Do you want to discover the surroundings of the capital of Tuscany? Here is our selection of day trips from Florence.
Tuscany is one of the most famous regions in Italy. Florence, its capital, is classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses museums, palaces and works of art of great renown!
If the city remains the main attraction of the region, its surroundings also deserve to be truncated. By train or by car, take the road, you will reach a collection of sumptuous landscapes and destinations full of charm. Between Renaissance architecture, renowned vineyards and enchanting coastline, the surroundings of Florence may surprise you!
Are you looking for specific ideas? We offer you a range of excursions from Florence!
1. Siena
📍 70 kilometres
🚗 By car: 1 hour
📷 To see/to do: Palazzo Civico, Torre del Mangia, Piazza del Campo
Siena is one of the best day trips from Florence. Located in Tuscany , this open-air museum has a historic centre classified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, an exceptional architecture and Gothic-style spiritual monuments.
Don't miss it. Palazzo Civico and its frescoes, as well as the panorama of Torre del Mangia . Also take a look at the calendar, maybe your passage will coincide with the Palio of Siena, a horse race that takes place on the Piazza del Campo twice a year.
2. Pisa
📍 80 kilometres
🚗 By car: 1h10
🚆 By train: from Firenze train station, 1 hour drive
📷 To see/to do: Tower of Pisa, Notre-Dame Cathedral of the Assumption
Renamed for her tour , Pisa has more than twenty historical sites to visit absolutely (churches, museums, art galleries...). In particular, you should climb to the top of the tower and continue your visit to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption.
You can then complete your tour with museums ( Museo dell’Opera del Duomo , San Matteo National Museum, palaces ( Palazzo della Carovana , Palazzo Blu ) and citadels ( Cittadella Nuova , Cittadella Vecchia ).
3. San Gimignano
📍 55 kilometres
🚗 By car: 1 hour
📷 To see/to do: historic center, medieval towers, churches, palaces
San Gimignano is a medieval fortified village typical of Tuscany, known as the "City aux Mille Tours". Located an hour's drive from Florence, it is famous for its 14 medieval towers, the last vestiges of the 72 turn houses built by noble families around the 14th century.
The historic centre of the village, ranked in Unesco, also participates in its appeal. Walking through its alleys, you will discover the church Sant’Agostino Romano-Gothic style, palaces of the Piazza della Cisterna and of Piazza del Duomo and the collegial.
4. Livorno
📍 90 kilometres
🚗 By car: 1h20
🚆 By train: departure from Florence Firenze Campo di Marte Station, 1h40 ride
📷 To see/to do: the forts, Terrazza Mazcagni, Venezia Nuovo
This seaside town has the assets to integrate the list of day trips from Florence. Turned to the sea, its Heritage is made up of a first fort of the 11th century and a second fort of the 16th century.
North of the Place de la République, the picturesque neighbourhood of "Little Venice", or " Comeia Nuovo » , is also a must-see passage. Constituted of a set of islets separated by inland waterways, it can be travelled by boat.
To admire the beauty of Livorno and its coastline, the best is to reach the Terrazza Mascagni , an alley paved with black and white stones. It offers stunning views of the sea!
5. Chianti region
📍 30 kilometres
🚗 By car: 40 minutes
📷 To see/to do: onotourism, Greve in Chianti
The Chianti region extends from Florence to Siena and includes the areas separating them. A place of inspiration for many artists, it is particularly renowned for its landscapes, small towns and great wines.
The valley houses charming Tuscan villages such as Radda , Castellina , Gaiole and Greve in Chianti a hidden gem rich in traditions, stories and vineyards.
6. Cinque Terre
📍 180 kilometres
🚗 By car: 2:30
📷 To see/to do: the beaches, the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista
As its name suggests, the “Five Earth” consists of five villages of fishermen with bright colours surrounded by hills and vineyards. This is another great classic of day trips from Florence!
Inscribed to World Heritage by Unesco, this domain is considered one of the most beautiful treasures of Italy. Enjoy the large beach Monterosso al Mare , of the picturesque aspect of Vernazza , hidden from Corniglia , of the aesthetics of Manarola and iconic landscapes Riomaggiore , with its panoramas and the splendid basilica of San Giovanni Battista .
7. Porto Venere
📍 160 kilometres
🚗 By car: 2h10
📷 To see/to do: the national park, the cave of Lord Byron, the church of Saint Peter, scuba diving
Porto Venere is one of the most beautiful day trips from Florence. Located on the ligure coast, it is renowned for its national park, diving sites and archipelago composed of the islands of Palmaria , Tino and Tinetto .
The destination also houses superb marine caves, including Lord Byron's cave. She bears the name of the British poet since the latter is famous for having gone there to swim. Nearby you will find the church of Saint-Pierre, a fortified monument that has a beautiful view of the coast.
8. Arezzo
📍 80 kilometres
🚗 By car: 1h15
🚆 By train: from Firenze Campo di Marte Station, 1h30
📷 To see/to do: Cathedral of Arezzo, fortress of the Medici
If you want to get away from the crowds and discover a unique city, Arezzo is to add to the list of excursions from Florence. This ancient Etruscan city is a true open-air museum dedicated to their works. It is a symbol of artists and architects Giorgio Vasari and Piero della Francesca.
The must-sees of the city are the cathedral of Arezzo , the fortress of the Medical , the archaeological museum, as well as the churches of San Domenico and San Francesco .
9. Cortone
📍 110 kilometres
🚗 By car: 1:30
📷 To see/to do: Palace of the Medici, Etruscan ramparts, Cathedral of Saint Mary
30 km from Arezzo, Cortone houses an impressive Heritage site composed of testimonies of the Etruscan, medieval and Renaissance periods. Its picturesque alleys lead to the Palace of Medici, the Etruscan ramparts and the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie, the most important monuments of the city.
Some places like the Ermitage delle , the Basilica of Saint Francis, the Church Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio , Palazzo Comunale and Duomo Also deserve a passage.
10. Saturnia
📍 180 kilometres
🚗 By car: 2h40
📷 To see/to do: thermal springs
Saturnia is a well-known spa resort from ancient Rome and is one of the best excursions from Florence. The hot and sulphurous sources of the city come from volcano Amiata (today without activity).
Overtaking at 37.5°C, these waters give rise to sublime landscapes known for their calcareous concretions. They also have important therapeutic virtues. Visiting Saturnia, you can also get free access to outdoor sources such as the Cascata del Mulino .
11. Volterra
📍 75 kilometres
🚗 By car: 1h20
📷 To see/to do: the Palazzo dei Priori, museums, ancient Roman theatre
Perched on a mountain and surrounded by ramparts, Volterra is an ancient Etruscan city. Remarkable, this typical city of Tuscany protects museums and works of art from the Etruscan period to the Renaissance.
In the historic center, the Palazzo dei Priori , the oldest of the communal palaces of Tuscany, borders the square of the same name. Other recommended stops include the Musée de l’Albâtre, a former Roman theatre and the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci one of the oldest public museums in Europe.
12. Pienza
📍 120 kilometres
🚗 By car: 1h45
📷 To see/to do: the Duomo, the communal palace, the Borgia Palace, the Palazzo Piccolomini, the Museo Diocesano
In the heart of the vineyards of Tuscany, Pienza dominates the sublime Val d’Orcia . Pittoresque, this destination is the birthplace village of Pope Pius II . In the city, the influence of the religious encouraged the construction of the Palazzo Piccolomini and one Duomo In the 15th century.
Other sites to visit are the communal palace, the Palace Borgia and Museo Diocesano . Most of these sites are located around harmony Piazza Pio II , the great place of the village.
13. Orvieto
📍 170 kilometres
🚗 By car: 2:15
📷 To see/to do: the cathedral, the Torre del Moro, the wells, the underground
Unique in Umbria, Orvieto is perched at the top of a volcanic excretion. The views offered by this village are among the highlights of the visit.
In addition to these remarkable views, the ancient Etruscan city hosts exciting historical monuments: a 13th century Gothic cathedral, old papal residences, wells of San Patrizio , Torre del Moro ... The existence of undergrounds under the city will also be remembered. This unexpected network can also be explored during guided tours.
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