There are so many amazing day trips that you can take in and around Florence, Italy, that it’s hard to know where to start! This list of the top 10 day trips from Florence, Italy, will help you get started. Whether you have an entire day or just half a day, there’s always time to get out and explore new places without ever having to leave Florence!
Take a look at our Top 10 Day Trips from Florence Italy including why you should visit and how to get there.
Day Trip One – Pisa and Lucca
Pisa is well known for its Leaning Tower, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just about a goofy tourist attraction. The town of Pisa itself is lovely and historical, with a population that dates back thousands of years. A short tour to nearby Lucca will give you a chance to tour one of Italy’s most important medieval cities.
Be sure to stop by Pisa at nightfall, when floodlights shine down on the Tower and make it appear as if it might topple over at any moment.
How to Get from Florence to Pisa:
By Train (Fast & Easy)
The quickest way is by train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station to Pisa Centrale, which takes about 1 hour. Trains run frequently, making it a super convenient option. From the station, it’s a short bus or walk to the Leaning Tower.
By Bus (Affordable, but Slower)
Buses also run from Florence to Pisa, typically taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes. They’re a cheaper option than the train but can be less frequent and slower.
By Car (Scenic but Parking in Pisa is Tricky)
If you prefer the flexibility, driving takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The route is pretty straightforward via the A11 highway. But once you get to Pisa, parking can be tough, so be ready to find a lot and walk a bit to the main attractions.
Day Trip Two – San Gimignano
While a few hours by train is not that far, it feels like you are escaping to another world. San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s famous medieval towns and is known for its towers. One thing to keep in mind if visiting during high season, which roughly runs from mid-June through August, is that tours of all of these locations can be pretty crowded, especially when travelling on foot.
Plan ahead and do your research on the different tour options available so you can have an incredible day trip from Florence Italy!
How to Get from Florence to San Gimignano:
By Car (Best Option for Flexibility)
The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Florence, take the SR222 (Chiantigiana) road through the stunning Chianti countryside. Follow signs for San Gimignano—it’s a beautiful, scenic drive. Just remember, parking can be tricky once you get there, so be prepared to walk a bit!
By Bus (Easy but Less Flexible)
Take the Florence to San Gimignano bus from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station. It takes about 1.5 hours, but buses run less frequently than trains, and they might not always line up with your ideal schedule. Check bus times in advance on the Tiemme website.
By Train + Bus (Longer, but Scenic)
You can catch a train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella to Poggibonsi, which takes about 1 hour. From there, catch a bus to San Gimignano (around 20 minutes). This route is a bit more time-consuming but offers some beautiful views along the way.
Day Trip Three – Siena
Siena, located about 2 hours south of Florence, is a great day trip for wine enthusiasts. Many small wineries in and around Siena offer tours and tastings that are not to be missed. If you prefer to shop for your own wine or olive oil, several larger grocery stores in town sell a wide variety of locally made products. A large indoor market (covered) also sells local produce, meats, and cheeses.
All of these products can make for a lovely picnic lunch on your return to Florence. And last but not least, you can’t leave Siena without getting your hands on some pecorino cheese – after all, it is home to one of only two DOCG white cheese production areas in Italy!
How to Get from Florence to Siena:
By Bus (Direct & Affordable)
Take a bus from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station to Siena. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Buses run frequently and drop you near the city center, making it a simple and cost-effective option.
By Car (Scenic Drive)
If you’re driving, the A1 highway or SR222 (the Chiantigiana road) will get you to Siena in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The drive is beautiful, especially if you take the Chiantigiana route, winding through rolling vineyards and picturesque Tuscan hills. Be mindful of parking in Siena, as the city center can be crowded and parking can be limited.
By Train + Bus (Longer Option)
Take a train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella to Siena. While there’s no direct train to Siena, you’ll need to transfer at Empoli (about 30 minutes). Then, hop on a bus for the final leg of the journey. This option can take 2 hours in total, so it’s a bit slower.
you can read my post about the cathedral of Siena
Day Trip Four – Chianti
After seeing Florence, venture outside of town to Chianti, one of Tuscany’s most popular wine regions. While you can find plenty of vineyards along a driving route that will take you back into Florence in about 90 minutes, many travellers prefer to make a day trip out of it.
How to Get from Florence to Chianti:
By Car (Best for Flexibility & Scenic Views)
Driving is the easiest way to explore Chianti since it lets you stop at vineyards, charming towns, and scenic spots along the way. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on your exact destination in Chianti. You can take SR222 (Chiantigiana) for a beautiful route through the heart of the wine region. Just be mindful of the winding roads and limited parking in smaller towns.
By Bus (Affordable, but Less Convenient)
There are buses from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station to various towns in Chianti, like Greve in Chianti or Radda in Chianti. The ride takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, but buses are less frequent, and you might need to plan ahead or catch a bus to a larger town before exploring the smaller villages.
By Train + Bus (A Bit Complicated)
There’s no direct train to Chianti, so you’d need to take a train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella to Figline Valdarno or Poggibonsi (about 30 minutes), and then catch a bus to your destination in Chianti. This option can take about 1.5 to 2 hours in total and is less convenient than driving.
Day Trip Five – Volterra
This medieval gem is probably one of my top picks for day trips from Florence Italy. It is a pretty easy, enjoyable walk up to Volterra and it will be hard not to fall in love with its stone walls, winding streets and incredible views of Tuscany. The castle at Volterra is worth visiting too. I’d recommend spending a couple of hours here.
Suppose you’re visiting in Spring or Summer. In that case, it is well worth making an afternoon trip out of your visit by going into town for lunch or ice cream (they do some awesome artisanal gelato!) before wandering around taking photos and enjoying your views!
How to Get from Florence to Volterra:
By Car (Most Convenient & Scenic)
Driving is the easiest way to get to Volterra, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Head south on the S225 road, and you’ll be treated to beautiful Tuscan views along the way. Volterra is perched on a hill, so be ready for some winding roads. There’s parking available outside the city walls, but it can get crowded in high season.
By Bus (Affordable but Less Frequent)
You can catch a bus from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station to Volterra, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The buses are less frequent, so make sure to check the schedule ahead of time, especially in off-season months.
By Train + Bus (Slower & Less Convenient)
There is no direct train to Volterra. You’d need to take a train from Florence to Cecina (about 1 hour), then catch a bus from Cecina to Volterra (about 30 minutes). This option takes about 2 hours, but it’s less convenient compared to driving or the bus.
Day Trip Six – San Quirico d’Orcia
Clinging to a hillside surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, San Quirico d’Orcia makes a great day trip when visiting Florence. The surrounding area is rife with history, which can be explored via walking tours, museums and museums.
Unwind after your day trip at a charming bed-and-breakfast in town or stay at an agriturismo where you can take in views of Tuscany from atop a medieval tower. A number of restaurant options are also located within walking distance of these accommodations; some popular menu items include homemade plates of pasta and house-cured meats.
How to Get from Florence to San Quirico d’Orcia:
By Car (Fastest & Most Scenic)
Driving is the best option to reach San Quirico d’Orcia, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You’ll travel through beautiful countryside along the SR2 road, with stunning views of the Tuscan hills and vineyards. There are several parking lots in and around the town, but it can get busy during peak season.
By Bus (Affordable but Less Frequent)
You can catch a bus from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station to San Quirico d’Orcia, but it’s not the most frequent route. The bus ride takes around 2 hours, and there may not be many direct options, so check the schedule in advance.
By Train + Bus (Longer & Less Convenient)
There’s no direct train to San Quirico d’Orcia. You’d need to take a train from Florence to Buonconvento (about 1 hour), then catch a bus to San Quirico d’Orcia (about 15 minutes). This option will take around 2 hours in total and is more time-consuming.
Day Trip Seven – The Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a stretch of coastline along with Italy’s northwestern Ligurian Sea, between Elba and La Spezia. It is composed of five coastal villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The rugged terrain and very narrow valleys mostly separate and isolate each village.
How to Get from Florence to Cinque Terre:
By Train (Quick & Easy)
The fastest way to reach Cinque Terre is by train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station to La Spezia, which takes around 2 hours. From there, you can take the local trains that connect all five Cinque Terre villages in about 10–15 minutes each. Trains run frequently, so this is the most convenient option.
By Car (Flexible but Challenging Parking)
Driving takes about 2.5 hours. You can follow the A11 highway to La Spezia and then continue along the coastal roads to reach Cinque Terre. However, the villages are car-free, so you’ll have to park in La Spezia or nearby towns and then use the train or shuttle buses to reach the villages. Be mindful of parking fees and the narrow, winding roads.
By Bus (Longer & Less Frequent)
You can take a bus from Florence to La Spezia, but it’s slower, usually taking around 3 hours or more. From La Spezia, you can continue by train to Cinque Terre. This option is less convenient and less frequent than the train.
Day Trip Eight – Monteriggioni Castle
Located in Monteriggioni, Tuscany, 60 kilometres south of Florence, Monteriggioni Castle is another great day trip. The castle was built by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta (the same guy who got a castle in Rimini), and it’s set atop a hill overlooking a valley.
While there aren’t any guided tours, you can walk along paths or streets and take a number of beautiful shots of various buildings around town. Many tourists choose to see both Monteriggioni Castle and San Gimignano on one drive down from Florence – combining two day trips into one long afternoon of fun!
How to Get from Florence to Monteriggioni:
By Car (Quick & Scenic)
Driving is the fastest and most scenic way to reach Monteriggioni, taking about 45 minutes. From Florence, take the A1 highway south and exit at Firenze-Impruneta, then follow the signs for Monteriggioni. The village is small, and parking is available just outside the medieval walls.
By Bus (Affordable but Slower)
You can catch a bus from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station to Monteriggioni. The ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but buses are less frequent, especially outside the high season. Be sure to check the schedule in advance.
By Train + Bus (Longer & Less Convenient)
There’s no direct train to Monteriggioni. You’ll need to take a train from Florence to Siena (about 1 hour), and then catch a bus from Siena to Monteriggioni (about 20 minutes). This option takes about 1.5 to 2 hours in total, and may require more coordination.
Day Trip Nine – Pistoia
Pistoia is a charming, lesser-known gem nestled in the heart of Tuscany, just a short distance from Florence. With its rich history, medieval architecture, and peaceful atmosphere, it offers a perfect escape from the crowds of the more famous cities. Pistoia is filled with beautiful piazzas, ancient churches, and cobbled streets, making it feel like stepping back in time. The stunning Cattedrale di San Zeno, with its intricate carvings and silver altar, is a highlight, as is the Piazza del Duomo, where you can admire the city’s impressive architecture. The town also boasts vibrant local markets, quaint cafes, and a laid-back vibe that lets you savor Tuscany at a slower pace. Whether you’re wandering its quiet lanes or discovering its rich art and culture, Pistoia captures the essence of authentic Tuscany.
How to get from Florence to Pistoia:
By Train (Quick & Easy)
The most convenient way to reach Pistoia is by train. From Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station, trains run frequently to Pistoia and take around 30–40 minutes. It’s a direct route, and tickets are affordable. Trains are the easiest and fastest option.
By Car (Flexible & Scenic)
If you prefer driving, it will take you about 40 minutes. Take the A11 highway from Florence, heading towards Pistoia. The drive offers beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside. However, parking in the city center can be challenging, so it’s best to park on the outskirts and walk in.
By Bus (Affordable but Slower)
Buses from Florence to Pistoia are also available, but this is the slowest option, taking around 1 hour or more. The bus departs from Florence’s Bus Station near Santa Maria Novella. It’s cheaper than the train but less frequent.
Day Trip Ten – Arezzo
Arezzo is a hidden gem in Tuscany, a city that effortlessly blends history, art, and charm. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, Arezzo is filled with beautiful squares, ancient churches, and winding streets that lead you through time. The Piazza Grande, with its sloping floor and surrounding palaces, is one of Italy’s most picturesque squares, and the Arezzo Cathedral offers a peaceful place of reflection. The city is also home to masterpieces by Piero della Francesca, including his famous frescoes in the San Francesco Church. Arezzo’s rich history is on full display at the Museo Archeologico, and the lively Antique Fair held here every month attracts treasure hunters from across the world. With its mix of medieval charm, Renaissance art, and a welcoming atmosphere, Arezzo offers an authentic taste of Tuscany away from the usual tourist crowds.
How to get from Florence to Arezzo:
By Train (Quick & Easy)
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Arezzo is by train. From Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station, direct trains run to Arezzo and take about 1 hour. It’s a comfortable and scenic ride through the Tuscan countryside. Tickets are affordable and trains are frequent.
By Car (Flexible & Scenic)
If you prefer driving, it will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Take the A1 highway south from Florence towards Rome and exit at Arezzo. The drive is smooth and offers lovely views of the Tuscan landscape, but parking in the city center can be tricky, so it’s better to park outside and walk in.
By Bus (Affordable but Slower)
Buses from Florence to Arezzo are available, but it’s a slower option, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Buses depart from Florence’s Bus Station near Santa Maria Novella.