As the capital of Tuscany, Florence is an incredible base city to stay in when you’re planning a trip to Italy. On top of being a fascinating destination on its own, its convenient central location places it in reasonable proximity to many of the best places to visit in Italy. There are plenty of fun things to do in the city, plus a bunch of amazing day trips from Florence for those who wish to explore the surrounding region, too.

For a change of scenery during your Florence vacation, venture outside the Cradle of the Renaissance and visit these marvelous cities in Italy. You’ll be glad you did!

8 Perfect Day Trips from Florence

Whether you want to tour ancient sites, sip world-class wine, or sail through the Italian Riviera, these Florence day trips have what you’re looking for.

Chianti

As a country that’s famous for its food and wine, forget about your diet while you’re planning a vacation to Italy and get ready to treat yourself to some top-notch cuisine. Considered by many to be Italy’s best destination for wine-tasting, the Chianti region is one of the easiest day trips from Florence you can take.

You can attend the tastings in the vineyards on your own if you rent a car, or visit by booking a guided tour. There are a bunch of options available, ranging from small groups settings to private tours with a more intimate experience.

For those who enjoy horseback riding, Chianti is a magical place for a ride. There are several Florence day trips both beginners and experts can book for horseback riding. Most lead you on a ride through the hills and vineyards, then finish with a wine tasting and lunch or dinner.

Pisa

Home to the “Leaning Tower of Pisa,” one of Italy’s most recognizable attractions, Pisa is a lot of fun for anyone who enjoys sightseeing. There are plenty of market areas and vibrant streets to eat, drink, shop, and mingle. Surrounding the iconic structure, there’s a grassy lawn where you can sit down, soak in the atmosphere, and take some touristy pictures for the memories.

You can visit Pisa on your own by taking the bus or renting a car. There are also a bunch of day trips from Florence where guided tours handle the transportation. Most of the tours take you to a few different cities in Italy instead of spending the whole time in Pisa. You get to see a lot in one day!

San Gimignano

Just southwest of Florence in the rolling hills of Tuscany, the medieval town of San Gimignano is an absolute gem. Aside from just being one of the best places to visit in Tuscany, it’s one of my favorite cities in Italy and definitely a top contender for the best day trips from Florence.

Nicknamed the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages,” the historic community is surrounded by massive walls built in the 13th century. Full of houses, towers, and structures dating back hundreds of years, exploring the city center feels as though you’ve wandered into a different era.

On top of its rare old-world aesthetic, the food and shopping scene is phenomenal. There are so many outstanding restaurants overlooking the hills for a top-notch Italian meal with a view. For dessert, the “Gelateria Dondoli” in the city center literally won a World Championship for its gelato. I’ll admit, I was kind of skeptical about just how good this gelato would actually be… but wow! It did not disappoint.

Cinque Terre

If you’re planning a vacation to Italy during the warmer months of the year, Cinque Terre is one of the Florence day trips you won’t want to miss. Made up of five distinct villages connected by train, the coastal enclave provides a picturesque atmosphere to experience the Italian Riviera.

While its beaches make it such a popular summer destination, the fresh seafood is what really makes Cinque Terre so famous. Many of the restaurants only serve the fish caught the same morning it’s served. If the fishermen didn’t catch it that day, it’s usually just off the menu until the next morning when a new batch comes in.

Beyond just enjoying the food, you’ll have plenty of chances to venture out into the glimmering blue waters, too! On top of lounging at the beaches, you can also book wonderful excursions like sunset cruises or brunch sailing.

Getting to Cinque Terre can be tricky, so plan ahead of your visit.

When planning your trip, there’s a few different options you could take. The first is booking a guided tour, which handles all the transportation. The second is taking the train from Florence to the La Spezia station, then getting a connecting train to Cinque Terre. If you’re renting a car, you can also just drive, but be prepared for a difficult parking situation. There are a few public parking areas, but they fill up fast. There’s a chance you’ll end up having to park up a steep hill away from the beaches.

Siena

Easily recognizable from its medieval brick buildings and the UNESCO-listed historical center square, the city of Siena is another one of the best places to go in Tuscany. Considered one of the most important cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, it’s one of the best Florence day trips for history lovers.

Over the years, Siena, Italy has managed to preserve many of its original structures and buildings. With its remarkable ambiance, a day in the community feels like a step back in time. Getting from Florence to Siena by train is super easy, and many routes run in both directions daily.

Another excellent way to experience Siena is taking one of the multi-city Florence day trips. A local guide will bring you from the city center to a few spots in the region then back to Florence. For a day full of food and history, consider an option combining Siena with Pisa and San Gimignano.

Livorno

For a stress-free seaside rendezvous, Livorno is a great day trip during the summer season. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Florence by train, or you could go by car or bus, too.

There are plenty of seasonal eateries along the waterfront during the warmer months. Its artsy walking path near the shoreline is great for a relaxed afternoon. You can check out a few quirky local attractions along the beaches as well, with the aquarium being particularly popular.

Venice

Navigating through the thin alleyways, winding streets, and scenic canals of Venice is an experience every traveler needs. There are a bunch of cool landmarks and bustling squares to explore, and with a high-speed train connecting it to the city center, it’s one of the best day trips from Florence.

Browsing the shops and strolling over the many bridges of this picturesque Italian city feel like a scene straight out of a postcard. The colorful buildings give the neighborhood such a cool vibe, and there are tons of wine bars and restaurants to eat, drink, and relax at. To check off your bucket list, enjoy a gondola ride!

Rome

Rome needs no introduction. It’s definitely worth spending a few days in Rome if you can, but if you’re planning a trip to Italy and are limited on time, you can still see a lot of the city in a short period.

You can easily get from Florence to Rome by booking a high-speed train ticket. Although it’s one of the furthest day trips from Florence by train, the ride itself only takes about an hour and a half.

Know which activities you want to do before you arrive and be sure to book your skin-the-line tickets and guided tours in advance. The most famous attractions and activities, such as visiting the Vatican Museums and exploring the Roman Colosseum, tend to attract huge crowds.

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