Florence in 4 Days was the perfect base for our May family trip, but one of the best things about the city is how easy it is to explore more of Tuscany and central Italy. With its central location, excellent train connections, and organized tours, you can see stunning medieval towns, vineyards, and even coastal villages — all without overspending.
Here are our favorite day trips from Florence, with transport tips and ideas for making each visit smooth and affordable.
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Siena
Siena is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Italy, famous for the Piazza del Campo (home of the Palio horse race) and its stunning cathedral. The historic center feels frozen in time, with narrow cobblestone streets and a slower pace than Florence.
Getting there: You can take a direct bus or train from Florence. You can take a direct bus or train from Florence. Trains run regularly, and buses are a good alternative for certain times of day.
Tip: If visiting in summer, book your tickets and any guided tours early — Siena gets very busy during festival season.
Pisa
Pisa is best known for the Leaning Tower, but the cathedral complex (including the Baptistery) is just as impressive. The whole area, called Piazza dei Miracoli, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting there: It’s an easy train ride from Florence, taking just over an hour. It’s an easy train ride from Florence, taking just over an hour.
Tip: You can combine Pisa with Lucca for a full day trip.
Lucca
Lucca is a charming walled city where you can walk or bike along the old ramparts, explore quiet piazzas, and enjoy great Tuscan food. It’s less crowded than Pisa or Siena, making it a relaxing escape from Florence.
Getting there: Direct trains run from Florence several times a day. Direct trains run from Florence several times a day.
Tip: Rent a bike for a circuit along the walls — it’s an easy ride and offers great views of the city.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers, earning it the nickname “Medieval Manhattan.” The historic center is a UNESCO site, and the views from the towers are incredible.
Getting there: There’s no direct train, so the easiest way is by bus or an organized tour. You can compare San Gimignano day tours from Florence on GetYourGuide and Viator to find the best option.
Tip: Combine San Gimignano with the Chianti wine region for a perfect day of history and wine tasting.
Chianti Wine Region
The rolling hills of Chianti are dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and small villages. Wine tastings and vineyard tours are a highlight, and the scenery is pure Tuscany.
Getting there: Chianti is best explored on an organized wine tour, as public transport is limited. Compare Chianti wine tours from Florence on GetYourGuide and Viator for different vineyards and prices.
Tip: A half-day tour is enough to visit 2–3 wineries, leaving time for dinner back in Florence.
Cinque Terre (Long Day Trip)
If you’re willing to start early, you can visit Cinque Terre from Florence in a day. This string of five coastal villages offers colorful houses, sea views, and scenic hiking trails.
Getting there: The train ride is around 2.5–3 hours each way, so plan for a long day. You can travel independently by booking Florence–La Spezia train tickets or join a guided day trip. Check Cinque Terre tours from Florence on Viator.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike between villages.
Practical Tips for Day Trips
Book trains in advance — Use Omio for Florence day trip train schedules and tickets or Trainline for Florence–Venice and other intercity routes.
For hard-to-reach spots — Consider organized tours via GetYourGuide tours and day trips from Florence or Viator Florence day tours.
Overnight stays — If you want to explore at a slower pace, check affordable hotels in Tuscany on Booking.com for a night or two outside Florence.
Final Thoughts
Florence is the perfect base for seeing more of Italy without rushing. Whether you choose just one or two of these day trips or plan several, each offers a different side of Tuscany and beyond.
If you’re planning your trip, don’t miss our Florence in 4 Days post for what to see in the city itself, or our 7-Day Italy Itinerary to combine Florence with Rome and Venice.