Visiting Florence can be a very fulfilling trip as it’s rich in culture, history, and art. However, if you’re looking for Florence tours to see some other places that are nearby, there is plenty for you to choose from. This article will highlight the best day trips from Florence, Italy that you should definitely consider making.
Table of Contents
The Best Day Trips From Florence, Italy
Day trips from Florence to Pisa
Pisa is known worldwide for its exquisite architecture and art. You could take Florence to Pisa train to reach Pisa. One famous landmark you can visit here is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This 1372 structure is known mainly for its extreme tilting, but it also serves as a bell tower and rings out beautiful chiming sounds throughout the day. Nearby the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the Pisa Cathedral, which is a medieval church you can visit. Both of these structures are part of the Square of Miracles which is known for being a large complex full of art, museums, and intricate architecture.
While in Pisa you can also take a quick stop at Knights’ Square. This square features stunning Renaissance architecture and was a popular destination in early Italian history to discuss and debate politics. Another place you can visit is the Cittadella Nuova which was originally a fortress built in 1406 and renovated into a stunning public garden.
Day trips from Florence to Lucca
This city is located on the Serchio River and is known for its Renaissance architecture and incredible landscapes. While in Lucca you’ll travel down, hills that are covered in towering cypress trees and find beautiful historic homes and buildings scattered throughout them.
There are plenty of places you can visit while here. If you’re a music fan you can travel to the Casa di Puccini. This was the home of the famous opera composer Giacomo Puccini which has been turned into a museum that tells about his life. Another place you can visit is the Lucca Cathedral, dedicated to St. Martin when it was built back in 1063, which features a large bell tower you can climb up. There’s also the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro which is a square that features many cafes and shops you can enjoy.
While in Lucca you should also consider visiting Palazzo Pfanner. This was the home of many prominent families throughout Italian history and is known for its luscious gardens, unique statues, and fragrant lemon trees that are scattered throughout the estate. The Palazzo Pfanner is also known for being a popular destination for filmmakers and has been featured in many movies, like Portrait of a Lady.
Day trips from Florence to Siena
Siena will take you back in time to the Middle Ages thanks to the many historic buildings and vibrant culture that remains. This city has many beautiful buildings you can walk around and wander through, such as the Palazzo Pubblico. This museum is filled with massive mosaics and frescos, some of which were painted by the artist Simone Martini. After gazing at some art, you can climb up its bell tower to get a beautiful panoramic view of the city below.
Another notable place to travel to while here is the Museale Santa Maria Della Scala. This museum complex is located in a former 13th-century medieval hospital that was founded by pilgrims as they journeyed to Rome. It’s filled with many interesting and historic art pieces like an altarpiece by Bartolomeo Bulgarini and frescos by Pietro Lorenzetti. There is also the Children’s Art Museum inside this museum which is designed exclusively for kids. It’s a space dedicated to helping them explore and learn more about art while they attempt to create some of their own.
This city is also known for its Piazza del Campo, or “Il Campo”. This square is famous for its Palio di Siena which is a large horse race that takes place in the middle of it during the summer.
Day trips from Florence to San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a beautiful Italian town that’s filled with rolling hills and vineyards. This town is a designated UNESCO site due to its historic buildings that date back to the medieval times. The 13th-century walls that were once designed to help keep enemies out of the town still stand today. Enclosed in these walls are numerous medieval houses and towers you can walk through to help you learn more about its history.
After touring the buildings and other places this town offers, you can enjoy some of the town’s renowned wine by visiting a nearby vineyard. One selection this town is especially known for is the Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine that has a unique taste thanks to the soil composition of the town’s hills.
Day trips from Florence to Montepulciano
Another great day trip from Florence you can take is to this historic town. Not only is Montepulciano known for its towering old palaces and churches, but also its unique cultural events and landscapes. The valleys and hills this town offers have beautiful panoramic views and are often covered in colourful vineyards. In fact, its landscape is so stunning that the Twilight New Moon movie was filmed here.
Montepulciano is also known for its Torre di Pulcinella. This historic clock tower features a statue of the famous commedia dell’arte character Pulcinella who stands at the top of it and rings out the current time.
Another thing you can do while here is to climb up the town’s winding Corso street which will take you up to the main square so you can get a spectacular look at the scenery below. Nearby the square is the historic San Biagio. This church features a beautiful display of Renaissance architecture and is set in the middle of the town’s countryside. This church features many frescos and is even believed to have one where a miracle by the Madonna took place. After walking around inside, you can explore its exterior and marvel at the stunning landscape around you.
Also, if you visit this town during August, you can watch the Bravio delle Botti, a barrel racing competition that the residents compete in. This family-friendly event will have you cheering the participants as they race by to win the coveted “bravio” at the end.
Day trips from Florence to Saturnia
This small town is filled with a rich history and numerous thermal spas you can relax in. Saturnia features not only ancient Roman history and artefacts but Greek as well. You’ll find plenty of historic ruins hidden behind trees and vines you can explore to help you learn more about the early inhabitants of this town. One unique site you can visit while here are the ruins of an Etruscan necropolis.
While its history is fascinating, Saturnia is best known for its bubbling thermal spas. You’ll find many different thermal spa locations you can relax in. Some are located under majestic mountains while others are next to historic homes. You can recline in the warm, dazzlingly blue waters of the spas and watch water rushing down nearby waterfalls. One popular thermal spring you can visit here is the Cascate del Mulino which is surrounded by beautiful native trees and plants. You can relax in its limestone rock pools which offer many great health benefits.
Visit the Agriturismo Farm in Chianti
This family-friendly winery in Chianti is a spectacular hands-on way to learn more about Italian culture and cuisine. This historic farmhouse has been converted into a modern farm and apartments where guests can spend the night.
There are plenty of fun activities you can partake in while here. You can go olive picking and help create olive oil with the olives you collected, feed the black pigs that roam around the farm, and even bake bread in the farm’s ancient stone ovens. After spending some time working on the farm, you can enjoy a delicious meal and sip on some locally grown wine while gazing at the cypress trees and sunflowers scattered throughout the vineyards.
How to get to Florence, Italy
Florence is connected by road, rail, and air to major centres of Europe. If the classic beauty of Florence and its vicinity beckons you and you are already dreaming of an Italian holiday you can book your flights to Florence right here, through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline
Where to stay in Florence
There are a host of stay options in Florence. If you are thinking of booking your hotel in Florence or any other place in Italy or anywhere in the world, You can book your hotel in right here through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline and get awesome deals.
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Tours/Activities available in Florence
Florence attractions can be booked online for the Florence tours. You can not only book tours in Florence as well as activities in Florence.
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If you’re looking for some quick day trips from Florence, you’ll definitely want to consider the ones mentioned above. There are plenty of things to do in Florence. They offer something for everyone and most have some great family-friendly attractions. Not only will you be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes and indulge in some delicious cuisine, but you can learn more about Italian history and culture in a unique way.
Check out some of our Italy posts:
A Day Trip to The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Things to know about the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Fascinating Fiesole, Italy
Our agony and ecstasy in Florence
6 frozen moments on the roads of Italy
Review of Hotel Europa, Florence
Have you been to Florence? Have you taken up any of the day trips from Florence? Which one did you enjoy the most? Do share in the comments section.
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We are wanting to go and visit Italy. I read this with great interest. Making notes on places and saving this for later use.
I’d be happy going to any of these places. Italy is a big one on my list. I’d enjoy the sights but really I’d be going for the food.
Someday I will go to Italy and eat and view art all the way through this country. This is number one on my bucket list.
So many amazing and beautiful places to visit, but I’m sitting here thinking why would you want to leave Florence?!? lol (Written by the girl who has never been to Florence, or Italy for that matter. I’m hoping soon I will be able to travel more.)
I’ve never been to Italy and have always wanted to go, it’s on my travel bucket list. I’ve heard the architecture is amazing, and would love to see the Leaning Tower.
My cousin recently visited Florence and raved about Siena. I’d never heard of it but she took some fabulous pics during her stay.
Oh you do not need to convince me to go to Florence. It is one of the few places that I have a bucket list that I have not been to yet. I am dying to check it out. There’s so much to do there and this post shows that. I cannot wait to go someday.
Europe is on my bucket lists of places to visit. I would love to take a month to explore Italy and all of its rich culture.
I wish I could visit Italy. One day I will definitely do it, and make these little day trips you suggested!
I had no idea there were so many day trips available from Florence! That’s perfect for travelers. They can just as easily stay in Florence instead of looking for accomomdations all over. So convenient!!!
I have always wanted to visit Italy. I’m going next month and am definitely keeping this link!
Firenze is my favorite city in the whole world. I spent a summer in a 7th floor apartment where the shutters opened to the duomo. One of the most magical places in the world.
Over never been to Florence or any of these cities. I’m a fan of exploration and I appreciate a good adventure. I would visit everyone of these places if I could.
Ohh what a great compilations about day trips in Italy. This is a very helpful information especially to travellers who has a limited time visiting the place yet get a glimpse of what it has to offer.
Italy is totally on my family bucket list! My husband’s family lives in Florence and we must try a few of these day trips while we are there.
I would love to visit Italy sometime. It’s nice to know that there are so many nearby places to take day trips too as well!
We have been meaning to go to Italy forever! I want to go and spend an entire month!
The only day trip that I managed to go from Florence was to Pisa and it was a rather rushed trip 🙁
Thanks for sharing about the other day trips that are possible from Florence, will bookmark this and refer back again when I am back in Florence again 🙂
Cheer!
This makes Florence a great place to stay at especially if you’re planning on going on these day tours. I love that you can just find a good place to stay there and schedule your day tours. Convenience at its finest.
I LOVE Florence, Italy. I can imagine how beautiful the other places are too.
Reading this post sure broguht back a lot of good memories. I love Tuscany and Florence was a great base for me. I loved exploring the nearby towns of Siena, Pisa and Lucca. Fantastic read, great tips and loving the photos. 🙂
Those places are so great. I wish I could have a day trip in Florence one day in my life. I had already added it into my bucket list
Have you done all these trips from Florence? Which one is your favorite trip of all these? Looks like the whole of Italy is in a time warp and you can literally time travel as you travel across the country.
Tuscany is so incredible. We truly enjoyed Pisa and Pistoia. We only went thru the train station in Florence, so I definitely have to do back and experience it fully as you have done.
Italy has always been on my list of must-visit places, thanks to some beautiful books I have read, set there. Thank you for this lovely, detailed, informative post!
I really loved my time in Florence, though I was there on a school art trip when I was 18, so we didn’t have any control over the itinerary. I would love to head back and explore more of the surrounding region – I was so disappointed that I missed Pisa in particular considering it’s so close and easy enough to work into a day trip. The leaning tower is one of those landmarks I just want to see!!
We had 3 days in Florence when we travelled and out of that, we did Pisa on one day and Chianti Wines on another. I would’ve loved to visit San Gimigano though. Maybe next time 🙂 This is a good round up of places to visit around Florence, given the time!
Florence is such a beautiful city and visiting the city would be amazing enough, you have topped that with so many outskirts and now I want to visit Florence again!
Pisa is kind of a popular choice but I am really interested to go to Siena! @ knycx.journeying
Oh my, I didn’t know that most of these are only an hour or so away from Florence by train. I should have visited Pisa, San Gimignano, and Montepulciano!!! Darn.
Florence is one of my favorite places. We did a driving trip to Tuscany, Sienna and San Gimignano and took a train to visit Pisa. Will have to make it to Lucca next time
I have been twice to Florence and I dare to say that I would easily go once more. I love this city. Did you know that it is 3D replicated inside famous action games for game consoles?
Wow Florence look absolutely stunning from all the photos you took! Siena is so gorgeous and you are right, it’s like stepping back into history! I can totally imagine the army, the sword and the king from the movie scene. You’ve successfully inspired me to go Folrence!
Florence itself is so huge that I could not cover it the last time. However this post makes sense as I can keep it at the center of my visit next time and not just do the cities but places around it. Sienna and Montepulciano appeal to me a lot among all these… Especially owing to its heritage connect
This whole region of Italy is so beautiful! I went to a friend’s wedding near Lucca, and fell in love with the area, and the food! Pisa is a must-see of course, but it is nice to see other destinations like the Agriturismo Farm In Chianti which perhaps I wouldn’t have thought of – but that sounds amazing!
Florence was one of my first European cities that made me fall in love with Europe. It is a must visit for any creative person. And like you said, I really loved walking through the winding Corso street. And, the view from the main square of the scenery below was to die for.
I didn’t realise these destinations were so well connected and that they would work so well as trips out from a base in Florence. All of them are on my wishlist, especially Lucca.
Italy is high up on my bucket list, and it certainly seems like Florence is a great base to have day trips to explore other areas of the country. Pisa is a must for any first-time visitor to Italy to admire the amazing architectural design of the Leaning Tower!
We visited Florence a few years back. However, we managed to visit only Pisa and Sienna out of all the places you’ve listed. Anyways, that’s reason to go back I guess!