EPIC FLORENCE DAY TOURS YOU WILL LOVE
Are you planning your Florence itinerary and also some day trips from Florence? Then this post is for you – here are some of the most amazing places to visit near Florence.
Florence is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, so it’s no wonder so many people flock here each year. Florence has something for everyone. Whether you are on a budget or splurging, whether you are an art enthusiast or a novice, whether you are a fan of the outdoors or prefer to stay in, you won’t be disappointed by Florence.
There is so much to see and do in Florence. However, you would then miss out on some of Florence’s amazing nearby towns and cities of Tuscany that are worth a visit. There are so many beautiful places near Florence and taking day trips from Florence is a great way to discover them.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR DAY TRIPS FROM FLORENCE
This post will let you know the best day tours from Florence. You won’t be disappointed with these fun, colorful, and historical villages and cities once you see them!
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Where to Stay in Florence
If you make Florence your base, find the best accommodation for your trip!
Luxury Hotels in Florence: For the ultimate luxury hotel, check out rates at Florence´s Four Season. This hotel chain knows how to impress, and it seems that it does a great job in Florence, too. Click here to get more information on the rates.
Mid-Range Hotels in Florence: This mid-range hotel is located close to the Boboli Gardens and the Piazzale Michelangelo. Check out the rates for the Park Palace in Florence.
Budget Hotels in Florence: The Plus Florence is a hostel near some of the main attractions, and you can book dorms or private rooms. Find out more about the hotel by clicking here.
How to Get Around Florence For Day Trips
There are three main ways to do the day trips from Florence.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
- Italy has a pretty good public transportation system – especially in the Tuscany region. I have only had positive experiences using the trains in Italy.
- Especially for the Florence day trip, I recommend using trains. The prices are very reasonable, reliable and clean.
DRIVING
However, driving could be another option.
- The streets are mostly in good condition, and I have seen worse streets and drivers in Italy.
- However, parking will be a challenge. Many town centers are car-free, and you might have to park quite far away. Parking prices will add up, and petrol is costly in Italy.
- Also, if you want to drive the highway, you will have to pay a fortune for tolls. In Tuscany, driving highways will not happen often but if you use them, you will (pay 9€ for 100km on average).
I recommend doing the day tours from Florence via public transportation. You will probably save money using public transportation – and there will be fewer headaches if you do not drive yourself.
GUIDED TOURS
- Another option for discovering some of the places mentioned below is via guided tours. Especially the popular places can be visited with a guide. However, there are no guided tours for all the places.
BEST FLORENCE DAY TOURS
Here are the best places to visit near Florence.
Florence Day Trip to Pisa
- BY CAR: ABOUT 1,5 HOURS ONE WAY
- BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: ABOUT 1 HOUR ONE WAY
How could it be any different? Pisa is famous for its Leaning Tower, and if you visit Tuscany, you have to visit the tower. It is probably the most famous day tour from Florence.
- You can get to Pisa from Florence by either train or car, but I don’t recommend going by car.
- Train tickets are quite cheap, and the trains run frequently. By train, you’ll be in Pisa within the hour.
Once you arrive, your first stop should be the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is located in the Piazza del Duomo, and you can actually climb to the top (there are 400 steps) for around 20 euros. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance and get skip-the-line tickets – it is going to be busy here!
There’s more to do at the Piazza del Duomo. Visit Cattedrale di Pisa, an imposing church in front of the tower, with marble striping, Romanesque, bronzed doors, and carved pulpits. See Camposanto Monumentale – a cemetery, for which you will also need tickets.
The Pisa Baptistery is another great place to stop, with panels by the renowned sculptor Pisano. Then leave the piazza and discover some other sights like this cute church: Santa Maria Della Spina is a little church with a unique exterior on the Arno River. Stroll the Arno banks, visit Knight Square, and see the Italian art in the Palazzo Blu Museum, located by the river.
A day trip from Florence to Pisa is very cliche but fun!
- Here is my full Pisa itinerary for one day.
- Find out about guided tours from Florence to Pisa. Here is the best-rated day tour to Pisa.
- If you prefer a shorter trip to Pisa, check out this tour.
Florence Day Trip to Lucca
- BY CAR: ABOUT 1 HOUR ONE WAY
- BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: ABOUT 1,5 HOURS ONE WAY
Lucca is a popular town that is easy to get to from Florence. Despite being situated between Florence and Pisa, it is not overly crowded with tourists.
There are quite a few attractions for you to enjoy on your day trip to Lucca. First, you should see the huge Renaissance walls and walk atop them. They offer some amazing views. Then, head to the historic city center.
Here you’ll find the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and its cafes and restaurants if you’d like to stop for a bite. After that, check out the Duomo di San Martino for 3 euros – you can climb the tower for another 3 euros if you like. The views are very nice.If you’re in the mood for climbing, you can also go to the top of the Guinigi Tower. Here you will see centuries-old trees once you climb the steps – the cost is 4 euros. You can also visit the Basilica of San Frediano and St. Martin Cathedral, which has a unique and interesting exterior. Take your time because, despite the number of attractions in Lucca, they are not that far apart and walkable, so you have time to linger.
- For more information on a guided tour – combining Lucca and Pisa – check out the rates for this tour.
Florence Day Trip to Pistoia and Pescia
- BY CAR: ABOUT 40 MINUTES TO PISTOIA ONE WAY
- BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: ABOUT 1 HOUR TO PISTOIA ONE WAY
Pistoia and Pescia are two wonderful towns that you can combine for one day trip. They are easy to get to from Florence and slightly off the beaten path. In my opinion, both towns are underrated. Especially beautiful Pistoia, which has an authentic medieval feel to it.
A river bisects Pistoia, so some of its attractions are on one side, like the Piazza Mazzini and City Hall, and some are on the other, like the Cathedral of San Zeno. You will see lots of gorgeous architecture here with none of the crowds of more popular cities. Make sure you see the Spedale del Ceppo, the Piazza del Sala, the Basilica of Our Lady of Humility, and the church of Sant’Andrea.Then, stop for lunch and make your way to Pescia nearby. The second half of your day will be in Pescia, another little town that is long on lovely buildings but short on crowds. You can visit the Gipsoteca Libero Andreotti Museum and the Pescia Cathedral.
Spend the rest of the day strolling through town, walking along the banks of the river, and enjoying a relaxing Tuscan evening.
Florence Day Trip to Porto Venere
- BY CAR: ABOUT 2,5 HOURS ONE WAY
- BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: ABOUT 3,5 HOURS ONE WAY
If you are staying in Florence, you should visit Porto Venere which is close to La Spezia. This beautiful town you can reach by taking a train or boat from La Spezia. It is quite a long way – I am aware of that. But since train travel in Italy is pleasant and Porto Venere is STUNNING, it is still worth it.
Small and pretty, Porto Venere is a little port town overshadowed by its popular neighbors – Cinque Terre‘s villages. But it is definitely worth a day trip from Florence to see it because it is really quite beautiful.You can see all of the town’s sights in less than four hours. If you like, you can even take a guided tour. But if you prefer to wander at your own pace, here are some of the highlights that you should see while here.
Visit the medieval Church of Saint Peter and San Lorenzo Church. To get amazing views, go up to the clifftop Castello Doria, a fortress that gives you an overview of the town. Or stroll the streets and promenades, taking in the colorful houses and nice atmosphere. If you like outdoor activities, make your way to the Porto Venere Regional Natural Park. This protected land has enough beach areas, dive sites, and hiking trails to satisfy any lover of the outdoors. Here are more travel tips for Porto Venere.
Florence Day Trip to Siena
- BY CAR: ABOUT 1 HOUR ONE WAY
- BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: ABOUT 1,5 HOURS ONE WAY
Here is an easier day trip from Florence: Siena.
Siena is a beautifully maintained, medieval town and an homage to Gothic architecture. Its historical center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You can reach this town that sits on three hills by taking a train or bus from Florence. Once you arrive, head to the central piazza – the Piazza del Campo – where the town’s most important events take place. It is a fun and lively square, and if you happen to be visiting in the summer, specifically July 2 or August 16, Siena’s twice-annual horse race will be going on.Besides that, though, there are a few other great sights to take in. Within the piazza is the Tower of Mangia, where you can climb 400 steps to the top. It was closed during my visit, but it supposedly provides some amazing views.
Visit the Duomo di Siena – you’ll notice it by its pinkish exterior. This Gothic cathedral has some gorgeous mosaics.
Stop by the town hall building – the Pubblico Palace – another example of Gothic architecture in the piazza. After that, you can wander through the old town. Adorable houses are lining the streets, and it’s the perfect way to end your day in Siena.
- If you prefer a guided tour, check out this trip – a day where you will Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti in one day (with lunch and wine tasting).
Florence Day Trip to San Gimignano
- BY CAR: ABOUT 1 HOUR ONE WAY
- BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: ABOUT 2 HOURS ONE WAY
Traveling from Florence to San Gimignano only takes about an hour, but you will have to transfer to Poggibonsi if you travel by bus or train. If you arrive via car, then no worries, but keep in mind that these are narrow, mountain streets that can be challenging to drive (though if I can do it, you can do it, too!.
So, of course, San Gimignano is very popular so it can be busy at times.
But regardless of how you get here, San Gimignano is a great day trip from Florence. It offers stunning views and some fascinating attractions. And everyone knows it. This walled, medieval town is a trendy tourist destination in Tuscany. It can get jam-packed, especially in the summer months.
The center of San Gimignano is the Piazza del Duomo. Here you will find the Palazzo del Podesta and the Palazzo del Popola, two beautiful cathedrals, and other amazing pieces of architecture.
While you’re here, stop at Porto San Giovanni to see a door created in the 13th century and the town’s pride. If you are looking for a great view, try Torre Grossa. Climbing this 13th-century tower, which is 54 meters high, will give you an amazing look out over your surroundings. Entry is 5 euros. (I actually missed this because it was raining during my visit.)
- Read my Tuscany itinerary – with the best places to visit in 5-10 days in Tuscany.
- Guided Tour: Check out this trip – a day where you will Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti in one day (with lunch and wine tasting).
Wine Tasting Tour
Many people want to go wine tasting in Tuscany. How can we blame them? After all, Tuscany is one of the most famous and prolific wine regions in Europe. While I do not drink wine and cannot give you first-hand recommendations, there are many day tours that allow you to try some of the local Tuscan wines.
The beautiful wine region of Chianti is a popular place for scenic tours from Florence. While admiring the Tuscan landscape of rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress trees, you can taste Tuscan wines and local products.
There are many different tours available – I have picked some of the best-rated so you can enjoy a great day with great wine!
- Check out this quite affordable wine-tasting experience from Florence to Chianti.
- For a small group experience check out this tour.
Florence Day Trip to Arezzo
- BY CAR: ABOUT 1 HOUR ONE WAY
- BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: ABOUT 1 HOUR ONE WAY
This town is something different – and unique – from the other medieval towns found in Tuscany. Because of this, it became one of my very favorites. I am talking about Arezzo.
Trains frequently run from Florence to Arezzo, making your day trip an easy one. So, hop on, and you will be here within 30-60 minutes.
Like most of Tuscany, the town square is on a hill, though the rest of the town is not. There are a variety of attractions to see, from the historical to the natural to the picturesque. I’m pretty sure that you will fall in love with this town.Visit the Arezzo Cathedral and make sure you check out the beautiful, 15th-century fresco there. The Piazza Grande is also a good place to see the interesting buildings and maybe stop for something to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants. The Fraternity dei Laici, a museum located on the Piazza Grande, is another place you should see. Not just for what’s inside, but because you can have access to the panoramic terrace and its views for only 3 euros.
Florence Day Trip to Rome
- BY CAR: ABOUT 3 HOURS ONE WAY
- BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: ABOUT 2 HOURS ONE WAY
How could you miss this city? For your day trip to Rome, I suggest starting early. This is going to be a full day with lots of amazing things to see and do. Normally, I’d suggest 2-3 days for Rome, but with just one, you’ll have to pick and choose what best works for you.
Let’s start with some of the most famous landmarks in Rome. While here, I would suggest seeing the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, the Roman Hills and Palatine Hills, the Spanish Steps, Castello del Angelo, and Monumento Nazionale a Vittoria Emanuele.
Within Rome lies Vatican City, the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope (it’s effortless to cross borders). There are some breathtaking sights here that absolutely made my Rome trip, so don’t skip this part.
Some of the best things to see in Vatican City are St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Spiral Staircase, and Raphael‘s Rooms.
With only one day, you won’t fit this all in, but maybe that will give you the incentive to come back to see the rest.
Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips From Florence
Tuscany is a beautiful region in Italy, and Florence is no exception. However, there are so many interesting and beautiful places nearby. It would be a crime not to explore Italy further with a few day trips from Florence. These towns and cities are well worth the (short) commute, and I know you won’t be disappointed once you see them.