Are you searching for a day trip from Florence? In that case, there are a lot of available destinations. Florence is well situated, allowing you quick access to the countryside or to destinations replete with a rich history. Below we’ve listed some of our favorite day trips easily reachable from Florence with minimal hassle.

 

Wine and cheese tours from Florence.

Chianti

The Chianti wine region is a must see destination for any wine fan! Beautiful landscapes, sophisticated tasting events, and much to see are available at only half an hour’s drive to the south of the city. Although more crowded than other wine regions in the area, there is a reason for this: the vineyards in villages like Panzano and San Casciano are incredible!

Orcia Valley

Of course, if you want to skip the touristy sections of Chianti and the crowds, then you cannot do much better than visiting the Orcia Valley, or Val d’Orcia. This region is considered one of the most beautiful countrysides in the world, and is part of the UNESCO’s World Cultural Landscapes. The different villages, vineyards, and farms in this region provide an unforgettable experience. Some of the best food in the world is concentrated in this beautiful valley, with cheeses, wines, and meat that are unrivaled. Unfortunately, getting to Orcia Valley from Florence is quite a bit more difficult than a day trip to Chianti. While Chianti is at a mere 30-minute drive, the Orcia Valley is two hours away and unreachable by train. A great option in this case may be to hire a driver, with many packages available for interested connoisseurs.

Montepulciano and Montalcino

These two beautiful towns are essential viewing for wine lovers. Montalcino is home of Brunello di Montalcino, considered by many as the best wine this country has to offer. Montepulciano produces Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a wine that has been produced since Medieval times. The scenery and sampling of local cheeses and wines is an unforgettable experience.

Tours to historical towns.

Lucca

The architectural wonders are not limited to Florence itself. Only an hour west of Florence you will find beautiful Lucca. This city, replete with palaces, old roads, churches, and forts, provides a wonderful experience for walking or even biking. Fans of the opera will also want to visit Lucca since it is the birthplace of Puccini!

Pisa

No visit to the region would be complete without a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa (you will definitely want to get a photo of this spectacular attraction, which is unbelievable when seen up close and in person. However, once you see the Leaning Tower, there is still plenty to see in Pisa. The city is replete with beautiful Renaissance and Medieval art. There are also wonderful palaces and the Baptistery of Pisa, all of which are well worth the visit. You can usually include a visit to Lucca along with a day trip to Pisa, which is reachable through the high speed train. It’s usually a good idea to visit Pisa in the evening, to avoid the crowds (just check the closing times for the different attractions in this city.)

Siena

Siena has one of the most beautiful churches in Europe, with art by masters like Bernini, Donatello, and Michelangelo. The frescoes in the library are also absolutely stunning. The Siena piazza has an impressive tower from the fourteenth century. There is also plenty to see, from incredible frescoes and religious iconography to the head of St. Catherine, on display at her birthplace! You can usually see the most important sights in Siena in three to four hours with the help of a guide. Thanks to its location, it is possible to visit Siena and the Chianti wine region in the same day.