10 Day Trips from Florence You’ll Love: Food, History, and More
Planning to spend time in Florence, Italy? You might not know that Florence is an excellent base for some fantastic day trips by train or car. But what are the best day trips from Florence? And what local foods should you be eating in each spot?
Florence, the city of the Renaissance, isn’t just an incredible destination on its own—it’s also perfectly positioned for exploring nearby towns. With its central location in Tuscany, you can easily venture to other beautiful places. Plus, every city has its unique culinary specialties worth trying.
We love indulging in pizza and pasta all over Italy, but it’s always fun to discover local dishes that make each place special. During our second trip to Florence, we made the city our home base. When we weren’t wandering the streets of Florence, we took day trips to San Gimignano, Siena, Pisa, Cinque Terre, and Venice—each offering something memorable.
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Since that trip, we’ve been back to Florence and other parts of Tuscany many times, but those first experiences in Northern Italy still hold a special place in our hearts. We’re excited to share what we’ve learned to help you plan a magical time in Italy.
Best Day Trips From Florence
To help you plan, here are 10 of the best day trips from Florence. From medieval hill towns to famous landmarks, we’ve listed the easiest and shortest options, including train and drive times. Renting a car has its perks—like shorter travel times and the flexibility to explore.
Note: Some of the train times listed are for high-speed trains, which can significantly reduce travel time, so keep that in mind when booking.
You can also turn any day trips into weekend getaways if you prefer a more extended stay.
1. Bologna
Bologna, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, is just 40 minutes from Florence by high-speed train. Known as Italy’s “food capital” and the “City of Porticoes,” it’s the perfect destination for food lovers—so definitely arrive hungry. We sure did when we took a day trip to Bologna, immediately taking a food walking tour.
You can start your day with a cornetto and cappuccino at a cafe before you head off to the historic center at Piazza Maggiore, the city’s main square, surrounded by landmarks like Palazzo d’Accursio and the Basilica di San Petronio. Then, head to the Quadrilatero district, one of Bologna’s oldest areas, filled with markets, cafes, restaurants, and shops—some of the best spots to sample the local cuisine.
2. Pisa
A Florence to Pisa day trip can be as quick as 51 minutes by high-speed train or about 1 hour and 20 minutes by regional train. Pisa is a popular day trip from Florence due to its proximity and the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. In my opinion, Pisa is perfect for a half-day trip from Florence.
Start your visit at Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll find the Duomo, Baptistery, and, of course, the iconic Leaning Tower.
Make sure to snap a fun photo with the tower! If it’s your first time in Pisa, you might want to climb the 56-meter-tall tower (almost 300 steps) for incredible views. Just note that there’s no elevator, so if you’re not up to make the climb or come back down from it, it’s best to skip it.
Tip: Book entrance tickets to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in advance.
3. San Gimignano
A day trip from Florence to San Gimignano, often called the “Medieval Manhattan,” is one of the most popular. This charming medieval hill town in the Tuscan countryside is famous for its 72 tower houses and scenic views.
San Gimignano is one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tuscany, making it a must-visit. It’s small enough to explore in half a day or as part of a tour. Start at Piazza della Cisterna in the town center, then wander the cobblestone streets with shops selling hand-painted ceramics and Vernaccia wine. You might also want to visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, known for its Renaissance art.
The last time we were there was on a Sunday, and there was an outdoor market where we brought some cheese from the local farmers. We also brought home some hand-painted artwork.
Be sure to take in the stunning views of the Tuscan countryside from here.
Tour Options:
San Gimignano, Pisa and Siena from Florence [book tour]
4. Lucca
One of our favorite day trips from Florence, Lucca, is a charming walled city just an hour and fifteen minutes away by train. This well-preserved medieval town is perfect for day-trippers, with streets ideal for exploring on foot or by bike.
While Lucca shares Florence’s Renaissance-style architecture and piazzas, it’s much smaller, making it an easy and relaxed day trip. Don’t miss climbing the Guinigi Tower for sweeping views, grabbing focaccia from a nearby bakery, and biking along the city walls, where you can also explore underground tunnels.
We first visited Lucca during a Western Mediterranean cruise, renting a car from the port of Livorno. But you can easily get there by train from Florence. For more details, check out our Easy Day Trip to Lucca article.
7. Rome
Rome, Italy’s capital, is just a two-hour train ride from Florence, making an early day trip doable. While it’s impossible to see all of Rome in one day, the city itself is like an outdoor museum, with its historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To make the most of your day, start at the Colosseum, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a must-see. From there, walk to the Roman Forum, once the heart of ancient Rome, where public speeches and markets took place.
Next, head to the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings. End your day at the iconic Trevi Fountain, and don’t forget to toss a coin over your shoulder—it’s said to ensure you’ll return to Rome someday.
Tour Option:
Wonders of Rome Walking Tour [book here]
5. Siena
Siena is one of Tuscany’s most beautiful cities, just an hour and thirty-five minutes from Florence by train. This medieval city is known for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, and the famous Palio horse race held twice a year in July and August.
During your day trip, explore Il Campo, where you’ll find Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia. Stroll through Siena’s historic center, taking in the medieval architecture and charming streets.
Next, visit the Duomo di Siena, one of Italy’s most stunning cathedrals, with its striking Gothic exterior and striped marble interior. If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana.
Tour Options:
Siena and San Gimignano: Small-Group Tour with Lunch from Florence [book tour]
Sunset Siena and Chianti Wine Tour with Dinner from Florence [book tour]
6. Parma
Parma, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, is about an hour and thirty minutes from Florence by train. It’s a beautiful destination for history buffs and food lovers.
It’s the birthplace of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, so consider taking a food tour to experience these iconic products firsthand where they are produced. However, you’ll have plenty of opportunities if you sit down to eat or visit a salumeria.
While most people go to Parma to visit the factories, the center is filled with beautiful architecture and rich history. You can visit Piazza del Duomo, where its Cathedral and Baptistery stand. Teatro Farnese, a beautifully preserved Baroque-style theater, is another must-see.
9. Venice
You might not think a Florence-to-Venice day trip is possible, but it is—we’ve done it. Would we do it again? Probably not, as Venice deserves more time to be truly experienced and appreciated. Still, with a two-hour train ride, getting a taste of this beautiful city on the water is tempting. You can easily spend a day exploring and soaking in Venice’s unique charm.
Venice is built entirely on canals, with no cars in sight—just boats. You’ll be walking or taking boat rides to get around. Start your visit to St. Mark’s Square to see Doge’s Palace, then wander the narrow streets. Getting lost here is part of the experience, and hidden gems await around every corner.
While a gondola ride through the canals may seem touristy, it’s one of those quintessential Venice experiences to check off your Italy bucket list. You can also book a walking tour after arriving by train to get the most out of your day. We hired a private guide, which made a big difference in helping us understand Venice.
8. Cinque Terre
Is Cinque Terre a doable day trip from Florence? It’s not the ultimate Cinque Terre experience, but it’s still a wonderful one. The train ride takes about 3 hours and is slightly less by car or bus.
We recommend booking a group or private day tour with transportation to maximize your time. That’s what we did, and it was such a fantastic day that we still talk about it.
Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands,” comprises five villages along the Italian Riviera: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its colorful houses, rugged coastline, and hiking trails. Hiking from one village to the next is a great way to experience it.
Tour Options:
Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking [book here]
10. Tuscan Countryside
A Tuscan countryside day trip isn’t #1 simply because it’s not easily accessible by train. But you can’t leave Florence without visiting Val d’Orcia, Tuscany’s iconic rolling hills.
This is one of the best day trips from Florence by car. Renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace, as trains only connect cities, making it nearly impossible to explore the countryside that way. If you’re uncomfortable driving, booking a guided tour is a great alternative.
Val d’Orcia is known for its vineyards, cypress trees, and picturesque villages—perfect for a peaceful escape from city life. It’s more than just a break; it’s an experience that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting.
One of the highlights is a self-guided wine tasting tour through the Chianti region, where you can spend the day savoring local wine and exploring the olive roads of Tuscany. And going on your wine-tasting tour of local wineries is an experience you won’t want to miss. You can spend all day exploring the wine and olive roads of Tuscany.
Tour Options:
Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas, Cheese, Wine, and Lunch from Florence [book here]
Tuscany Wine Tour [book here]
How many days do you need in Florence?
If you’re using Florence as a base for 1-2 day trips, plan to spend at least 5-6 days total. This allows 2-3 days to explore Florence and 2-3 days for nearby day trips. If you’re considering adding more day trips, you might want to extend your stay, depending on your pace.
Where can I go by train from Florence?
You can easily take day trips by train from Florence to cities like Lucca, Siena, Pisa, and Bologna. For a smooth trip, book early morning trains and reserve your return tickets for the last train of the day to maximize your time.
Where is the main train station in Florence?
All day trips by train from Florence depart from Stazione di Santa Maria Novella, the city’s main train station. You can check train schedules, book tickets, and plan your trips on Trainline.
Are buses from Florence optional?
Yes! Buses can be a great alternative to trains, depending on your destination. They can sometimes be more direct, cheaper, or faster. You can check schedules, routes, and availability on platforms like Omio.
Is Tuscany a day trip from Florence?
Tuscany is a large region, so seeing everything in just one day is impossible. However, you can easily take day trips from Florence to some of Tuscany’s most popular spots, such as Siena, San Gimignano, or the Chianti wine region.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO ITALY, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:
- Florence in 48 Hours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
- One Day in Florence: 3 Ways to Experience the City
- How to Spend 3 Days in Tuscany: A Wonderful Itinerary
- Savor Florence: 12 Iconic Foods to Try on Your Visit
Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.