpieces.
💡 I love wandering through Pisa’s charming streets, which are filled with historic buildings, vibrant markets, and inviting cafés. If you’re visiting in June, try to catch the Luminara di San Ranieri festival on June 16th, when the city is illuminated by thousands of candles in honor of its patron saint.
How to get from Florence to Pisa:
🚂 By Train: The train is the easiest and most convenient way to reach Pisa from Florence. Trains depart regularly from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station and take about an hour to reach Pisa Centrale station.
🚗 By Car: If you prefer to drive, the journey from Florence to Pisa takes around an hour via the A11 or FI-PI-LI highways. Having a car gives you the flexibility to explore other nearby attractions and towns, but be aware that parking in Pisa can be challenging and expensive.
🚌 By Bus: Several bus companies operate services between Florence and Pisa. The journey takes a bit longer than the train, typically around 1.5 hours, but it can be a good option if you prefer to travel by road.
🚎 By Tour: For a hassle-free experience, consider joining a guided tour.
This tour is a two-for-one that brings you to Pisa and Cinque Terre so you can see as much as possible in one day.
Enjoy Pisa’s world-famous Leaning Tower, a must-see architectural wonder, and explore the vibrant, colorful villages and vineyard-covered terraces of Cinque Terre.
➡️ Book this tour HERE!
Lucca
⏰ Time to Reach: 1.5 hours – 2 hours
Lucca is one of my favorite Tuscan towns, perfect for a day trip from Florence. What makes Lucca special is its perfectly preserved Renaissance walls that encircle the historic city center.
💡 I love renting a bike and riding along the tree-lined path atop these walls, offering a unique perspective of the town.
Inside the walls, Lucca is a maze of narrow streets, charming squares, and beautiful churches. The Guinigi Tower, with its rooftop garden, is a must-see for panoramic views of the city.
💡INSIDER TIP: Visit during the Lucca Summer Festival in July, when the town comes alive with concerts from international artists in the Piazza Napoleone.
How to get from Florence to Lucca:
🚂 By Train: The train is one of the most convenient ways to reach Lucca from Florence. Trains depart frequently from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station and take about 1.5 hours to reach Lucca.
🚗 By Car: The journey takes about 1.5 hours via the A11/E76 highway. While parking can be a bit challenging within the walled city, there are several parking lots just outside the walls where you can leave your car and walk into the historic center.
🚌 By Bus: There are also bus services that connect Florence to Lucca, though they are less frequent than trains. The bus ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route.
San Gimignano
⏰ Time to Reach: 1.5 hours – 2 hours
San Gimignano is a medieval gem that I always recommend for a day trip from Florence. Known as the “Town of Fine Towers,” San Gimignano’s skyline is dotted with 14 impressive medieval towers, offering a glimpse into its rich history.
Walking through its narrow, cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time. The town is also famous for its Vernaccia wine, so a visit to a local enoteca for a tasting is a must.
💡 If you’re there in mid-June, try to catch the Ferie delle Messi, a historical festival with medieval reenactments, music, and traditional crafts.
How to get from Florence to San Gimignano:
🚗 By Car: Driving is one of the best ways to get to San Gimignano. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and allows you to explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside at your own pace.
🚌 By Bus: Catch a bus from the Florence bus station (Autostazione Busitalia-SITA Nord), located near the Santa Maria Novella train station. The journey usually involves a change at Poggibonsi, taking approximately 2 hours in total.
Chianti
⏰ Time to Reach: 30 minutes
Chianti, the picturesque region known for its rolling vineyards and charming villages, is a perfect day trip from Florence.
Visiting Chianti offers a true taste of Tuscany, literally and figuratively. You can enjoy wine tastings at renowned wineries, indulge in delicious local cuisine at rustic trattorias, and soak in the stunning views of vineyards and olive groves.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the medieval town of Greve in Chianti, especially during the Chianti Classico Wine Festival in September, where you can sample some of the best wines from the region.
How to get from Florence to Chianti:
🚗 By Car: Driving to Chianti from Florence is the most flexible and convenient option. The journey takes about an hour, depending on your exact destination within the region.
🚎 By Tour: Many tour operators offer day trips from Florence that include transportation, visits to multiple wineries, wine tastings, and sometimes lunch in a traditional Tuscan setting. This is a great option if you want to enjoy the wine without worrying about driving.
Saturnia
⏰ Time to Reach: 2.5 – 3 hours
Saturnia, famous for its natural thermal springs and stunning landscapes, is an incredible day trip from Florence. It is one of the furthest day trips from Florence but 100% worth it.
The main reason to visit Saturnia is to experience its natural hot springs, known as the Cascate del Mulino. These thermal baths are surrounded by lush greenery and have crystal-clear, warm waters that flow year-round. I
How to get from Florence to Saturnia:
🚗 By Car: Driving is the best way to reach Saturnia from Florence. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Head south on the A1/E35 highway towards Rome and take the exit for Grosseto.
Cinque Terre
⏰ Time to Reach: 2.5 -3 hours
Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning coastal region in Liguria that’s worth exploring on a day trip from Tuscany.
I highly recommend visiting Cinque Terre for its charming villages perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Each village – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – offers its own unique character and breathtaking views.
How to get from Florence to Cinque Terre:
🚂 By Train: Take a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia Centrale, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. From La Spezia, transfer to the local train that serves the Cinque Terre villages (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore). The Cinque Terre Express runs frequently, making it easy to hop between the villages.
🚗 By Car: Driving from Florence to Cinque Terre takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Keep in mind that cars are restricted within the villages, so you’ll need to park in designated areas outside and use local transportation or walk.
🚎 By Tour: Many tour operators in Florence offer day trips to Cinque Terre. These tours often include transportation, guided walks, and sometimes even boat rides along the coast. This is a great option if you prefer a structured visit with insights from a local guide.
This tour is a two-for-one that brings you to Pisa and Cinque Terre so you can see as much as possible in one day.
➡️ Book this tour HERE!
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Love,
SSW
