Day trips outside Florence

Florence is a city rich in history and culture. If you have some extra time, why not take the opportunity to explore its wonderful surroundings? Tuscany and the surrounding regions offer endless possibilities for day trips, where you can discover medieval villages and breathtaking landscapes, and enjoy delicious local cuisine. This guide provides information on the best day trips from Florence and offers useful tips to help you plan your itinerary.

Trip to Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano, including lunch and tastings

Combining Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano in a single day, this tour is one of the most popular excursions for visitors to Florence. This itinerary is ideal for those who want to explore some of Tuscany's most iconic cities without having to plan every detail themselves.

What can you expect on this trip?

• Siena Guided Tour: An expert guide will lead you through the city's charming streets and stop at the famous Piazza del Campo, home to the famous Palio di Siena. You will also have the opportunity to visit the impressive Siena Cathedral, which is one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture.
• Traditional Tuscan lunch and wine tasting: After exploring Siena, head to a traditional winery at the foot of San Gimignano and enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch accompanied by a selection of high-quality local wines.
• Explore San Gimignano: Known as the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” thanks to its medieval towers, this picturesque town will surprise you with its artisan shops and charming streets.
• Discover Pisa and the Leaning Tower: End your day in the city of Pisa, where you can visit the famous Piazza dei Miracoli and, of course, take the classic photo with the Leaning Tower.

Chianti region tour and tastings

The Chianti countryside is world-famous for its wines and picturesque landscapes. On this guided tour in this beautiful region, you will have the opportunity to sample fine wines, olive oil and other local delicacies straight from the cellars where they are produced.

Experiences included in the tour:

• Guided tour of the wineries: Learn the secrets of Tuscan winemaking by visiting historic wineries and learning about traditional production methods.
• Tasting of wines and local produce: As well as sampling excellent wines, you can enjoy local produce such as Pecorino cheese, ham and Bruschetta with extra virgin olive oil.
• Breathtaking landscapes: During the tour, you will pass through lush green hillsides dotted with vineyards and olive groves, providing ample opportunity to take some memorable photographs.

Vespa tour through the Tuscan hills

If you're looking for an authentic and adventurous experience, a Vespa tour is the perfect choice. Exploring Tuscany's picturesque countryside on a classic Vespa is a great way to take in stunning landscapes and breathe in the fresh air among the vineyards and olive groves.

What does the Vespa tour include?

• Training course: Before setting off, an experienced instructor will provide you with training on how to ride a Vespa. You will also have the opportunity to take a test ride to make sure you feel confident riding the scooter.
• Scenic route: This tour takes you along quiet, picturesque roads, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos. You will see small villages, ancient churches and the stunning landscapes that make Tuscany so special.
• Wine tasting and Tuscan lunch: The tour concludes with visits to two boutique wineries, where you can enjoy a traditional Tuscan meal accompanied by tastings of local wines and olive oils.

Other recommended day trips from Florence

If you have already visited Pisa, Siena and the Chianti region, here are some other suggestions for day trips from Florence:

Lucca and Garfagnana

Lucca is a charming city, famous for its impressive Renaissance walls. You can explore these on foot or by bike. Take a stroll through the historic centre and visit the unique Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, one of Italy's most special squares. Heading towards Garfagnana, you will discover a lush, unspoilt valley — ideal for nature lovers and hikers.

Cinque Terre

Embark on a journey of discovery through the five charming, colourful villages of Cinque Terre, nestled above the sea. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these small towns offer scenic trails, enchanting beaches and unmissable seafood cuisine. Explore the area by train, boat or on foot along the famous coastal trails.

Val d'Orcia

Rolling hills, cypress trees and ancient villages epitomise the iconic beauty of Tuscany, and Val d'Orcia is the perfect place to experience it. When visiting, be sure to stop by Montepulciano and Pienza, where you can sample fine wines and the renowned local Pecorino cheese.

Bologna

Just an hour by train from Florence, Bologna is the perfect day-trip destination. Explore the historic centre with its medieval towers, stroll under the endless porticoes and sample the extraordinary cuisine for which the city is famous. A visit to the ancient University of Bologna, the oldest in the Western world, is highly recommended.

Arezzo and Cortona

These two towns offer a more authentic and less touristy experience. Arezzo is renowned for its historic centre and Antiques Fair, while Cortona, made famous by the film Under the Tuscan Sun, will captivate you with its romantic atmosphere and stunning views of Val di Chiana.

With so many options available, all you need to do is choose the trip that inspires you the most and prepare for an unforgettable day away from the hustle and bustle of Florence!