Florence is a highly sought-after place for tourists in Italy. However, just beyond the borders of this famous city, there are several beautiful spots easily accessible for a short journey. Travelers can take a break from the bustling city and find tranquility at a vineyard or a picturesque town nearby.
Many of these places can be reached by a car or a quick train ride. Although it may be difficult to leave the vibrant atmosphere of Tuscany’s capital, these day trips from Florence are certainly worth considering.
8. Cinque Terre
If tourists want to get away from Florence and enjoy a nature hike, they should go to Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre has five villages that have a lot of hiking trails, including 11 miles of coastline. Four of the villages are right by the shore, so you can see some really nice views. Each village is unique and it’s best to explore them on foot.
Cinque Terre is famous for its beautiful landscapes and great restaurants. If you have the time and want to hike a lot, you can follow the trails to each village. But if you want a more relaxed trip, you can just do a short hike up to the Santuario della Madonna di Montenero.
It takes about 2.5 hours by car or a bit longer by train to get to Cinque Terre.
7. Siena
If you’re a tourist looking for a charming place that gives off the vibes of the 13th century, consider visiting Siena. Despite being a small city, it has a lot of character. Siena has managed to preserve its architecture and valuable artifacts, especially in its main square called Piazza del Campo.
Right by the square is the Palazzo Pubblico, which has been Siena’s city hall for nearly 800 years. If you appreciate art and history, you’ll find a collection of 14th-century frescoes there, with the works of Simone Martini standing out the most.
The Torre Mangia is a tower that offers stunning views of the beautiful countryside surrounding Siena. In addition to its historical significance, Siena also has wine bars, restaurants, and boutiques, making it a great spot for dining and shopping. What’s even better is that it’s less than an hour away by train from Florence.
6. Lucca
Lucca is a popular destination for a day trip from Florence because it has many tourist attractions in a compact area and is less than an hour away. Exploring the city by renting a bicycle and riding along the walls is a pleasant way to enjoy scenic views during a leisurely hour-long ride.
Inside the city, there are numerous stunning churches and gardens worth visiting. The Duomo San Martino is home to valuable historical artifacts, like Tintoretto’s Last Supper and Ilaria del Carretto’s Tomb. The Pallazzo Pfanner boasts magnificent baroque gardens, and the San Michele church houses a charming museum.
To witness something truly unique, people should make sure to visit the Palazzo Guinigi, where a tree grows on top of a tower.
5. Chianti Wine Region
Florence is a part of the well-known Chianti wine region in Tuscany, which is considered to be a truly stunning area. The Chianti region includes Florence and Siena, as well as the surrounding areas such as Val d’Elsa and Valdarno. It is not limited to these areas alone, but also spills over into nearby regions.
When traveling through Chianti, you’ll encounter vineyards, quaint parishes, charming country homes, olive groves, and rolling green hills. The beauty of this region has been a source of inspiration for many photographers and artists.
Aside from its picturesque villages and breathtaking countryside, Chianti is also famous for its exceptional wine tasting opportunities. There are various popular wines produced in this region, including Chianti Rufina, Classico, and Chianti Colli Fiorentini.
With such a variety, one could easily spend an entire day indulging in wine tasting and visiting the vineyards.
4. San Gimignano
San Gimignano delle Belle Torri, a small medieval town dating back to the eighth century, is located just an hour away from Florence by car or bus. It is well-known as one of Italy’s most famous small towns. With 14 medieval towers remaining out of the original 72, it is a sight to behold, as it overlooks beautiful olive groves and vineyards.
To get a glimpse of medieval Tuscany, it is a must-visit destination. The towers themselves signify the historical competition between wealthy families to display their status through tall tower constructions.
Climbing to the top of the Torre Grossa is highly recommended, offering panoramic views of palaces and the town’s main squares, such as the Piazza della Cisterna and the Piazza del Duomo. Additionally, tourists should not miss exploring the town hall located in the Palazzo del Popolo.
3. Assisi
If you’re visiting Florence, it’s a good idea to take a trip to Assisi, which is about two hours away. Assisi is where St. Francis of Assisi was born and is a charming medieval town situated on a hill. It’s known for hosting fairs and exhibitions, so it’s helpful to check if any events are happening when planning your visit.
Assisi is a small area that you can easily explore on foot. It’s lovely to stroll around the town, especially in the cool mornings if it’s a hot day. You can start your exploration at the oldest part of Assisi, which is at the highest point, and walk downwards to see the various attractions. The basilica of St.
Francis and the San Rufino Cathedral are particularly popular places worth visiting. The cathedral has a museum that is interesting to explore. In the center of town, there’s the Piazza del Comune, where you’ll find the famous lion’s fountain and clock tower. Lastly, make sure not to miss St.
Claire’s Basilica, where it’s believed that the crucifix that spoke to Saint Francis can be found.
2. Val d’Orcia
Val d’Orcia is a beautiful region in Tuscany, which can be reached by a two-hour train ride from Florence. It contains numerous stunning villages, castles, hamlets, and farmhouses that can all be explored during a short trip. The entire area is safeguarded as a natural park.
Make sure not to miss the medieval castles, as well as the village of Pienza, which is known as the “Ideal City.” Other renowned villages in the region are Radicofani and Montalcino. Montalcino boasts a 14th-century fortress that offers breathtaking views of the valley, along with some of the finest wine produced in the region.
1. Pisa
The famous leaning Tower of Pisa is a well-known attraction made of white marble. It was supposed to be 56 meters (185 feet) tall, but it started leaning while being built. Along with the tower, there is also a stunning cathedral called Duomo di Pisa that shouldn’t be missed. Inside, you’ll find beautiful carvings, statues, and an elegant dome.
Getting to Pisa is easy, as you can take a train or bus. The bus will drop you off at the Piazza dei Milacoli, also known as the Square of Miracles, where you can find the tower, church, and baptistery. Pisa is only about an hour away from Florence.
