7 Best Day Trips From Florence, Italy – Weekend Trips & Beautiful Places

Are you looking for detailed day trips from Florence with the best places to visit near Florence? Then read this Florence day trips planner. Florence is a Renaissance masterpiece of a city, but step beyond its Tuscan borders, and you’ll find yourself in a world of charming towns, rolling vineyards, and ancient landmarks—all within a few hours.

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Day Trips From Florence by Train – Places to Visit near Florence, Italy

Whether you’re after history, wine, countryside, or coastal views, these Florence day trips showcase unique glimpses of Italy. Here are the top day trips you can’t miss, with details on what to do, how to get there, where to stay overnight, and insider tips.

Pisa – The Iconic Leaning Tower

Pisa is not just about the Leaning Tower. It’s a compact yet vibrant city with Romanesque architecture, charming streets, and riverside cafes. Plus, it’s perfect for a half-day trip!

Things to do:

• Leaning Tower of Pisa: Climb its famous tilt for stunning views.
• Piazza dei Miracoli: A UNESCO site with the Duomo, Baptistery, and Camposanto.
• Arno River Walk: Take a relaxed stroll by the river with gelato in hand.
• Museo delle Sinopie: Discover medieval art sketches and frescoes.

How to reach Pisa from Florence:

• Train: 1 hour from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale (frequent departures).
• Drive: ~1.5 hours via the A11 motorway.

Overnight stay – 🛏️ Hotel Bologna – Chic and central, with a peaceful courtyard and breakfast included.

Useful Tips:

• Book Leaning Tower tickets in advance (timed entry).
• Travel early in the morning to beat crowds.

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Chianti Wine Region 🍷 – Vineyards, Villages & Views

Just a short ride from Florence lies the heart of Tuscany’s wine country—Chianti. Chianti is the heart of the Tuscan countryside. This wine-producing region offers vineyards, hilltop towns, and olive groves, all drenched in golden light. Whether sipping wine in Greve or enjoying a scenic drive on the SR222, Chianti is ideal for a romantic and sensory escape from the city.

Things to do:

• Wine tasting in Greve or Castellina: Sample Chianti Classico at local vineyards.
• Visit Panzano: A lovely hilltop village known for its food and views.
• Scenic drives: The Strada Chiantigiana (SR222) is one of Italy’s most beautiful drives.

How to reach Chianti from Florence:

• Car rental: Highly recommended. 45 minutes by car from Florence.
• Tour option: Join a full-day wine tour from Florence (includes tastings & transport).

Overnight stay – 🛏️ Villa Le Barone in Panzano – Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves with a pool and rustic charm.

Useful Tips:

• Don’t drink and drive – take a guided tour if planning heavy tastings.
• Shops often close from 1–4 PM; plan accordingly.

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Siena – Gothic Grandeur & Medieval Spirit

Siena is Tuscany’s most picturesque medieval hill town, renowned for its Gothic architecture, the famous Palio horse race, and the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo. Its rich rival history with Florence shaped its stunning buildings and art. Siena is a living museum of the Middle Ages.

Things to do:

• Piazza del Campo: The fan-shaped main square is ideal for people-watching.
• Duomo di Siena: A jaw-dropping marble cathedral.
• Torre del Mangia: Climb it for panoramic city views.
• Palio Museum: Dive into the history of Siena’s legendary horse race.

How to reach Sienna from Florence

• Bus: 1.5–2 hours from Florence’s bus station (SITA or FlixBus).
• Drive: 1.25 hours via Raccordo Autostradale Firenze – Siena.

Overnight stay 🛏️ Hotel Athena – Located within the city walls, offering stunning views and on-site parking.

Useful Tips:

• Wear comfy shoes—Siena’s hilly and full of cobblestones.
• Best visited during the Palio in July or August for a cultural spectacle.

San Gimignano – Towers, Gelato & Tuscan Views

San Gimignano is nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan” for its 14 preserved towers rising above the Tuscan hills. This UNESCO town has a mystical skyline, ancient streets, and a rich Etruscan and medieval past. It’s also a foodie haven with top-rated gelato and white wine (Vernaccia).

Things to do:

• Torre Grossa: Climb the tallest tower for epic countryside views.
• Gelateria Dondoli: World Champion gelato—yes!
• Collegiata Church: Admire the frescoes of Old and New Testament scenes.
• Vernaccia Wine Tasting: Unique white wine is grown only here.

How to reach San Gimignano from Florence

• Bus/train combo: Train from Florence to Poggibonsi (1 hour), then take a bus to San Gimignano (25 minutes).
• Drive: About 1 hour via Raccordo Autostradale Firenze – Siena.

Overnight stay – 🛏️ Hotel Bel Soggiorno – In the historic center with views of vineyards and towers.

Useful Tips:

• Arrive early or stay overnight to enjoy the town without the day-trip crowds.
• Buy a San Gimignano Pass to enter several attractions at a discount.

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Cinque Terre (Yes, it’s doable in a long day!)

The Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands,” is a string of postcard-perfect fishing villages perched along the cliffs of the Ligurian coast. With vibrant homes, terraced vineyards, and stunning coastal paths, it’s a dream for photographers, foodies, and hikers alike. A complete change from Tuscany’s inland charm.

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Things to do:

• Hike the Sentiero Azzurro: A scenic trail connecting the five towns.
• Swim or sunbathe in Monterosso.
• Explore Vernazza & Manarola: Picture-perfect villages with harbor views.
• Try fresh local food & local white wine.

How to reach Cinque Terre from Florence:

• Train: ~2.5–3 hours from Florence to La Spezia, then local trains connect the 5 towns every few minutes.
• Tour option: Full-day guided Cinque Terre tour from Florence (includes transport & guide).

Overnight stay – 🛏️ Hotel Marina Piccola in Manarola – Steps from the sea, with ocean-view balconies.

Useful Tips:

• Hike early to avoid heat and crowds.
• Get the Cinque Terre Card for hiking and train access between villages.

Arezzo – Under-the-Radar Tuscan Treasure

Arezzo is a hidden cultural treasure, rich in Etruscan roots and Renaissance masterpieces. Less crowded than other Tuscan towns, it’s perfect for those who appreciate art, antiques, and history without the bustle. Its large antique fair is a must for collectors and design lovers.

Things to do:

• Piazza Grande: Featured in Life is Beautiful, it’s a cinematic square.
• Basilica of San Francesco: Don’t miss Piero della Francesca’s fresco cycle.
• Antique Market: Held monthly, it’s Italy’s largest.
• Arezzo Cathedral: Beautiful stained glass and frescoes.

How to reach Arezzo from Florence:

• Train: 1 hour from Florence; frequent regional trains.
• Drive: 1 hour via A1/E35 highway.

Overnight stay 🛏️ Vogue Hotel Arezzo, a Boutique hotel with stylish rooms near the old town.

Useful Tips:

• It is an excellent option for art lovers and quiet explorers.
• Visit on the first Sunday of the month for the antique market.

Lucca – Walls You Can Bike On

Lucca is unique for its intact Renaissance walls, now transformed into a 4km biking and walking path. Inside are cobbled lanes, charming cafes, and a music history. Known for its tree-topped towers, churches, and bikeable city walls, Lucca offers the perfect blend of history and leisure. It’s less touristy than other Tuscan towns, giving it a more authentic Italian feel.

Things to do:

• Bike the City Walls: Rent a bike and circle the city in style.
• Visit Puccini’s House, the Birthplace of the famed opera composer.
• Climb Torre Guinigi: A tower with trees on top!
• Explore Romanesque churches, such as San Michele in Foro and Lucca Cathedral.

How to reach Lucca from Florence:

• Train: 1.5 hours from Florence.
• Drive: 1 hour 15 minutes via A11.

Overnight stay – 🛏️ Hotel Ilaria – Inside the old city walls with free bikes for guests.

Useful Tips:

• Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the walls.
• Combine Lucca with Pisa for a full-day dual adventure.

🌻 Useful Tips – Day Trips from Florence (Weekend Trips from Florence, Italy)

• ✅ Start early: Most towns come alive mid-morning. Arriving early means fewer crowds.
• 🚉 Use trains: Italy’s regional trains are affordable, frequent, and scenic.
• 🚗 Driving – Get an international license and park outside city centers where ZTL (limited traffic zones) apply.
• 🧳 Overnight when possible: Some places, like Cinque Terre, Chianti, and Siena, are magical at night when the tourists leave.

Florence is an unbeatable base to explore some of Italy’s most enchanting regions—whether you’re sipping Chianti among the vines, admiring Gothic cathedrals in Siena, or tasting the world’s best gelato in San Gimignano. These day trips from Florence help you dive deeper into Italy’s magic, each with its charm, flavors, and rhythm.

Picture Courtesy – CanvaPro

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