Florence’s position in the center of Italy makes exploring beyond the Renaissance city easy. With excellent train links and endless tour options, you really are spoiled for choice if you are looking for some amazing day trips from Florence.
The impressive central piazza of Siena is one of the highlights of a day trip here – just one of the many day trip options from Florence
Whether you’re interested in ancient ruins, wine tastings, amazing food, or towering cathedrals, the picturesque towns surrounding the Tuscan capital offer something for everyone. You can also easily reach Rome, Naples, Bologna and Venice from Florence within a day, as well as famous locations such as Cinque Terre.
Everything You Need to Know About Taking Day Trips From Florence
If you want to maximize your time in Italy, a day trip, or multiple day trips, from Florence is a great way to see more of this incredible country. By utilizing Italy’s excellent rail network it is easy to explore without worrying about hiring a rental car, or you can book onto a expert-led tour to make things even easier.
If you’d prefer the flexibility of traveling with a private driver rather than relying on train schedules, you can also use Daytrip. The service connects Florence with dozens of nearby towns and cities, allowing you to visit places like Siena, Pisa, or even Rome in comfort, with the bonus of optional sightseeing stops along the way.
The incredible views from Arezzo are just one of the reasons to take a day trip here – keep reading for lots more Florence day trip suggestions
There’s a day trip for anyone, from history enthusiasts to foodies, nature lovers to those looking to shop some of Tuscany’s famous products, and eveything in between. On this page I’ll be sharing how to visit the following places as a day trip from Florence:
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Pisa Day Trips From Florence
Pisa, with its famous leaning tower and beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture is probably the most popular day trip from Florence.
Beyond the famous buildings, you’ll find a city full of great places to eat and drink at and more fascinating cultural sites to discover.
The iconic leaning tower really does lean that much
What to do
Pisa’s leaning tower is one of the most famous buildings in Italy and is what almost all visitors to this city head to first.
Not many people realize that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is part of a wider complex known as the Square of Miracles, where you’ll find the beautiful cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the ornate Baptistery of Pisa, both worth visiting in my opinion – not just to appreciate their architectural beauty, but also to escape the crowds at the tower and the heat during the summer months!
This area is officially part of Pisa’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tower is just one building of many in the beautiful complex, so be sure to visit them all
The tower’s famous lean is as old as the tower itself; even before it was finished the structure began to tilt at an angle. This is due the fact the earth under the tower is extremely soft, and the architects at the time failed to take this in to account.
Over the centuries, various approaches attempted to correct the lean but none were successful, and now engineers are focused on ensuring the tilt doesn’t become more pronounced. In recent times, experts have utilized modern technology to ensure the stability of the tower and are confident that the lean will not worsen.
This area is officially part of Pisa’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tower is just one building of many in the beautiful complex, so be sure to visit them all
Beyond the Square of Miracles I would recommend visiting the fascinating Santa Maria della Spina church and Piazza dei Cavalieri. Both are far less busy than the area around the Leaning Tower, and just as beautiful in my opinion.
How to get there from Florence
You’ll find multiple trains per hour departing from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to Pisa, with an average journey time of around one hour.
These trains can get quite busy during the summer months, meaning we would recommend booking your tickets in advance if you know when you’d like to visit. This will ensure you can travel exactly when you want, and save you time on the day of your visit.
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Lucca Day Trip
If you’re looking for a slower paced day trip filled with fascinating history, within easy reach of Florence, Lucca is the place for you.
This small city, known as the ‘City of Art’ in Italy, is one of my favourite day trips from Florence. Lucca is generally a lot quieter than nearby Pisa and is just as easy to reach.
I love Lucca’s blend of history and architecture, which stretches back to ancient Roman times
What to do
Simply wandering (and getting lost in) the medieval streets of Lucca is a great thing to do during a day trip here from Florence.
Lucca is unique because the centro storico (historic center) of the city is completely enclosed by impressive fortifications built in the 1500 and 1600’s.
It’s possible to walk along numerous sections of the walls, as well as through several of the imposing gatehouses.
The path that follows the route of Lucca’s walls allows you to easily walk or cycle the entirety of the city’s boundaries for a special sightseeing experience
Lucca’s history stretches back much further than the Renaissance period however, with the current town being founded by the Romans over 2000 years ago. In fact, the famous walls were built on top of the original ancient Roman defences of the city.
One of Lucca’s most special landmarks is the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro which, like Piazza Navona in Rome, is built on the footprint of an Roman arena. When you visit you can clearly see the elliptical shape of the ancient amphitheater where the modern buildings ring the edge of the modern piazza.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy-going place for a good lunch in Lucca, grab a table at Osteria Parlascio in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. On the menu you’ll find a range of Tuscan and Italian classics, and they offer lots of gluten free dishes including pastas and pizza.
It’s hard to beat a well prepared tagliere full of authentic Italian produce for a light lunch or aperitivo
Another key site to make time for during your trip to Lucca is the city’s cathedral, built between 11th and the 14th centuries. This impressive church is home to artworks by renowned Renaissance artists such as Domenico Ghirlandaio and Jacopo Tintoretto, making it a must-see for anyone interested in art or history.
How to get there from Florence
The easiest way to get to Lucca from Firenze is by taking a train from Santa Maria Novella station in Florence to Lucca main station.
The journey via train is broken into two parts, with an average travel time of two hours (allowing for changes between trains). The first is from Florence to Pisa Centrale or Pistoia, and then onwards to Lucca. As such, if you are feeling adventurous you could easily combine visiting Lucca with a trip to Pisa, subject to the trains you book.
When you exit Lucca train station you will immediately see the city’s famous walls across from you, and the cathedral is a short walk (roughly 10 minutes) which makes it a great place to start your day trip from.
Don’t miss Gelateria Veneta Più, just a few steps from Lucca train station, where you can grab a sweet treat on your way in or out of the city
Another option to get to Lucca is to drive from Florence. The journey will take around 75 minutes and you will find plenty of parking outside the walled historic center. Note there is a ZTL in the walled area of Lucca (Zona Traffico Limitato – Limited Traffic Zone) which strictly controls access to residents and other permitted drivers.
Siena Day Trips From Florence
Siena, located in the Tuscan countryside, was once Florence’s main rival for control of this part of Italy. During its heyday it was an extremely wealthy city, and this is reflected in Siena’s beautiful architecture and culture.
Wander the medieval streets of Siena before enjoying a long lunch, just one of the fun day trips you can take from Florence
Famous now for the Palio, an ancient horse race held twice per year, Siena is a popular destination for day trips as it showcases Tuscany’s fascinating history beyond Florence.
I love coming here to pace the medieval streets and to people-watch in the beautiful piazzas, and to indulge in some real countryside Tuscan cuisine!
Siena’s famous cathedral can be seen for miles around
What to do
It is easy to see most of Siena’s famous landmarks on a day trip from Florence. On arrival, make your way to the famous Piazza del Campo (the central square). From here you you can easily reach the Duomo di Siena (the city’s main cathedral), the Torre del Mangia, and the Basilica of San Domenico.
On July 2nd and August 16th every year the city hosts the famous Palio horse race. This event traces its roots back to the 17th century, and sees 10 riders race their horses bareback through Siena’s medieval streets, chasing glory for their neighborhood (contrada).
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting on these dates you are in for a treat – there are few events as special and as historical as this still happening today!
How to get there from Florence
With both bus and train connections to Siena from Florence, getting here couldn’t be easier. Both options depart from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella main station, and take around 1.5 hours. Timetables vary throughout the year so we recommend checking Google Maps when you plan to travel for the latest schedules.
Siena’s cathedral is very easy to visit from Florence
San Gimignano Day Trip
The storied city of San Gimignano and the nearby area is a must-visit for history lovers or those with a passion for wine.
Visiting this famous Tuscan hill town is like stepping back in time; the medieval streets have barely changed in hundreds of years, and the views from the top of San Gimignano and its famous towers showcase the beauty of Tuscany like few other places.
The look of this famous Tuscan hill town has barely changed in hundreds of years
What to do
If you want the best views of the Tuscan countryside, climb the gorgeous medieval towers (Torre Grossa and Torre Salvucci Maggiore) that dominate the center. You can also head to the Palazzo Communale at the heart of the medieval town and marvel at the murals depicting the Old and New Testaments.
It’s a great idea to book a Chianti wine tour or a Florence Vespa tour that travels through the San Gimignano area. This part of Tuscany is well-known for its Vernaccia, a white wine that is absolutely delicious.
Many wine tasting experiences pass through Siena and Monteriggioni. This should give you glorious views of the green rolling hills under the Tuscan sun.
How to get there from Florence
Getting to San Gimignano is less direct compared to Pisa or Siena, but still easy and well worth the effort.
The quick means to arrive here would be to drive, with an average journey time of around 1.5 hours. Outside the town’s walls you’ll find various parking options – I’d recommend using Google Maps to find the best option for you.
If you’d prefer to use public transport, take a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Poggibonsi and the bus from Poggibonsi to San Gimignano. For this option you should allow 2-2.5 hours each way.
In the center of San Gimignano you’ll find more than one excellent place to treat yourself to some gelato
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Arezzo Day Trip
Arezzo, while less famous than Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano, is just as deserving of your time. Here you will find the same famous Tuscan architecture and cuisine, but without the crowds. Plus, with direct trains taking around an hour to get here, visiting is super easy.
The ancient Roman amphitheater is in an ideal position for you to include it in your day trip plans
What to do
Not only will you find countless museums, churches, and medieval buildings, but you’ll even spot Roman ruins here. Oh, and don’t forget the rows of antique shops selling unique souvenirs.
For a small town, Arezzo has a suprising number of sites to visit, and things to do. My favorites include:
- The Roman Amphitheater of Arezzo – This stadium was a focal point of like in ancient Arezzo (known originally as Arretium) and is incredible well-preserved today.
- Piazza Grande Antique Market – On the first Sunday of every month this beautiful piazza fills with antique sellers creating a beautiful scene which is worth visiting even if you don’t buy anything – I challenge you not to pick-up something to remember your trip though!
- Cathedral of Santi Donato e Pietro – This Gothic cathedral dominates the top of Arezzo and showcases the city’s wealth and influence during it’s heyday when it rivalled other key cities in Tuscany.
Don’t miss the park near Arezzo cathedral for fantastic views of the countryside and this beautiful monument to the poet Petrach
How to get there from Florence
There are daily direct trains to Arezzo from Florence, deparing and arriving in/out of Santa Maria Novella main station. The journey can take 1-1.5 hours depending on the exact train you take.
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Cinque Terre Day Trips From Florence
Cinque Terre, meaning ‘Five Lands’ is an area in the Liguria region just north of Tuscany on the Mediterranean coast, featuring five picturesque towns.
These towns are famous for their scenic cliff-side panoramas, hiking routes and postcard-perfect houses which combine to makes the Cinque Terre a popular day trip from Florence.
What to do
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to see all five Cinque Terre towns in a day, arrive early and leave late, and hike the ‘Blue Trail’. This route connects the key villages and will have you walking along the famous cliffs, rewarded with epic views.
Refuel by trying something quintessionally Ligurian in one of the towns, such as focaccia genovese, or if seafood is your thing, sit at any local trattoria and enjoy the catch of the day.
Another great way to see this corner of Liguria is via a boat tour; you’ll find no end of options offering charters and experiences up and down parts of this part of the Italian Rivieria.
How to get there from Florence
To get to Cinque Terre using public transport from Florence, make your way to Santa Maria Novella and take a train to La Spezia Centrale. From here you can then board the Cinque Terre Express which stops at all five towns and runs multiple times a day.
Another option is to book a tour from Florence to Cinque Terre where a driver will shuttle you between the towns, and a guide will provide you with local insights throughout the experience.
Rome Day Trips
The iconic Pantheon in Rome is just one of the many attractions of the Eternal City
What to do
There is so much to do in Rome, so prioritizing will be key to having a successful trip from Florence.
History lovers should focus their time on visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine, foodies should consider booking a food tour or cooking class, and those interested in the religious culture of Italy should concentrate theur time at the Vatican.
It is also possible to see most of Rome’s main landmarks from the outside, including sites like the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Spanish Steps, as well as those mentioned above, within a single day. I recommend you take a look at Romewise One Day in Rome guide here for more details.
Visiting the Vatican is a must-do on any trip to Rome
How to get there from Florence
With direct trains to Rome from Firenze departing multiple times a day from Florence Santa Maria Novella station, getting to Rome (and back) couldn’t be easier.
These trains can get very busy with Italians and visitors alike (with Rome <> Florence being a busy commuter/business route). This means you should book your tickets in advance if you know when you’d like to travel to guarantee a preferred time of arrival and departure.
The trains run regularly between Rome and Florence so you can see the Forum at sunset and then head to the train station to end different day trips from Florence
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Bologna Day Trip
The capital of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna, is not often on visitor’s lists when in Italy, and I feel this is a shame!
This city is famous throughout Italy for its amazing food and architecture, as well as for being an extremely easy city to visit and explore as it’s flat and accessible from key train routes.
I love the architecture in Bologna, as well as the fantastic food
What to do
While it would be easy to spend a day in Bologna exploring its beautiful churches, famous porticoes and immaculate piazzas, the main thing anyone coming here should do is eat.
Bologna has a nickname in Italian which is ‘Il Grasso’, meaning ‘The Fat’, because as the home of some of Italy’s top pasta and meats, the wider region is where Balsamic vinegar and Parma ham hails from. It is impossible to eat badly here!
There truly is nothing so tasty as a plate of traditional bolognese pasta
With this, one of the top things I would recommend doing when coming from Florence would be to book a food tour, or at the very least, explore the city’s market and restaurant scene. Come with an empty stomach, and thank me later!
How to get there from Florence
Bologna is located half way between Venice and Florence, meaning that there are several trains daily that stop here.
The journey time is around 45 minutes, making Bologna one of the easiest cities to visit beyond Florence for a day trip.
Similar to the route between Florence and Rome, a lot of locals use this line to commute to and from work, meaning you should book your tickets in advance if you know when you want to travel.
Naples Day Trip
Not a lot of visitors to Florence know just how easy is to get to Naples – you can reach it in around 3 hours using Italy’s high speed train network.
This one of the lesser-done day trips from Florence but don’t let that put you off!
Naples and Campania are a world away from Florence but easily reached for a day trip
What to do
There is no shortage of things to do and see in Naples, and a single day is not really enough time to really experience this unique city. That said, we would recommend indulging in some of Napoli’s famous street food and pizza at the very minimum.
Neapolitan pizza…need I say more?
When it comes to historical sites, if you’re feeling energetic and are willing to extend your day trip a little more, consider visiting Pompeii just outside of Naples.
This ancient Roman town was buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE and is now one of the world’s greatest archeological parks.
If you would prefer to stay within Naples itself, head to the MANN – The Archeological Museum of Naples – which houses incredible finds from Pompeii, Herculaneum, Rome and beyond.
It’s not impossible to reach and visit Pompeii from Florence in a single day
How to get there from Florence
The most efficient and comfortable option for getting to Naples from Florence is by high-speed train.
With daily departures starting from 7AM from Santa Novella in Florence (arriving around 10am at Napoli Centrale) and the latest return train leaving Naples at 7PM, this can be a long but achievable day trip.
To learn more about visiting Naples and the wider Campania region (including Pompeii), check out Napleswise here.
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To sum up…
There are many day trips from Florence you can take, but for us, the main thing to consider is travel time and what pre-planning is needed. If you want a more relaxing day trip with low stress, head for Bologna or Siena. If you’re up for more of a challenge and are happy to book activities well in advance, Rome or Cinque Terre is for you.
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