The 9 Best Day Trips From Florence Italy

By: Travel With Wally

Why Take Day Trips from Florence?

Florence is a beautiful city filled with stunning buildings, views, and a plethora of history (Hello, Medici Family!). You can spend days enjoying its museums, strolling through the streets, and shopping for first-class leather goods.  So why would you want to leave Tuscany’s capital?  Simply because these day trips from Florence will give you even more perspective on Italy’s charm. Day trips from Florence are a great way to explore other cities and villages that contribute to Italy’s romantic allure. 

Florence is almost smack dab in the middle of Northern Italy.  This makes it a prime location to be the home base for many fantastic day trips.  Santa Maria Novella, Florence’s train station, has trains that travel almost everywhere you would ever want to go.  There is so much to see beyond the majestic city of art.  Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy wine tastings, explore the quintessentially Italian village streets.  

As we have begun to travel more, Andrew and I have discovered that we enjoy this method of exploration.  It’s similar to my idea of a good camping trip.  Establish your hub, your home base.  And then go.  Go explore, start venturing farther and farther each day, discover new experiences and destinations.  And then come back to what is familiar.  We enjoy this method of traveling, at least for short-term stints, as it is less exhausting and overall cheaper than continuously finding hotels, packing, and moving over and over.

Transportation

If you have been following us, then you already know that we do not have a car.  So traveling has to be by public transportation, bicycle, bus, or plane.  

Many people visiting Italy do not have a car and will be relying on public transportation.  The train is a fantastic way to see the country and you can explore almost all of the best that Tuscany has to offer via the train.  

For this list I am going to focus on transportation by train.  All of the listed day trips are easily accessible this way.  Most trains can be booked ahead of time online, on the trainitalia app, or on the Trainline app.

There are two types of trains that run from Florence’s Maria Novella station.  Regional (slower) and ‘Frecce’ trains, which are high speed. The earlier you book the Frecce trains, the cheaper the tickets will be.  They are more expensive than regional trains and have assigned seating, but they are much faster.  

So let the best day trips from Florence, Italy commence.

The 9 Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy

Siena 

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Siena is a beautiful medieval city perched on top of three hills.  It has a rich yet tumultuous history but was lucky enough to escape any destruction during the World Wars.  This has allowed the city to preserve its historic charm.

 While exploring the famous Piazza il Campo and the winding and narrow streets, you are transported back in time.  The city provides sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside, a stunning duomo, and plenty of cafes to relax at while enjoying either a coffee or aperitivo.  

Be sure to explore the Duomo.  Its exterior is covered in detailed statues, stained glass, and gothic spires. When entering you are greeted by tall black-and-white marble pillars and jaw-dropping frescoes.  You are even able to purchase tickets that allow you to get a bird’s-eye view of the duomo, as well as be able to access other areas and museums in the complex.  

Siena is a wonderful day trip from Florence and will not disappoint. It is for both the casual visitor and the die-hard history fans.  Everyone will find something to do in beautiful Siena.   To this day it is one of my favorite cities in Tuscany. 

Check out this post on how to enjoy a day trip to Siena

How to get there

Station: Santa Maria Novella Station – Siena

Time: 1.5hrs – 1hr 50min (Depending on Train)

Cost: 9.50 euros

• There is the choice of a direct train and a two-train trip.  Both cost the same.  

Lucca

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Lucca is a small village surrounded by one of the last standing protective walls.  Now, instead of protecting the city from attacks from nearby cities (which it, luckily, never actually encountered), it provides a wide path for walking, running, and biking.  

There is a wonderful city center in which to spend the afternoon wandering, shopping, and then enjoying a coffee.   Rent a bike and cycle around the tree-lined wall.  If you are with your family there are 4-person bikes as well! 

 Lucca is known as the city of one hundred churches.  You will find beautiful and unique churches around almost every corner.  Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Be sure to climb up Guinigi Tower.  At the top of the 227 steps, you will be rewarded with a rooftop garden.  Enjoy pleasant views of the city’s rooftops and distant hills.  You will easily be able to identify the tower by the tree growing out of it. 

Lucca is typically enjoyed as a half-day trip along with Pisa.  Trains regularly leave from Pisa Centrale to Lucca, so you can enjoy a morning in Pisa and then hop on a regional train to Lucca. 

How to Get There

Stations: Santa Maria Novella Station – Lucca

Time: approximately 1hr 45min for connecting trains through Pisa, and 1.5hrs for direct trains

Cost: 8-10euros

Pisa

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Pisa is commonly combined with Lucca for a day trip.  Spend the morning in Pisa enjoying the amazing Field of Miracles where you will find the famous Leaning Tower. 

After you get that quintessential cheesy photo of yourself holding up the tower, be sure to explore the rest of the white marble buildings.  The baptistery, cathedral, and tower were built back when Pisa was a powerful and rich city and then became the city’s main claim to fame. It is said that even Galileo used to use the tower to test his theories about gravity. 

There are many more things to do in Pisa besides the Field of Miracles, including several free and affordable activities.  Check out the nearby botanical garden– dogs are welcome here so no worries if you have your four-legged friend.  

Check out Free and Affordable Things to do in Pisa 

Pisa is split by the beautiful River Arno, it winds through the city and is lined by colorful buildings.  Walk down Corso Italia and get your fill of shopping and eating before even reaching the tower. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from. Make sure to grab some incredible gelato at one of the many fantastic gelaterias. 

Check out The Best Gelato in Pisa

How to Get There

Station: Santa Maria Novella – Pisa Centrale

Time: 1 hour

Cost: 8.70 euro

Arezzo

Arezzo makes for a nice day trip from Florence.  It is an easy one hour train ride and you can even combine it with the charming village of Cortona.  Arezzo is a larger city and its main street in the historical center is Corso Italia.  The street is lined with well known shops, and you will be able to pleasantly stroll along without any car traffic. 

Corso Italia leads up the hill and ends at a large and gorgeous park, Parco Il Prato.  From the park you can enjoy panoramic views as well as treat yourself to a spritz at the little bar near the playground.  

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Piazza Grande is a fun place to visit with its historic buildings and breezy archways.  Stop here to relax and enjoy a coffee.  It is one of the several piazzas you will find in the city.  The Duomo of Arezzo is not far from here, just up the hill.   Arezzo has several museums that are of note and hold some famous pieces of artwork.  

There are many trattorias/osterias where you can find delicious meals.  Make sure to make a reservation as they fill up quickly in the evenings.  On the weekends the streets are filled with people out enjoying Arezzos nightlife. If you are looking for gelato, check out Sunflower for a freshly made scoop or two. 

How To Get There

Stations: Santa Maria Novella – Arezzo

Time: 1hr

Cost: 8.70 euros 

Bologna

The red city of Bologna has it all: art, culture, history, nature, food, and a laid- back lifestyle.  What isn’t to love about this easy day trip from Florence? 

Bologna is a haven for foodies.  It is what brought us dishes like ‘Ragu alla Bolognese,’ handmade pastas (tagliette), mortadella, and more.  And don’t forget the local DOC wines.   There is no shortage of food and drink to be found in this delightful city.  

Piazza Maggiore is the heart of Bologna and is where the city meets for its large events.  Take a breath or two to relax and watch the happenings around you and appreciate the architecture that surrounds you. 

You will undoubtedly notice two towers that reach for the sky in the city center. They are the great symbols of Bologna.  The towers are named Asinelli and Garisenda, and they can be found in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana.  

If you are a fan of strolling through neighborhoods, be sure to visit the Quadrilatero neighborhood.  Here you can feel transported back to the middle ages while window shopping and eating at the local restaurants. This maze of streets is where people used to share their different trades. 

• A fun fact is that under the city lies an about 60km system of underground canals.   

How To Get There

Stations: Santa Maria Novella – Bologna Centrale

Time: 38 minutes

Cost: 21+ euros 

Milan

When most people think of Milan, they first think of Fashion.  Milan is the fashion capital of the world after all.  But it is also much more than just high end shopping and fashion shows.  

Milan is a quick one hour train ride from Florence and makes for a culturally diverse day trip.  It may not hold the historic charm of places like Siena or Florence, but it is still an important and elegant city. It is a more modern city, where you will find locals outnumber the tourists. 

When you arrive in Milano Centrale, I recommend that you head straight to the Duomo in the city center.  It is a jaw-dropping site, and you are even able to walk on its stunning spire-covered roof (said to be one of the most memorable experiences of the Duomo).  

Explore the square around the Duomo and then you can head to one of the several museums nearby.  You can see Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (closed on Mondays).  Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is the oldest museum in Milan, it holds work by many of Italy’s most famous artists: Raphael, Da Vinci, Botticelli and more.  

There is plenty to fill a day, and if you feel like sticking around, make sure to treat yourself to one of Milan’s applauded operas.  Be sure to consider Milan for one of your day trips from Florence.

• Note that on Mondays many places are closed, August also tends to be a month where locals try to escape the heat so nightlife is quieter and shops and restaurants may be closed.  

• Getting around Milan is made simple by the wonderful metro system.  The yellow line 3, will whisk you away to the Duomo from Milan Centrale. 

How To Get There

Stations: Santa Maria Novella – Milan

Time: 1hr

Cost: 8.70 euros 

Cortona

Known for being the setting of the book and movie Under the Tuscan Sun, Cortona is every bit as charming as you might have imagined.  Cortona is a small village and can be enjoyed as a half day outing, perhaps the morning in Cortona and the afternoon/evening in Arezzo.  It is a scenic and easy jaunt as one of the peaceful day trips from Florence.

During your stroll up to the city center you will fall in love with the ancient stone buildings, the colorful planter boxes, and quaint streets calling for you to wander down them.  Be ready to walk up the cobblestone streets–I recommend good shoes. 

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In the main square there is a small market and a lane that will lead you to Piazza Garibaldi.  The lane is lined by small boutiques and tasteful cafes.  When you reach the Piazza you will be greeted by panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.  

If you continue up the hill from the main square, you will find your way to several small churches.  If you find yourself in the mood for a longer trek, continue your upward journey to Santa Margherita, a large and beautiful basilica perched atop the hill.  

How To Get There

Stations: Santa Maria Novella – Camuccia-Cortona – bus towards Cortona (check schedule for bus numbers and times, multiple bus routes go to Cortona)

Time: 1hr 20min to Camuccia station + 18min Bus ride = 1hr 38min travel

Cost: 10.90Euro + bus fare

• Bus fare can be purchased at the bar that is located on your right as you leave the station
• The bus stop is directly to your left when leaving the station.  The bus looks more like a large tan passenger van than your typical city bus. 
• On Sundays the bus runs minimally, stopping only a handful of times both at the station and in Cortona. So time your trip accordingly; you can also call a taxi to bring you up/down.  

Cinque Terre

The five villages of Cinque Terre are a World UNESCO site, and for good reason.  Originally fishing villages, they are built back into the crevices of the seaside cliffs.  They may be a bit of a longer trek, but they are one of the not-to-be-missed day trips from Florence, or perhaps even an overnight.  Time and time again I have been told that the Cinque Terre is the highlight of Italian itineraries. 

Each village is packed with brightly colored buildings, but each one is also unique.  Spending time on the beach in Monterosso, having lunch in Vernazza, and aperitivo in Corniglia, there is no shortage of fun to be had. Make sure to wear your walking shoes as you will want to explore all of the nooks and crannies. 

 It is easy to take the train between each village, but you can also hike or take the ferry.  Hiking gives you gorgeous views of the sea and of the villages from above. The ferry is accessible in every village other than Corniglia, and it provides a unique perspective of the gorgeous towns from the sea.   

Check out How to Hike and Explore Cinque Terre on the same day

How to Get There

Stations: Santa Maria Novella – Monterosso 

• You can take the train to any of the villages and explore from there.  I have listed the price and time to the furthest village. 

Time: 2.5hrs – 4hrs depending on train

• Make sure to check the duration of the trip before purchasing the tickets.  The price is typically the same for all of them. 

Cost: 17.60 euro

Venice

Venice is a mere two-hour journey from Florence, and for those with a limited amount of time, it can be made into a day trip.  But I do recommend that you take at least two days to explore this magical city.  This may not be a possibility for you, but you have always dreamed of visiting.  Well, it can be done in one day!

If you are making Venice a day trip from Florence, make sure to hit the highlights, such as St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal. As you make your way to St. Mark’s Square, enjoy the beauty of the numerous canals and over 400 bridges.  The journey is as stunning as the square itself.  Then visit the famous Rialto bridge that spans the Grand canal.   

If you feel the urge, board one of the many gondolas and enjoy a romantic trip down the narrow canals.  Then simply enjoy the beauty of the city itself.  One of the best things to do in Venice is to simply wander and bask in the wonder of Italy’s floating city.  

Venice is sure to spark joy as one of your favorite day trips from Florence.

How to Get There

Stations: Santa Maria Novella – Venezia 

Time: 2hrs 15mins – 5.5hrs depending on train

Cost: Shorter: 57.00euros  Longer: ~20.00euros

Enjoy One Or All Of The Day Trips From Florence!

Whatever day trips you choose, the most important thing is to have a wonderful time on your Italian adventure.  There are endless opportunities, including fantastic day trips from Florence, and you will probably be itching to return for more.