History, breathtaking countryside landscape, art, delectable food & wine – Tuscany has it all and is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. So embarking on a few day trips from Florence to Tuscany’s countryside was one of the bucket-list items on my list of things to do in Florence.
It will be a mistake not to explore some of the gems of Tuscany from Florence given that they are so easily accessible.
Let us delve into it.
Day Trips From Florence To Tuscany Countryside
Tuscany is a region in central Italy and is divided into 10 provinces – Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, Sienna and Arezzo. Given a chance, I would love to visit all of them 😊
Florence is the capital of the Tuscan region. Tuscany is well-known for its rolling hills landscape, beautiful vineyards, awe-inspiring medieval forts. And as if those were not enough, Tuscany is also considered the birthplace of the medieval Renaissance.
Florence being the Tuscan capital and art hub of Italy, continues to be where travelers usually set up their base. However, the Tuscan countryside is easily accessible from Florence and explored via day trips.
Transportation Considerations For Day Trips From Florence
Depending upon the time you must invest in a day trip from Florence, various transportation modes can be opted for.
Travel by Train
Train Travel is recommended to opt for day trips from Florence to Tuscany. Italy has one of the best railway networks in Europe, and several high-speed trains save tons of time.
The Time taken by train to reach any of the locations below from Florence is approximately 1.5 hours.
Book the train tickets beforehand (recommended) and all you need to do is hop on the train.
Renting a car
If you can afford a 2-3 hour drive across Tuscan Landscape, nothing better! Some day trip locations are easily accessible via car, and the driving experience is worth remembering.
If renting a car or booking train tickets in advance are not your travel style, I have recommended some of the best Day tours for you to consider.
Best Day trips from Florence
Note: There are travel restrictions in Italy now owing to the pandemic. This post is to inspire and help you plan your future travels! Happy travel planning.
1) Greve in Chianti
Chianti, the most famous wine region of Tuscany, is vast and divided into several zones where each zone produces its variety of wine. Chianti Classico is one of the well-known zones stretching between Florence and Siena and includes the municipality of Greve.
Greve is considered the gateway and the first stop in the Chianti wine region.
Situated at a stone’s throw distance of 30 KM from Florence, a day trip to Greve in Chianti is probably the most comfortable one.
Head on to a farmhouse for a wine-tasting session (and who doesn’t love Italian reds!) with a local guide while also getting to learn the behind-the-scenes of wine-making, treat yourself to an authentic Tuscan lunch, and round it up with a stroll in the historical square of Piazza Matteotti, the focal point of Greve.
Greve in Chianti is one of the most loved day trips from Florence, and you will return with vivid memories of the typical Tuscan landscape along with a taste of wine.
Time taken by Train: 1 Hour
Time taken by Car: 1 Hour 16 Min
2) Siena
Stunning Siena is one of the most beautiful medieval hill towns in Tuscany with a rich history. Situated at 70Km; Sienna is a perfect Day trip option from Florence.
On a day trip to Siena, you can tour the Cathedral, which boasts of incredible medieval art collection, enjoy some leisurely time at Piazza del Campo, visit Torre del Mangia , City Tower and explore the narrow lanes surrounded by brick buildings.
The main town square, Piazza del Campo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sienna is also famous for Palio, an annual horse race between the city’s districts.
3) Pisa
Pisa does not need an introduction. This city is famous in the world for its Leaning Tower. The 4-degree tilt of the bell tower has always amazed mankind. However, while the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the most famous architectural wonder, there is more than you can do on a day trip from Florence to Pisa
How about ascending the Leaning Tower for a unique experience or exploring the complex’s Baptistry and Cathedral?
Its proximity from Florence makes Pisa one of the top day trip sites and certainly not to be missed!
Time taken by Train: 1 Hour
Time taken by Car: 1 Hour 16 Min
Read: How to visit Pisa on a Day trip
4) Lucca
If you are visiting Pisa on a Day trip from Florence, DO NOT miss out on the lovely historical city of Lucca.
Situated in Lucca province of Tuscany, it is well-known for medieval city walls dating back to Renaissance times. The walls encircle the historic old town. Today, one of the main attractions are the city walls, the top of which have become pedestrian promenade. The area around the walls is well taken care of with lot of greenery and stroll friendly.
Since a significant part of the town is not accessible by car, parking spots are available across the walls mostly. So, soak yourself up in a truly Italian atmosphere as you walk the charming cobblestoned streets and discover this medieval town.
Other main attractions include the Clock Tower that provides an awesome view of the cityscape.
If DIY trips are not your choice, several guided tours are available that will introduce you to Pisa and Lucca on the same day trip.
Pisa to Lucca:
Time taken by Train: 27 Minutes
Time taken by Car: 29 Minutes
Florence to Lucca
Time taken by Train: 1 Hour 49 Minutes
Time taken by Car: 1 Hour 12 Minutes
5) Val d’Orcia
The artsy landscape of Val d’Orcia lies to the south of Siena and is probably the most recognizable Tuscan landscape we have seen in photos. The area is home to gently rolling hills dotted with spiky cypress trees and consist of small towns and fortified villages.
It is recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Val d’Orcia is best experienced as a separate day trip. The idyllic landscape demands exploring the area at a slower pace. Stop by at rustic farmhouses, vineyards and olive groves and pair it up with wine-tasting and a wholesome Tuscan lunch
A trip to Val d’Orcia gives you an all-in-one Tuscan experience – A world-Heritage site with picture-postcard-like landscape, a taste of wine and cheese and countryside.
Time taken by Car: 1 Hour 56 Minutes
6) Venice
Venice might not stick out as a prominent option for a day trip from Florence. But it is a potential option if you want to spend a day in this beautiful city. If day-tripping to Venice, you would need to restrict your visit to some major attractions only, like Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal, Gondola Ride, and a quick visit to St Mark’s Square.
I have met a few people in Venice who chose to explore the city as a day trip option.
I have kept it as the last day trip option because Venice has a lot more to offer and deserves at least a night’s stay, if not more. Go for a day trip option only if you are on a time crunch.
Time taken by Train: 3 Hour 10 Min
Time taken by Car: 2 Hour 20 Min
Read about: Top 10 Things To Do in Venice
Closing Thoughts On Day Trips From Florence
Beautiful Tuscany has so much to offer and Florence is an ideal base for exploring this region. Hence, keep aside a day or two to squeeze in a few fantastic day trips.
Have already visited Tuscan region? Let me know your most favorite place in Tuscany in the comments section below.
