10 Wonderfully Tasty Day Trips from Florence, Italy

Spending time in Florence, Italy? Did you know that you can plan a number of wonderful Florence day trips via train or by car? What are the best day trips in Florence? Which foods should you be eating in each city?

If you’re looking for something to do other than explore the city of Florence, you’re in luck. Not only is the city of Renaissance one of the best destinations in Italy, but Florence also makes for an ideal home base.

Florence is centrally located in Tuscany, and many day trips can be taken from the city of Firenze. And in every city, there are some delicious local food choices you should try to find when you’re there.

Don’t get me wrong, we always tend to eat lots of pizza and pasta while in Italy. It all differs from region to region and also city to city. It’s nice to mix it up and taste locally known dishes.

On our second trip to Florence, Italy, we made the city our home away from home. And on days we weren’t exploring Florence, we took day trips from Florence to some of the best nearby cities: San Gimignano, Siena, Pisa, Cinque Terre, and Venice.

We have returned to Florence as well as other parts of Tuscany since. But we still cherish the memories of our first time in Northern Italy. We only wish to share and help you plan a fabulous time in Italy.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our full disclosure for details.

featured blog image | day trips from florencePin
Read on for more on day trips from Florence, Italy.

Florence Day Trips

How many days do you need in Florence?

So, if you’re planning your Tuscany vacation with the idea of staying in Florence but journeying out on day trips… give yourself at least 3 to 4 days to explore Florence.

You can check out our guide of things to do in Florence or our three itinerary options for a day in Florence that you can easily turn into a 3 day Florence itinerary.

Where can I go by train from Florence?

Lucca, Siena, Pisa, and Bologna are just a few day trips from Florence you can take.

Travel Tip: Book one of the earliest and most direct train tickets to your destination. Also, book your return train ticket to Florence, ideally the last train of the day, to maximize your Florence day trip.

Where is the main train station in Florence?

Any day trips from Florence by train will depart from or arrive at Florence’s main train station, Stazione di Santa Maria Novella. You can check the outbound and inbound times, book your train tickets, and plan your trips: here.

Tip: If you plan on making three or more journeys during your trip, you may want to consider a Rail Pass.

Are buses from Florence optional?

Yes! Look at buses as an option. Depending on where you are going, it can be more direct, cheaper, and-or faster. You can check times, routes, and availability on Omio.

Is Tuscany a day trip from Florence?

Tuscany is a large region, and it would be impossible to see everything in just one day. However, you can take day trips to some of the most popular destinations in Tuscany from Florence.

Best Day Trips From Florence

To help you plan your Florence day trips, we outline 10 of the best day trips from Florence. From visits to charming medieval hill towns to exploring famous landmarks. We list the easiest and shortest day trips from Florence by train and drive times.

Sometimes renting a car has its pros: shorter travel time and freedom to explore during your journey there.

Note: Some of the travel times for the trains are for high-speed trains, which makes a difference when planning and booking.

You can turn any Florence day trips into weekend trips from Florence.

1. Bologna

Piazza Maggiore in bologna
Piazza Maggiore in Bologna

Train: 38 mins
Drive: 1 hr 25 mins

Bologna is a beautiful city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and is about 40 minutes away from Florence to Bologna Centrale by high-speed train. This city is known as Italy’s “food capital” with its delicious cuisine, so I suggest visiting with an empty stomach. It is also known as the “City of Porticoes”.

City of Porticoes Bologna Italy

During your day trip to Bologna, explore the historic center. Start in Piazza Maggiore, the main square of Bologna, surrounded by incredible architecture like the Palazzo d’Accursio and the Basilica di San Petronio.

Then, walk through the Quadrilatero district, one of the oldest parts of Bologna. Here you’ll find markets, cafes, restaurants, and shops where you’ll find your best meals in Bologna.

tagliatelle al ragu

What foods to eat in Bologna? Make sure to try dishes like tagliatelle al ragù, a type of pasta dish from the Emilia-Romagna region with meat sauce. You may have guessed by now that the beloved bolognese we love to serve over pasta originates from Bologna.

Read: Deliciously Amazing Day Trips From Bologna, Italy

2. Pisa

Pin
Leaning Tower of Pisa

Train: 51 mins
Drive: 1 hr 19 mins

A Florence to Pisa day trip can be as fast as 51 minutes away by high-speed train or 1 hr 20 minutes by Regional train. This Tuscan city is a popular Florence day trip because of its proximity, and its also known for its famous leaning tower of Pisa.

You can explore Pisa’s main square, Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning square is home to the Duomo, Baptistery, and the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Don’t forget to capture fun (and appropriate) photographs with the Leaning Tower.

If this is your first time visiting Pisa, you might consider climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The tower is 56 meters high and closer to 300 steps. But the views from the top are incredible! However, if you are not fit to climb those stairs or come down from them, we suggest skipping the climb. You will not find an elevator service here.

In my humble opinion, Pisa is one of the half-day trips from Florence you can plan. Once you see the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and climb up to the top of it, you’ve seen all you need to see in Pisa.

Pin

What food in Pisa you should look out for? Cecina, also called farinata, is a flavorful pancake made from chickpea flour. It’s usually served as is, with antipasto, or as a sandwich.

If you travel to Pisa by car, we recommend heading out after your time in Pisa to Parco San Rossore nearby.

Tip: Book entrance tickets to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in advance.

Read more in our article: A Day Trip to Pisa, Italy

Why Visit Italy

Italy will steal your heart with its delicious food and amazing cities. There are so many reasons to visit this beautiful land, but we’ve narrowed down 10 of the most compelling ones for you!

3. San Gimignano

view of san gimignano from the rolling hills of tuscanyPin
San Gimingnano, Italy

Drive: 57 mins

Day trips from Florence to San Gimignano, this medieval hill town, is one of the most popular. It is also known as the “Medieval Manhattan.” It’s just a short drive away in the Tuscan countryside. San Gimignano is known for its 72 tower houses and stunning views.

San Gimignano is one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tuscany. It is small and charming enough to explore in a half-day or with a tour stop.

Start at the main piazza, Piazza della Cisterna, in the town center. Then explore the cobblestone streets lined with shops selling local goods like beautiful handpainted ceramics and bottles of Vernaccia wine.

Consider visiting some of the town’s churches, like the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses some incredible Renaissance art.

View of rolling hills and vineyards in Tuscany.Pin
A glimpse of rolling hills and vineyards in Tuscany from San Gimignano.

You’ll also find some beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside from San Gimignano.

What food is San Gimignano known for? Sip and savor some of Vernaccia di Gimignano wine. Then don’t forget to try the delicious made with Vernaccia wine gelato at Gelataria Dondoli!

Tour Options:
San Gimignano, Pisa and Siena from Florence [book tour]

4. Lucca

Train: 1 hr 15 mins
Drive: 1 hr 8 mins

If you love Florence, you’ll love Lucca.

One of our favorite day trips from Florence is the city of Lucca. Lucca is a charming walled city located just an hour and fifteen minutes away from Florence by train.

his medieval town is well-preserved and a favorite among day-trippers. Once you arrive, you can explore the streets on foot or by bike.

Lucca is reminiscent of Florence with its renaissance-style buildings and piazzas. But it’s much smaller in scale, which makes it the perfect day trip from Florence.

terracotta colored roofs and tower with trees on top

Make sure to climb to the top of Guinigi Tower for sweeping views of the city. Eat some of the best focaccia bread from a bakery near the tower. Bike the city walls and explore its underground tunnels.

We visited Lucca during a Western Mediterranean cruise. We rented a car from the port of Livorno. However, you can easily take a train from Florence to Lucca. Read more on our Easy Day Trip to Lucca article.

7. Rome

Train: 1 hr 30 mins
Drive: 3 hr 14 mins

Rome is Italy’s capital, and if you haven’t been to Rome, you can plan an early day trip from Florence to Rome. It is about a two-hour train ride away from Florence.

Rome is such a big city with so much to offer that it would be impossible to see everything in just one day. But what makes this city special is that it’s an outdoor museum you can explore on foot. Inside the city walls, the historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is the list of the must-see sites in Rome.

Start your day trip in Rome by visiting the Colosseum, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Then, walk over to the Roman Forum, a large plaza once used for public speeches and markets.

After exploring the Roman Forum, make your way to the Pantheon. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome.

End your day trip in Rome with a visit to the Trevi Fountain, and make sure to toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain. Legend says that if you do, you will return to Rome one day.

cacio e pepe pasta is a must in rome

What dish should you have in Rome? Cacio e Pepe is a delicious pasta tossed with tons of cheese and pepper. It’s one of the four popular pasta in Rome: cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and alla gricia.

Tour Option:
Wonders of Rome Walking Tour [book here]

Planning a longer trip to Rome?
Plan a day trip to Civita di Bagnoregio.

5. Siena

Piazza del Campo in Siena
Peek into Piazza del Campo in Siena

Train: 1 hr 35 mins
Drive: 1 hr 7 mins

Siena is one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany and is only an hour and thirty-five minutes away from Florence by train. This medieval city is famous for its shell-shaped main piazza, Piazza del Campo. Siena is also home to the Palio horse race, which occurs twice a year in July and August.

During your Florence day trip to Siena, we recommend exploring the main piazza, Il Campo where you’ll find the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia. Then, walk through the historic center of Siena, taking in its medieval architecture. As you do, you’ll fall in love with the charming streets of Siena.

Then make your way up to the Duomo di Siena, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy with its gothic-style exterior and striped marble interior.

If you love art, visit some of Siena’s incredible art museums, such as the Museo dell Opera Metropolitana.

For sweeping views of the city, hike up to Fortezza Medicea.

Pin

What foodie treat to enjoy in Siena? Stop at a local bakery and try some of Siena’s famous ricciarelli almond cookies!

Tour Options:
Siena and San Gimignano: Small-Group Tour with Lunch from Florence [book tour]
Sunset Siena and Chianti Wine Tour with Dinner from Florence [book tour]

Things to do in Florence, Italy

Looking for the best things to do in Florence, Italy? We’ve got your back. Visit attractions like The Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. From eating gelato at every opportunity. Read all the things you should not miss when traveling to the beautiful city of Florence.

6. Parma

Train: 1 hr 36 mins
Drive: 2 hr 18 mins

Parma is a city in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and is about an hour and thirty mins away from Florence by train. It is s a great day trip if you’re looking to eat your way through Italy and explore historic landmarks.

You probably guessed by now by the name of the city. Parma is the home of the beloved Parmigiano Reggiano as well as prosciutto di parma.

What foods to eat in Parma? Parmigiano Reggiano is this hard, salty, nutty cheese commonly used worldwide; however, what we use back home is a lesser quality product. Proscuitto di Parma is a type of ham that is dry-aged and cured with salt, which is also very different from what we eat back home.

During your day trip to Parma, you’ll want to consider taking a food tour that focuses on the Prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano. But, of course, that’s not all Parma has to offer – even though we can probably spend it eating cheese all day, too.

the bapistry, an octagonal historic building in parma italy
The Baptistery is a historic octagonal building in Parma, Italy.

The historic center of Parma, Piazza Garibaldi, is a great place to start your explorations. The Cathedral and Baptistery stand as beautiful reminders that date back centuries ago.

Teatro Farnese, a Baroque-style theatre, is an incredible must-see. It’s considered among the most well-preserved theatres of its time.

You can even make a stop in Modena on the way to Parma.

– Don’t Miss: A Fabulous One Day in Parma, Italy

9. Venice

grand canal of venice italyPin
Grand Canal of Venice, Italy

Train: 2 hr 14 mins

You wouldn’t think it’s possible to do a Florence to Venice day trip, but it is. We’ve done it before. It’s about a two-hour train ride away from Florence. You can easily spend a day exploring this beautiful city and getting a taste of what makes this city so popular.

Venice is a unique city built entirely on the water with canals. There are no cars, only boats. The main mode of transportation is walking or taking a boat ride.

After you visit St. Mark’s Square and see Doge’s Palace, make sure to walk around and get lost in the narrow streets. There are so many hidden gems in Venice just waiting to be discovered. You’ll be charmed after every corner.

When in Venice, you can choose to take a gondola ride through the canals or just watch as others go by. It’s a bit touristy, but it’s something you may have always wanted to do when in Venice.

You can also arrive via train and have a walking tour booked to get the most out of your day there.

What dish should you have while in Venice? Venetian-style risotto with seafood is one of the many foods served in Venice.

Read more about how to get to Venice, what not to miss, and more on our day trip to Venice.

8. Cinque Terre

colorful seaside village in the italian rivieraPin

Drive: 2 hr 34 min

Is Cinque Terre a day trip from Florence? Is it the ultimate experience of Cinque Terre? Probably not, but it is doable and a wonderful experience.

Cinque Terre is about a 3-hour train ride away from Florence and slightly less by car or bus.

We recommend taking a group day tour with transportation or a private day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre, as you will get to maximize a full day there- this is what we did once, and it was a fantastic day that we still talk about.

Cinque Terre translates to “Five Lands,” made up of five small villages along the coast of the Italian Riviera. These villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

Cinque Terre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colorful houses, dramatic coastline, and hiking trails. One of the best ways to experience Cinque Terre is by taking a day hike from one village to the next.

What food to try in Cinque Terre? Part of the Liguria region of Italy, you can imagine that there are more than a few typical foods to try in Cinque Terre. Anchovies (YES, they are nothing like what we have in the states), Farinata, pesto, and fried seafood… are a few things you can keep a lookout for in Cinque Terre. The seafood here is so fresh and delicious.

After reading this, you may also decide that you just want to plan a few days in Cinque Terre, which is a fantastic idea. Just know it is possible to experience it as a Florence day trip and one you will never forget.

Tour Options:
Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking [book here]

10. Tuscan Countryside

A Tuscan Countryside Florence day trip is not #1 simply because you can’t easily take a train to explore it. But you can’t leave Florence without touring Val D’orcia, the rolling hills of Tuscany.

This is one of the top day trips from Florence by car that is a must-do. A car rental from Florence will be ideal to explore it on your own fully. Exploring by train is nearly impossible as the trains only connect you from one city to another. You can also book a guided tour of the Tuscan countryside if you do not feel comfortable driving.

Pin

The Val D’orcia is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to relax and escape city life for a day. Honestly, it’s more than just taking a city break.

Once you see those rolling hills and cypress trees… you’ll feel the magic and what makes the Tuscan countryside so special. The views can be breathtaking! Sometimes you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a work of art.

And, going on your own wine tasting tour of the Chianti region is an experience you won’t want to miss. You can spend all day exploring the wine and olive roads of Tuscany.

What food to try in the Tuscan Countryside? The food list is endless as it encompasses many of the local foods found in the Tuscany region. From olive oil, truffles, wild boar, ribollita, bistecca alla Fiorentina, pecorino cheese, and Chianti wine – your taste buds will be in for a treat. It’s some of our favorite cuisines in the world.

Tour Options:
Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas, Cheese, Wine, and Lunch from Florence [book here]
Tuscany Wine Tour [book here]

You can take many day trips from Florence, as there are so many small towns in Northern Italy to explore. For now, these are our top ten, and perhaps, later on, we’ll add a few more to the list.

Have you been to any of these day trips from Florence? What Florence day trips are you planning for your future trip? What is the local dish you’re looking forward to trying?

Let us know in the comments below.

Share the tips & love on Pinterest:

pinterest marketing pin | florence day tripsPin
Pin

Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *