Depending on what time of year you visit, you may be able to see gorgeous sunflowers on your day trips from Florence.
Florence Day Trips
While the famous city of Florence is home to a number of tourist attractions, there are plenty of attractive and extremely interesting spots spread around the Tuscan capital that are worth visiting.
Make the most of your visit to Florence by getting out of the city and enjoying some peace and quiet in the nearby towns and vineyards. Most places are accessible by a short train ride or a quick drive.
Here are some day trips from Florence that are definitely worth a look – whether you are traveling alone or whether you’re with a group of women traveling together.
Val d’Orcia
Perhaps the most stunning countryside of Italy, Val d’Orcia has been added to UNESCO’s list of World Cultural Landscapes. You could easily spend the day here just roaming around or exploring the back streets. One of the best things to do to really enjoy Val d’Orcia – especially if you are a group of women traveling together – is to indulge in a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience. Make sure to visit local farms and vineyards and enjoy the best wine and cheese the country has to offer. The ultimate way to visit Val d’Orcia is to rent a car or hire a private driver (we love the private guides and drivers).
Cinque Terre
Literally translated as the ‘Five Lands,’ Cinque Terre is made up of five picturesque villages along the coast. It is considered by adventure-seekers and nature-lovers alike to be one of the best day trips from Florence, mainly for its stunning landscape views and its hiking trails. The view you will see when first driving up to Cinque Terre is stunning.
Fodors offers some great information about this incredible area.
San Gimignano
Only an hour by car or bus from Florence is San Gimignano delle Belle Torri. This charming medieval town dates back to the 8th century and is also famous for its picturesque olive groves and vineyards. Every group of women traveling together will definitely enjoy what San Gimignano has to offer because taking a stroll around the city is like a visit to the medieval times. You can easily get to San Gimignano from Florence by catching a bus at Florence’s Autostazione Sita to Poggibonsi, and then change for San Gimignano. The scenery along the way is absolutely breathtaking and contributes to the wonderful day you will have.
Lucca
Lucca is definitely one of the most popular day trips from Florence because apart from being less than an hour from Florence, it is also packed with many tourist sites that are worth visiting. Inside the city are many beautiful churches and gardens. The Duomo San Martino boasts of many historical treasures, such as Tintoretto’s Last Supper and the Tomb of Ilaria del Carretto. The Pallazzo Pfanner also has beautiful baroque gardens. For a unique and beautiful view, consider visiting the Palazzo Guinigi where you will see a tree growing from a tower.
Getting to Lucca from Florence is easy. The train only takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, and since the station is located right outside the city center, it is easily walkable.
Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is undoubtedly the most iconic photo in Italy, so it’s quite a shame to miss it while you’re in Florence. The direct, high-speed train takes just about 50 minutes from Florence.
However, there is so much more to Pisa than just the famous tower. Pisa is also a medieval city that boasts of an 11th-century Duomo teeming with gorgeous art. Its narrow alleys also make for a beautiful stroll, which are filled with a lot of charming stores and local pizzerias.
If you are planning to go to Pisa, it is best to go by train. Once you arrive at the station, it is only a 20-minute walk to the Leaning Tower or a 10-minute bus ride. If you opt to drive, Pisa is located 1 hour 20 minutes from Florence. You will have some wonderful experiences on your day trips from Florence.
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