Best Day Trips from Florence (at max 1,5 hour)

With its central location and good public transportation Florence is the perfect place to start your explorations in Tuscany and in Italy. You can visit thousands of places on a day trip from Florence, starting with Venice, and Milan and ending with Rome. But where do yo start? Which are the best places to visit on a day trip from Florence by car? And what if you don’t drive. Where can you go by train? That’s quite overwhelming. But don’t worry. In this post I have sorted the best day trips from Florence based on the means of transportation. I have also asked fellow seasoned travellers to share their favorite places to visit by car, by train or by bus on a day trip out of Florence. There was only one condition: the journey to those places to visit from Florence should not take longer that an hour and a half.

Why then an hour an a half? I do believe that travelling to your destination on a day trip shall not take more than 3 hours in both directions. Thus, you will have enough time to explore properly the destination without any hassle, and relax. Besides there are so many lovely places in the near vicinity of Florence, that you don’t really need to take a day trip to Milan or Cinque Terre, although lots will suggest them, as well. I would say, visit Milan or Cinque Terre on a different trip, or plan an Italy trip with a few stops, rather than a city trip to Florence with day trips.

4 pictures of places with overlay text: the best day trips from Florence, Italy

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I’ve mapped all recommended places and activities near Florence so that you can easily find your way. You can download the map and use it off line or add it to YourPlaces.

Best day trips from Florence by car

If you travel in Tuscany by car and stay a couple of days in Florence, the best places to visit on a day trip from Florence include the historical cities of San Gimingano, Volterra, Monteriggioni, and the beautiful area of Val d’Orcia among others.

Pro tip: If you plan to rent a car in Florence, check out Rentalcars.com. They offer a wide choice of reliable car rental companies..

Pro tip: You can also book a combined tour of these places, if you are not travelling by car. Here are some examples:

San Gimignano

Recommended by Daniela, the author of this blog

San Gimignano is one of those places that you have to visit if you are staying in Florence. It also makes it the perfect day trip from Florence.

When driving the hills of Tuscany, you will notice San Gimignano from quite a distance – the San Gimignano skyline with medieval towers is second to none. That’s why they also call San Gimignano the Manhattan of the Middle Ages. From the 72 towers that were built until the 14th century, there are only 14 left today. Some of them were used as houses, which was quite popular in the Middle Ages. The whole historic city centre of San Gimignano is listed as a UNSECO World Heritage Site.

For one of the most amazing views in Tuscany, climb the 52m high Torre Grossa, located at Piazza delle Erbe. You can also visit the museum in Torre Campatelli and the Palazzo Comunale (the Town Hall). Take a walk around the city walls for more beautiful views and visit the Collegiate Church – the Cathedral of San Gimignano (Il Duomo) to admire the frescoes of Domenico Ghirlandaio.

When in San Gimingnano there’s one thing you should not miss – try the gelato at the world-famous Galeria Dondoli, rated one of the best ice-cream in Italy.

The best way to reach San Gimignano from Florence is by car or with an organized tour. Check out the availability for this combined tour tour San Gimingnano and Volterra:

Volterra

Recommended by Daniela, the author of this blog

Volterra has the charm of an authentic Tuscan hilltop town, dotted with historical sites, some of which a few thousand years old. Although not that big, Volterra will surprise with its tourist attractions.

Volterra was one of the 12 important cities of the Etruscan League (900 BC – 27 BC) – once a powerful civilization that disappeared for good after it was defeated by the Roman Empire. Volterra breathes with the Etruscan culture and traces of the Etruscan period can be found everywhere in the town – from the old city walls to the Etruscan tombs and the Guarnacci Museum.

One of the biggest and best-preserved Roman theatres in Italy is located in Volterra. The theatre was built in the 1st century BC. At one end of the theatre there were found baths built in 4th century AD probably after they stopped using the theatre. The baths are quite interesting as they feature even saunas.

To find out why Volterra is called the ‘city of alabaster‘, visit the Ecomuseum of Alabaster. Volterra has a long-standing tradition of extracting and reworking alabaster.

Volterra doesn’t come short of Medieval Architecture, as well. At Piazza dei Priori you can admire the beautiful Palazzo dei Priori – the oldest town hall in Tuscany, Palazzo Pretorio with the Torre del Porcellino (the Tower of the Piglet), and Palazzo Incontri.

Volterra is conveniently located just a short drive from Florence, which makes it one of the best day trips from Florence by car. There are also organized tours from Florence to Volterra which would be the perfect option if you don’t travel by car.

Read more: Best things to see and do in Volterra

a winding road lined up with cypress trees climbing up on a hill and one small building at the bottom left, blue sky with a few fluffy white clouds; Val d'Orcia in Italy

Val d’Orcia

Recommended by Martina and Jürgen from Places of Juma

The enchanting Val d’Orcia in Italy is a true gem of Tuscany and can be wonderfully explored via a trip from Florence. This picturesque region is about 120 kilometers south of Florence. The connoisseurs count this area among the most stunning hilly landscapes in Italy! Here you will find the Tuscany, as known from the movies. Endless hilly landscapes, breathtaking viewpoints along the panoramic roads and the typical cypress avenues conjure up an ambience like out of a storybook.

Absolutely worth seeing are the numerous small, charming villages in Renaissance style, where you can stroll through medieval alleys and discover Tuscany for its most beautiful side. You should definitely visit Pienza, which is considered the cradle of the Renaissance, but Montepulciano and Montalcino are also worth a trip.

Walking through the romantic little old towns, you will be amazed by the rich cultural heritage, numerous historical sights, romantic squares and beautiful buildings, as well as the picturesque viewpoints over the green spring landscape.

Fantastic are also the many good restaurants and the wineries of this region, which invite you to take a break from sightseeing. The entire Val d’Orcia region, with its many medieval towns and unique landscape, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2004.

The Val d’Orcia can be explored either by rental car from Florence, or if you prefer to travel with a group, then guided day trips from Florence to the Val d’Orcia are also offered.

Author’s bio: On PlacesofJuma Martina and Jürgen write about their travels around the globe. The two love photography and are therefore always searching for the most stunning places and attractions.

Monteriggioni

recommended by Erki from Genem Travels

To the south of Florence there is located a small Tuscany village which will be seen and recognized from far away. Firstly, because it’s situated on the top of the hill and secondly, because the village of Monteriggioni is surrounded by medieval walls.

The iconic medieval rounded wall is the main reason why the village is a popular day trip from Florence. Inside the village, you will find yourself back in time as it has kept the medieval architecture and vibe. It’s also a pretty hidden gem and it’s not so overcrowded. You will find your place to chill without much noise.

The main meeting point in the village is Piazza Roma, where you will find the main landmark, the Romanesque church of San Lorenzo, and several restaurants to rest your feet and enjoy a gelato.

A day trip to Monteriggioni can be easily connected with one of the several surrounding vineyards. Wine tasting in the Tuscany region is a must while visiting the area, of course, when you like wine.

The best way to visit Monteriggioni is by car. There are some public transportation options between Florence and Monteriggioni, but if you also want to discover the surrounding area, then public transportation won’t offer you such freedom.

Author’s bio: Erki, the owner of the travel blog Genem Travels, likes to travel with his backpack, get to places by hitchhiking, spend nights on local’s couches (sometimes under the stars), hike a lot, and enjoy the local cuisine. Yes, it’s not the easiest way and sometimes not the most pleasant, but at least it’s fun!

Day trips from Florence by train

Florence is very well-connected to other large cities in Tuscany by public transportation and if you are looking for day trips from Florence without a car, there are quite a lot of places you can visit. Beside Siena and Lucca, which are included further in this post, here are some other ideas for day trips from Florence by train: Prato, Pistoia, Empoli, Arezzo.

Siena

Recommended by Daniela, the author of this blog

One of the most visited places on a day trips from Florence is Siena, another beautiful Tuscan city, where time has stopped somewhere in the 14^th century. Siena was one of the most important medieval cities in Europe and the University of Siena (Studium Senese), founded in 1240, is among the oldest in Europe.

Everything in Siena revolves around Piazza del Campo and all streets lead there. The famous fan-shaped square hosts twice a year the popular horse racing event – the Palio of Siena. The square is proudly dominated by the Town Hall (Palazzo Pubblico) and its Torre del Mangia. With its 102 m it’s the second highest bell tower in Italy after the one in Cremona.

Siena has its very own amazingly beautiful Cathedral (Il Duomo) of black and white marble with a stunning façade – a fine example of eclectic architecture with Gothic, Romanesque and Classical features. For the most beautiful views of Siena and the surroundings, go up to the Medici Fortress (Fortezza Medicea). Siena’s medieval centre is also among the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

You can best visit Siena from Florence on a day trip by train. There are trains 16 times per day between the two cities and it takes about hour and a half in one direction. Take the regional train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station. The train station in Siena is a short walk to the city centre, but it’s located outside the city walls.

Lucca

Recommended by Noel from Travel Photo Discovery

If you are looking for a perfect and an easy-to-get-to destination, Lucca is just an hour from Florence and a gorgeous historic and cultural city. The fabulous historic center of Lucca is small, walkable, and filled with so much character, historic sites, and cultural treasures. It is worth visiting as a day trip or overnight stay from Florence.

Located on the Serchio river in the Tuscany region, Lucca exudes gorgeous squares, beautiful architecture, shopping opportunities and so much Tuscan charm. You will discover well-preserved Renaissance buildings and fabulous art and museums everywhere. If you’re into DIY touring then walking around the historic city center and cobblestone streets or around the 16th century ramparts of the city walls, is an easy way to explore Lucca’s treasures.

Popular attractions worth visiting in Lucca include the main Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, the Lucca Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Martino), Torre Guinigi, the clock tower, the walls of Lucca, Chiesa di San Michelle in Foro, and the Puccini Museum.

A train ride just under an hour and a half from Florence will get you directly in the hear of the historical city, so that you can enjoy a beautiful day exploring Lucca.

Day trips from Florence by high-speed train

Florence lies en route of two high-speed-train lines in Italy – Frecciarossa and Frecciargento, which makes the city well-connected with other major cities in Italy. Even Rome is a short day trip from Florence, as you can get to Italy’s capital just in an hour and a half with the bullet train.

Rome

Recommended by Martha from MayCauseWanderlust.com

Rome is an easy train journey from Florence and makes for a great day trip because it’s quite a different flavour to Florence. Where Florence feels relatively calm and refined, Rome is bustling and bursting with energy.

The charm of Rome lies in its ancientness (it has nearly three millennia of history) and its eclectic mix of attractions: the city is peppered with Roman ruins and Renaissance masterpieces, but there’s also plenty of quiet corners with pretty vine-draped streets.

Some of the best things to do in Rome, the Eternal City, include: the Colosseum, an Ancient Roman amphitheatre, and the remains of the Roman Forum; the St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum, including the Sistine Chapel, in the Vatican City – an independent city state, so you can technically visit two countries when you go to Rome; and the Renaissance treasures on display at Palazzo Farnese and Galleria Borghese.

In Rome you can visit world-famous monuments like the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. There’s no shortage of handsome city squares, rich in fountains and obelisks, like Piazza Navona and Piazza Popolo, and charming old neighbourhoods including Ponte and Trastevere. For some stunning views get to the Pincian Hill and the Aventine Hill.

With so many landmarks and many quaint cobbled streets, there’s a real pleasure in exploring on foot, so you might consider a self-guided walking tour of Rome.

To visit Rome on a day trip from Florence, take the Frecciarossa high-speed train from Firenze S. M. Novella and in just an hour and a half you’ll be at Roma Termini in Rome.

Author’s bio: Martha created MayCauseWanderlust.com, a travel blog that aims to inspire travel to the extremes of both exciting, vibrant cities and vast, dramatic landscapes around the world. Warning: This Blog May Cause Wanderlust!

Bologna

Recommended by Lori Sorrentino from Travlinmad

Everyone loves spending days in Florence marveling at the incredible artworks and beautiful architecture. But when you’ve seen the highlights and it’s time for a day trip, hop a train to Bologna, the heart of Emilia Romagna.

A day trip to Bologna takes a little more than half an hour by high-speed train (la Frecciarossa) and there is a full schedule of trains daily. The trains are convenient, inexpensive, clean, comfortable, and most importantly, on time.

Once there, you have loads of options for things to see and do in Bologna. Most visitors will head to the Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square. It’s surrounded by shops, cafes, the Basilica di San Petronio, the City Hall, the Fountain of Neptune, and the historic library.

For foodies the Piazza adjoins the famous Quadrilatero where the incredible foods of Emilia Romagna are served in walk-ups, osterias, and cafes. Walking the narrow streets is a cultural experience as well, with locals shopping for the freshest produce, fish, meats and cheeses.

Thanks to its famous covered porticoes (a UNESCO World Heritage site) that line the streets, you can stroll through Bologna regardless of the weather. Bologna is renowned for its food, so no matter what else you do, budget enough time to enjoy an early dinner with a glass of locally-produced Lambrusco in the ‘food capital of Italy‘.

Author’s bio: Lori is the author of several travel blogs including Italy Foodies for travelers hungry to discover Italy’s unique slow food culture, and Travlinmad, a travel resource for slow and sustainable travelers.

Day trips from Florence by bus

The lovely small villages around Florence can be easily accessed by bus. Just a short bus ride are places like: Fiesole (bus line 7), Certosa del Galluzzo (bus line 37), and Settignano (bus line 10). The bus service in Florence and in Tuscany is operated by Autolinee Toscane.

Fiesole

Recommended by Gabi Zec from Under Flowery Sky

A few kilometers above Florence lies the lovely town of Fiesole. Its Etruscan history brings visitors to this tranquil place. The scenic views of Florence scatter from the distance. San Francesco Monastery offers the most fascinating point to enjoy the views.

Fiesole is a small place but will fill up your day with cultural treasures. The Roman theatre is the highlight of Fiesole. You can explore the ancient spa complex and wander around the ruins. The Roman temple is a significant testimony from the 4th century BC. The Etruscan walls follow the street giving evidence of the ancient times.

Summer in Fiesole is the annual event happening at the archeological area. It includes a bunch of concerts, theatre and dance performances.

The Bandini Museum houses exquisite Florentine paintings and terracotta works by Della Robbia. It’s located just across the archeological site. Other prominent artists of the Museum are Bernardo Daddi, Nardo di Cione and Lorenzo Monaco. The Primo Conti Foundation covers the modern collection of paintings and drawings.

The Cathedral of Fiesole is the place to see the shrine of St. Romulus. From the Monastery of San Francesco shine the splendid views of Florence. Villa Peyron is a wonderful complex covering a museum and gardens. Piazza Mino (the main square) hosts an antique market every first Sunday.

It’s easy to reach Fiesole from Florence, just take bus number 7 from Piazza San Marco.

Author’s bio: Gabi Zec is a travel enthusiast from Croatia, a poetic soul passionate about writing. Her blog Under Flowery Sky focuses on the outdoors, gardens, and mountains. Photography is also very high in her panorama of interests.

Panzano

Recommended by Rachel from Caribbean Uncovered

Just a short drive or 50-minute bus ride from Florence, the Chianti region is a must-visit for anyone who loves wine and Italian culture. The small town of Panzano in Chianti is exceptionally charming, with its winding streets and picturesque views.

Start your visit with a stop at some of the many local wineries. You can walk to many of the wineries, or you can find a Vespa rental nearby. While most wineries are closed on Sundays, you can still sample some of the region’s signature wines at many of the local shops and restaurants, or head to the Sunday farmers market for fresh meats, cheeses, and produce.

And be sure to save room for dinner – this region is home to the famous Florentine steaks, which go great with a bottle of Chianti Classico wine! Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or simply want to explore Tuscany’s incredible wine country, Panzano in Chianti is the perfect destination.

Pro tip: Make sure to hit the wineries before Sunday if you’re spending a weekend there, book reservations for dinner far in advance, as there are only a few dining spots in town, and purchase your round-trip bus tickets from a Tobaccoria in Florence before leaving!

Author’s bio: A few years ago, Rachel canceled her lease, packed up her car, and started a new adventure. It brought her new friends, places, and experiences. She found a passion for finding special destinations all over the world and love to encourage others to do the same.

Day trips from Florence without a car

If you are visiting Florence on a city trip and you don’t feel like renting a car for a day trip out of Florence, or if you don’t have a driving license, there are plenty of other options. You can either visit some of the places by bus or train mentioned above, or you can join an organized tour and enjoy a day trip from Florence without a car. Some of the tours offer combined excursions to a couple of places, which is super handy if you want to see as much as possible in a short period.

Here’s a selection of organized day tours from Florence. Some of them even offer a hotel pick-up. Click on the links to find out more: