Day trips from Florence: what to see and where to go
Starting from Florence, Tuscany offers countless options for day trips, combining nature, art, and historic villages. In this article, we’ve gathered a few ideas on what to see near Florence.
Day trips from Florence for lovers of historic villages
Tuscany is dotted with charming villages that tell stories spanning millennia, and many of them are perfect for a one-day escape from Florence. There’s no itinerary more classic and rewarding than the one that includes Siena, San Gimignano, and Monteriggioni: you can start your day in Siena, getting lost in its iconic Piazza del Campo and admiring the magnificence of its Cathedral; in the afternoon, continue on to San Gimignano, the "medieval Manhattan" with its towering skyline and breathtaking views; finally, on your way back, make a brief but evocative stop in Monteriggioni, a small fortified village whose intact walls seem to guard an ancient secret. All of these towns are reachable in under an hour and a half by car from Florence and will transport you straight into the Middle Ages, offering an experience full of history and charm.
If you prefer a more relaxed itinerary that is equally beautiful, the pairing of Pisa and Lucca is perfect. In Pisa, you can't miss a visit to the unmissable Piazza dei Miracoli with its Leaning Tower, Cathedral, and Baptistery. Then head to Lucca, a unique city famous for its completely intact Renaissance walls. Here you can rent a bike and ride along the top of the walls or simply stroll through its quiet streets, discovering hidden squares and charming corners. Both cities are about an hour’s drive from Florence, offering a perfect mix of art and history.
Itineraries to unplug in the green heart of Tuscany
Looking for a breath of fresh air and rejuvenating landscapes? The countryside and nearby mountains around Florence offer enchanting settings, perfect for combining a glass of fine wine with breathtaking views. For example, you might consider a trip to the Chianti Classico area, exploring villages like Greve in Chianti, Panzano, or Castellina in Chianti, where you’ll have the chance to visit a winery, take part in a wine tasting, and discover the secrets behind Chianti production. Many wineries also offer lunch options right among the vineyards, for a full and relaxing food and wine experience—all less than an hour from Florence.
For lovers of unspoiled nature, the Casentino Forests National Park (Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna) is a true gem just over an hour from Florence: here you can hike through lush green trails, discover hidden waterfalls like Acquacheta (made famous by Dante), or visit deeply spiritual places such as the Sanctuary of La Verna or the Hermitage of Camaldoli. It’s ideal for a day of light trekking or simply to enjoy the peace and freshness of the mountains.
To explore the surroundings of Florence on a day trip, we recommend using one of our Florence car rental services: having a car will allow you to plan all your travels through hills, vineyards, and forests with maximum comfort and freedom.
