Florence is one of the most beautiful and original places to travel in the world, with impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, stunning city walls, and an incredible medieval town. But when coming here, one of the things you can’t skip is the best day trips from Florence.
In face, if you’re looking for a change of scenery from Florence, there are plenty of great day tours to take.
From the green rolling hills of Tuscany to the charming Cinque Terre and more, these destinations are sure to leave you in awe.
Travel to the heart of Tuscany and get a completely unique experience outside of Florence with an expert tour guide that’ll tell you everything about the area, the history, and short stories that you won’t soon forget.
Let’s jump right into the best day trips from Florence!
3 Absolute Best Day Trips from Florence
I understand that you want to make the most of your time in Florence and roam around the city instead of spending your time reading all the details. So here are the top day trips from Florence you should consider:
- BEST TOUR AROUND TUSCANY: Tuscany Day Trip From Florence
- BEST TOUR TO PISA: Pisa from Florence: Half-Day Afternoon Tour
- BEST CINQUE TERRE DAY TRIP: Cinque Terre From Florence
If you have a few minutes more for more details, then keep reading, here’s everything you need to know about the day trips around Tuscany.
10 Best Day Trips from Florence
The time has come to take a look at the 10 best fun day trips from Florence that you simply can’t miss out on.
These day trips from Florence offer everything you may want – Wine tasting in Tuscany, exploring the Cinque Terre in Liguria, and wandering around the olive groves with delicious food.
1. Tuscany Day Trip From Florence
What’s the best way to see the best parts of Tuscany in a day? Join a Tuscany day trip from Florence and see for yourself! You will get to the walled town of Siena, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Gimignano, and the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Start the day with just a short drive from Florence to Siena, a city packed with medieval charm. From its scenic main square to its towering cathedral, there are plenty of reasons to visit this city.
While in Siena, be sure to try some of the local cuisine. The region is known for its hearty dishes, such as Wild Boar Stew and Ribollita soup.
After that, pass through the Chianti Hills and stop for a typical lunch in one of the colorful houses in the countryside. Of course, wine from the Chianti region is included and you’ll be happy to know that they’ll get 4 different wines ready for you.
Once you’re done with lunch, head over to San Gimignano, a medieval town home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the region, and its hilltop location provides spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
And lastly, you’ll drive to Pisa, best known for its iconic Leaning Tower, but there’s much more to see in this historic city. The Cathedral of Pisa, for example, is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and art.
And if you’re up for a climb, the leaning tower itself offers stunning views of the city.
Of course, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore each place at your own pace, and you’ll have all the explanations from your tour guide. And the best part is that you can do it all in just 12 hours!
So book your tour today, these trips sell out very fast, and it’s easy to see why.
2. Pisa from Florence: Half-Day Afternoon Tour
If you have limited time in Florence, then a half-day trip might be just what you need. See the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa on this half-day afternoon guided tour from Florence. But of course, there is so much more that this city has to offer.
Travel by air-conditioned bus to the Field of Miracles, where the famous tower is located. On the way there, your guide will tell you all about the history of this unique structure and answer any questions you may have.
Once you get to Pisa, take some time to explore the area and snap some photos of the Cathedral and the massive, stunning Baptistry. All 3 monuments are distinctive Pisan Romanesque architecture, and you won’t find a similar style anywhere else.
After the visit, you’ll have some free time to shop for souvenirs, pass by the Piazza Dei Cavalieri and the Church of San Sisto, and, obviously, sample some Italian gelato!
On the way back from the half-day visit, you’ll see the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, and that is simply the best way to end the day.
What to say, Pisa is one of my favorite places to visit when spending 3 days in Florence or more, and I highly recommend you take this half-day trips from Florence.
Want to know more?
Check out this guide about
spending a day in Pisa from Florence.
3. Cinque Terre From Florence
Join an action-packed 13-hour day tour from Florence to Cinque Terre, visiting all 5 villages in the Cinque Terre: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.
You’ll start the day with a pick-up in Florence and then take a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside to reach the Cinque Terre. You’ll stop in La Spezia and take the train to Manarola, the first village of the day.
Walk through the vines, discover the village, snap some photos, and get ready to board the train to Corniglia, the second village.
After exploring around and walking with your guide, you’ll have a delicious lunch before resuming the trip. From Corniglia, you’ll have 2 options to the next village: go on a hike to Vernazza or take the local train instead. I recommend the hike if you’re fit, the views on the way are incredible.
That being said, there are stunning day trips around Florence by train, and the Cinque Terre is definitely one of them!
When you get to Vernazza, you can go for a swim, enjoy a gelato or coffee at a local cafe, or simply walk around taking photos for your social media.
And after that, get to Monterosso, by far the Cinque Terre village with the most beautiful beaches. That’s not it; the tour allows you to board a boat and take in the views of Monterosso from afar – get ready to be stunned!
Last but not least, you’ll spend some time in Riomaggiore, the closest village to La Spezia, before heading back to Florence. Riomaggiore is an ancient fishing village known for its charming historic town and wine bars.
Now that you’ve taken in all the stunning corners in Cinque Terre, end the organized tour at the train station, and take a bus from La Spezia to Florence to witness the stunning countryside that Italy has to offer.
4. Chianti Hills Wine Tasting Tour From Florence
Touring the Chianti hills is the best way to see the Tuscan countryside and sample some of the local wines. The tour begins in Florence, you’ll be onboarding the coach and given instructions and explanations of the trip by your guide.
From there, you will get to the first of the 2 “cantinas,” or wineries, and listen to its history while sipping on fine wines from the Chianti region. Naturally, the local producers will tell you everything about the winemaking process and what it takes to become a “Chianti Classico” branded wine.
After the wine tasting session, you will take the coach to the second wine estate. Of course, the coach will stop along the way for you to shoot the best photos of the rolling hills to take home.
When you’re at the second wine estate, your guide, together with the property owner, will take you around the vineyards, and you’ll get to sample 3 more wines while listening to their stories – how they’re produced, the terrain the grapes need, and more.
All in all, this is the best wine tour you can get and you certainly won’t regret it! However, a word of caution, these day trips can get crowded with up to 30 people on tour.
That doesn’t change or harm the itinerary in any way. But in case you want a more exclusive experience, I recommend booking this tour instead, which is specifically designed to accommodate fewer people and, hence, a more pleasant experience.
5. Day Trip to Lucca and Pisa From Florence
Lucca and Pisa are two of the most popular tourist destinations you should include in your Italy itinerary. Just a short coach ride from Florence, they offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Lucca is a charming medieval town with the stunning Piazza San Michele and plenty of cafes and shops to explore, while Pisa is home to the famous Leaning Tower.
Follow your guide around both cities, walk around the historic towns, grab a cappuccino, and get lost in Italian wonders.
For a reasonable price, you’ll get to spend 9 hours around Tuscany in Lucca and Pisa, and the entrance ticket to Pisa Cathedral is included too. What more could you ever want from a day trip?
Whether you’re looking to soak up some history or simply enjoy a change of scenery, Lucca and Pisa make for the perfect day trip. Just be sure to pack your camera – you’ll want to capture the memories of your travels to these beautiful cities.
Last but not least, the meeting point is just about 15 minutes from Piazza Maggiore in Florence, which is great if you’re running late in the morning!
6. San Gimignano and Siena from Florence
If the first day trip on this list combining Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena was too much to take, then this is the best alternative.
San Gimignano is a small picturesque town located in the Tuscan countryside, about an hour’s drive from Florence. The town is best known for its medieval towers, which rise dramatically above the town’s red-tiled roofs. You can discover the narrow streets and admire the view from the top of one of the towers.
San Gimignano is also home to a number of shops selling locally-made products in its historic center. Just a short drive from San Gimignano is the city of Siena, another Tuscan gem.
Siena is perhaps best known for its beautiful Gothic cathedral, which dominates the city’s skyline, and for its famous Palio Horse Race.
Just like other Tuscan towns, you can explore Siena’s historic center and enjoy panoramic views from one of the many hilltop vantage points.
Taking a day trip to the lesser-known towns of Tuscany is a great option, and this is simply one of the best Florence to San Gimignano tours out there.
7. Monteriggioni Day Tour
Florence is a beautiful city with a rich history, and there is so much to see and do. However, if you’re looking for a day trip outside of the city, there are plenty of great options within a short drive. Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni are all historic towns that are definitely worth a visit.
And what makes this option so special is that they incorporate Monteriggioni, a small yet unique town in Tuscany that you shouldn’t skip.
Siena is best known for its stunning cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. The town also has a lively market square, where you can find fresh produce and local crafts. San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers, and it’s a great place to enjoy some breathtaking views.
And once you arrive in Monteriggioni, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The town’s well-preserved walls and buildings offer a glimpse into the past, and the views from the top of the walls are simply breathtaking.
There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, so you can easily spend a few hours wandering the streets of Monteriggioni. Best of all, the town is relatively quiet, so you can enjoy a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of Florence.
Do I even need to explain why it’s one of the best day trips from Florence?
8. Assisi and Cortona from Florence: Full-Day Guided Tour
Experience the beauty of Assisi and Cortona on this full-day guided tour from Florence. You’ll explore the medieval town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, and enjoy panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside from the hilltop town of Cortona.
Meet up at the Piazzale Montelungo Bus Terminal in the morning, only 15 minutes away from Piazza Del Duomo, and jump on the coach that will take you to the fascinating rolling hills.
With an expert guide, you’ll visit the Basilica of St. Francis, where you’ll see the magnificent frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue. You’ll also visit the monastery where St. Francis lived and the church where he is buried.
In Cortona, you’ll stroll through the medieval streets and admire views of Lake Trasimeno from the highest point in town. In addition, in case you’ve watched “Under The Tuscan Sun,” the movie was filmed in the walled town of Cortona, which definitely adds a layer of interest.
Of course, in Cortona, you will also be shown the San Francesco Church, a precious piece of Renaissance art in the heart of this beautiful Tuscan town.
This full-day tour is a great way to experience two of central Italy’s most picturesque towns and their historic center.
9. Pienza and Montepulciano Guided Wine Tour
Florence is a city rich in history and culture, and it is also the gateway to some of the best wines in Italy. Just over an hour drive away, you will find the picturesque medieval hilltop town of Pienza, as well as Montepulciano, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
These towns are home to some of the most highly regarded wineries in all of Italy, and they offer a truly unique wine-tasting experience. On this day trip, you will visit two of the most renowned wineries in both towns.
At each winery, you will enjoy a guided tour of the facilities and learn about the different wine-making techniques used. You will also have the opportunity to sample a variety of red and white wines. In addition, you will enjoy a traditional Italian lunch at a local restaurant.
This tour is the perfect way to experience the best that Tuscan wine country has to offer.
What else to say, Pienza and Montepulciano are simply some of the best Florence day trips you can take, and you’ll love the wine too!
10. Horse Ride and Wine Tour at Estate
Nestled in the heart of the Chianti Hills, only 30 minutes from Florence, lies a horse court with vineyards where you can take a Florence day trip.
This working farm has been in the same family for generations, and today it offers a unique opportunity to experience real Tuscan life, riding a horse and tasting some of the best wine in the region.
Apart from the horseback riding part that you will love, you’ll get the chance to visit the olive groves aboard your stallion and get stunning pictures from a different angle.
There’s more; you will also be served a typical Tuscan lunch with pasta and wine, and that is just the cherry on the cake.
Best Day Trips from Florence – FAQ
Now that we discussed all the best day tours from Florence Italy, let’s answer some questions from first-timers that you may find helpful too.
What is the Best Day Trip From Florence?
While it all depends on personal preferences, the best day trip from Florence is the Tuscany Day Trip, allowing you to visit Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa. On top of that, while traveling from one place to another, you’ll get to see the rolling hills, as well as a hilltop town from afar.
How Many Days Should I Stay in Florence?
I recommend staying in Florence for a minimum of 3 days. This way, you will have 1 full day to explore Florence and 2 days to discover Tuscany and the Cinque Terre.
In case you’re willing to join a wine-tasting day trip, I recommend going 2 days before leaving – you’ll taste a minimum of 4 wines!
Can I Make a Day Trip From Florence to Cinque Terre?
Yes, absolutely, and the best way to explore Cinque Terre is by joining a day trip from Florence. It’s affordable, convenient, and it’s much easier than going by yourself.
While you can take regional trains to La Spezia and then the villages, it can get quite awkward to get around, especially if you don’t speak Italian.
Is Siena Worth Visiting?
Siena is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Italy, and it’s definitely worth visiting. It is known for its medieval architecture, art, culture, and food. The city is home to the famous Palio di Siena, a horse race that takes place twice a year in the main square.
You can combine your visit with a trip to San Gimignano, which is less than one hour drive away. San Gimignano is another Tuscan hill town that is known for its medieval architecture and stunning views.
More Italy Travel Guides
- 15 Best Towns in Tuscany to Visit
- This is the Best Time to Visit Matera
- How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost?
- Unique Places to Travel in Europe – Italy
Conclusion
All in all, Florence makes for a great location to visit for culture and art lovers, but the surroundings of this beautiful city have much more to offer than you might expect.
Visit the beautiful Tuscany region from Florence on one of the incredible day trips mentioned in today’s article. Thank you for reading and have fun on your trip!
