Florence is not only the capital of Tuscany, but it’s one of the most enchanting, charming cities in all of Italy. And because of its prime location, it’s a perfect home base for exploring. There are countless day trips from Florence worth taking!
Last summer a friend of mine and I took an unforgettable two-week trip to Italy. Each day of this trip was incredible, filled with magical destinations, amazing views, and mind-blowing food. But our time in Florence still remains to be some of my favorite days. This was my second time visiting Florence and it clearly left an impression on me- I’m already hoping to go back for a third time.
One of the many reasons I loved our time there so much was due to the fantastic neighboring areas and all of the options for day trips from Florence. We spent five days there: Two days spent enjoying and experiencing Florence & three days to explore the surrounding areas. The three, separate day trips from Florence that we chose to take were all incredible! I know there are many options out there, but I couldn’t recommend these more.
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How To Get Around
The train is the most convenient and affordable option to not only take your day trips from Florence, but to get around Italy and most of Europe in general. Download the app Omio to plan ahead with buying tickets and looking at train time schedules. With Omio you will also have the option of keeping all of your tickets right on your phone, which is very helpful. However, if you’re not planning too far in advance, trains come often enough that you can head to the station and book your tickets the day of.
The other option is to do a guided tour, which we chose for one of our day trips. The guided tour options generally come with transportation to and from Florence, which is one less thing you’ll have to worry about.
Day Trips from Florence Worth Taking
Okay, let’s get into it! Here are three day trips from Florence that you should absolutely consider taking during your time in Italy. Each of these added to the experience of our time there and proved to be exceptional destinations.
Take a Tuscany Wine Tour
Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy. The land of Tuscany is a treasure trove of history, culture, breathtaking views, and of course, WINE! Taking a wine tour in Tuscany is one of the most coveted Italian experiences you can have, which is why it’s the first on our list of day trips from Florence.
There are many different tour options offered right from Florence, and depending on what factors are most important for you, I’m sure you can find the perfect one! I suggest checking out Get Your Guide to narrow down your search. You’ll find price options varying from around $50 to $150 and tours lasting from around 1.5 hours to 6 hours.
We personally went with a half-day option that lasted around 4 hours. There was a meet up spot a 15-minute walk from our hotel where we met our guide for the day and the group we’d be sharing the experience with. Transportation was provided here so we got in our van and headed off from there. Our first stop was a winery, where the wine we’d be drinking that day was produced. We did a fun tasting, and toured the facility, which included a 500 year old wine cellar.
From there, we went to the farm where the grapes are actually grown. We had an amazing lunch of fresh cheeses, homemade olive oils, bread, cured meats, and pasta. Of course along with lots of incredible wine. It was a fascinating experience for all of the senses!
Step Back in Time in Siena
Did you come to Italy to experience rich history, breathtaking views, and fascinating architecture? Well, look no further than Siena! Siena is a remarkably well-preserved medieval town with cobblestone streets, enhancing terracotta rooftops, and incredible hidden gems. You will feel as though you’ve stepped back in time wandering around this captivating place.
Siena is just about a 1.5 hour train ride from Florence, making it an extremely easy and convenient day trip. Go to Omio to look at options and find the best prices for booking your tickets!
Upon arriving in Siena there’s about a 20-minute walk from the train station to get into the town. Be prepared for some uphill walking as well, to reach the heart of Siena. It is totally worth the mini-workout though! Siena is bustling, vibrant, and colorful! You’ll encounter lovely shops, adorable cafes and restaurants with patrons enjoying their glass of wine or Aperol Spritz, and lots of options for delicious treats.
Head to the Piazza del Campo. This is the main square of Siena where all of the excitement happens. It’s the perfect place to take in the views, people watch, and experience the energy of this medieval gem. From there, be sure to walk past the Duomo di Siena and admire its exquisite architecture. This 13th century structure is famed for its unique striped facade. Make sure you end your day with gelato or a cocktail (or both!) at Bar Gelateria La Costarella. They have the most impressive view overlooking the entire piazza!
Eat Your Way Around Bologna
Bologna isn’t just a city that’s rich in history and architectural wonders. It is the undisputed culinary capital of Italy! Yes, you read that right. Bologna is known more so for its food than anywhere else in the country. Which is why it’s absolutely necessary to include on our list of day trips from Florence. Speaking of, you can get there in less than an hour from Florence! It’s a no brainer.
Here’s a list of dishes that Bologna is known for and you should make it a point to try while you’re there:
- Tagliatelle al ragù Bolognese– a classic dish that actually put Bologna on the map! This pasta dish is made with tagliatelle, which is a wider ribboned pasta and smothered in a rich, slow-cooked ragu sauce
- Mortadella– a cured pork sausage stuffed with cubes of fat and often flavored with pistachios. Not to be confused with the processed mortadella slices you may find in American grocery stores. There is no comparison here!
- Parmigiano Reggiano– This world famous cheese is enjoyed even more in it’s birthplace of Bologna!
- Tortellini in Brodo– This was my personal favorite! These little delicate filled pasta parcels, usually filled with cheese, are served in a steaming broth. It’s light, comforting, and so delicious.
After getting your fill of delicious food, spend some time walking it off while enjoying the sights of Bologna. Explore Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city, marvel at “The Two Towers” Asinelli and Garisenda, which are iconic landmarks of Bologna, and walk the porticoes, an extensive network of covered walkways that Bologna is famous for.
Enjoy Your Day Trips From Florence
I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration and ideas for your upcoming adventures! As there are many day trips from Florence that are worth taking and countless options, I hope to add to this list one day. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below and happy travels.
[…] For a little bit more information on these day trips, check out my blog post here. […]