Best Day Trips from Florence

Branching out from the red cupola of the Duomo, the stone-built alleys of Florence’s historic core connect some of the world’s most precious examples of Renaissance art and architecture. This walkable city of fewer than 400,000 people has been a European center of culture since the Middle Ages, and much of its heritage has survived intact to this day.

Florence’s global fame, however, has long overshadowed the many sights in its surroundings, keeping tourists concentrated in and around a limited number of well-known destinations. Attractions such as the Uffizi museum, Michelangelo’s David inside the Galleria dell’Accademia, and the 14th-century Ponte Vecchio tend to grab all the attention.

However, you shouldn’t spend all your time in Tuscany standing in line for fear of missing out. Many surprising and often neglected towns await beyond Florence’s borders. Here is our pick of the best day trips from Florence, nearly all of which are reachable on public transport.

1. Visit the Treasured Cathedral of Lucca

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes by train

Enclosed within 12m-high (39ft) defensive walls, historic Lucca is one of Tuscany’s most charming medieval centers. Known as the city of 100 churches, the greatest of them all is the Romanesque Cattedrale di San Martino, where you will find Italy’s oldest wood carving, the Volto Santo crucifix. This stunning cathedral is located a short distance from the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, an elliptical square built on a former Roman amphitheater.

Lucca isn’t just about historical sights; from spring throughout summer, many festivals take place within the city’s grass-covered walls, peaking with the Lucca Summer Festival, which fills the cobbled alleys with music from international artists every July.

2. Cycle Around Lago Trasimeno

Travel time: 1 hour 35 minutes by train

Italy’s fourth-largest lake, Lago Trasimeno, sits just outside Tuscany’s borders in the province of Perugia and is surrounded by green hills and sleepy towns. From Castiglione del Lago, the main settlement in the Trasimeno area, you can rent a bike and join the 60km (37-mile) bike path that loops around the lake, through quaint hamlets and olive groves.

Between April and September, you can take advantage of a ferry that runs from Passignano back to Castiglione del Lago, offering beautiful views of Isola Maggiore and its 19th-century castle.

3. Stroll Through Pistoia’s Romanesque Buildings

Travel time: 35 minutes by train

This attractive historic town is off most international tourists’ routes, preserving a local feel. Pistoia’s main attraction is its impressive collection of marble-clad Romanesque buildings, including the striped 13th-century Chiesa di San Giovanni Fuorcivitas and the Cattedrale di San Zeno, the city’s main church.

Pistoia hosts Tuscany’s most important blues festival every July, enhancing the city’s musical culture that has been alive since the 15th century.

4. Taste the Flavors of Emilia-Romagna

Travel time: 40 minutes by train

Traveling beyond Tuscany’s northern border will introduce you to a land filled with tortellini, cappellacci, lambrusco, parmigiano, and many more traditional dishes of Emilia-Romagna. The dynamic city of Bologna serves as the region’s capital, boasting a vibrant atmosphere and endless culinary delights.

5. Hunt for Antiques in Arezzo’s Fiera Antiquaria

Travel time: 40 minutes or 1 hour 30 minutes by train

Arezzo, an art city with a rich history, attracts visitors with its monthly Fiera Antiquaria, attracting over 500 vendors selling antiques. More than just shopping, enjoy the beautiful backdrop of Piazza Grande, enhanced by the architectural prowess of Giorgio Vasari.

6. Step into the Ruins of San Galgano and Return via Montalcino

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes by car

The Abbazia di San Galgano is a striking piece of religious architecture located in the cypress-dotted countryside of central Tuscany. The abbey, built by Cistercian monks, presents unmatched photo opportunities for visitors.

7. Discover Siena’s Artistic Heritage

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes by bus

A visit to Siena provides a glimpse into the riches of its medieval past. The Palazzo Pubblico, located in the semicircular Piazza del Campo, features the Museo Civico and remarkable artworks from the Middle Ages.

If You Have More Time

Florence is well connected to most major Italian cities through high-speed rail. You can be in Rome, Milan, or even Naples in just a few hours. Keep in mind that booking your tickets ahead of time can help you secure the best prices.

If you have a car and are looking to spend some time outdoors, the Parco Nazionale Foreste Casentinesi and Parco Regionale delle Alpi Apuane offer excellent hiking opportunities. In autumn, food and wine festivals abound, with events such as the truffle fair of San Miniato and the Expo del Chianti Classico in Greve in Chianti.

This article was first published Jun 12, 2012 and updated Apr 8, 2024.