Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is rich in history and in culture, from the iconic terracotta Duomo to Botticelli’s ‘The birth of Venus’, there is something for everyone. The city is nestled among the green Tuscan hills, from which you can discover the many other gems the region has to offer. If you are a lover of good food and exquisite art, then Tuscany has everything you need. Enjoy gourmet Tuscan cuisine, such as Panzanella, a Tuscan salad, or Pici, a divine hand rolled pasta or wild boar meat, a delicacy throughout the region. In the following article we will explore 5 of the best Tuscany day trips from Florence. Experience first-hand the rich architectural delights on offer from Venice to Lucca.  

5 of the best day trips from Florence: The best itineraries

Here we will explore five of the best day trips you can take with Florence as your base. Getting around Tuscany is easy, there are excellent public transport links with trains and buses running through the main areas. If you decide to drive, you won’t be disappointed with the views of the Tuscan countryside. Let’s have a look at where you can go for the day: 

Florence to Venice day trip 

It’s no wonder that The Floating City attracts millions of visitors every year, with its beautiful canals, bridges, and palaces that date back to the Serenissima Republic and is certainly possible as a day trip from Florence. Although one day in Venice is not enough, it will certainly give you a taste of the history and beauty on offer. You should include St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the St. Mark’s Campanile, and Doge’s Palace. After this move towards the Rialto Bridge, take a Gondola ride, and enjoy panoramic views from the Grand Canal. There are excellent public transport connections between the two major cities, with direct buses and trains connecting the two. 

Cinque terre day trip from Florence

Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso are the five towns that make up Cinque Terre and are well worth a day trip from Florence. 

Soak up the views around these centuries old colourful villages set along the rugged Riviera coastline. The towns are linked by the Sentiero Azzurro, a cliffside hiking trail that links the 5 villages and makes for a thrilling walk, offering stunning coastal vistas. You could either get a guided tour to make the most of the time you have and not have to worry about any planning or if you prefer you could hop on a train from Florence for the day. Note, however, that there are no direct trains from Florence to Cinque Terre. You will need to change at Pisa or La Spezia before continuing to Monterosso. Be aware that if you do drive from Florence, you can’t park near the villages and will have to leave your car in designated car parks outside the villages. Be sure to stop by Monterosso's most famous attraction: The Giant of Monterosso, a monumental statue depicting Neptune, the god of the sea, located at the end of Fegina Beach. This imposing concrete and iron sculpture is about 14 metres high and was created in 1910 by sculptor Arrigo Minerbi. Also, you cannot leave Cinque Terre without trying their famous pesto. 

Florence to Pisa day trip

The small city of Pisa, located just west of Florence, makes for a perfect day trip, with regular trains connecting the two cities and taking around an hour. Although most famed for the incredibly photogenic leaning tower, there are more sights to keep you entertained on a day trip, such as the imposing Piazza del Duomo or the enchanting Palazzo Blu. There are various options when purchasing tickets for the Pisa cathedral complex, which includes entry to the Tower, the Cattedrale and the surrounding Museums, depending on what you want to see. If you want to climb the Tower, you must reserve tickets and a time slot well in advance, as it gets busy. 

Siena and San Gimignano day trip from Florence 

A stay in Florence is the ideal opportunity to visit these two gems, both an hour’s drive from Florence. On one hand, San Gimignano, a medieval village sitting majestically on top of a hill is known as ‘The City of a Hundred Towers” due to its very well preserved tower houses and is famous for its saffron and wine production as well as it’s town centre being a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the other hand, Siena is a medieval city with a rich architectural history which is surrounded by 1000 year old walls. Meander through the red brick streets to the Piazza del Campo to see the impressive gothic tower and then from the Cathedral to the Civic Museum. 

Day trip to Lucca from Florence 

The “cobblestoned” city of Lucca is a little gem nestled in the Tuscan countryside.  Visitors can explore the shops and restaurants within the walled city, visit landmarks such as the Guinigi Tower or the Roman Amphitheatre as well as admire the views over the rolling hills from the City Walls which date back to the 16th century. 

You can get a bus to Lucca from Florence, and it takes around two hours. The train takes 30 to 40 minutes and if you decide to drive then it will take around one and a half hours. 

How to reach Florence from Fiumicino Airport

You can easily to get from Fiumicino airport to Florence train by heading straight to the airport train station, where you will find one direct Trenitalia train per day, taking just over two hours, making it a convenient travel option. 

As well as being able to explore and delight in all that Florence has to offer, it stands as a fantastic starting point for many memorable day trips in Tuscany. Spend some time indulging in the La Dolce Vita and enjoy everything Tuscany has to offer.  

Find out more about Shop&Fly