Summary
Tuscany is a renowned region for visitors to Italy due to its extensive array of activities and attractions.
From vineyards and culinary delights to eminent art and ancient architecture, Tuscany stands out as one of the most diverse regions globally for tourists.
In addition to this eclectic range of attractions, it is also recognized for its relaxed lifestyle, even within larger cities such as Florence and Pisa.
Whether you are interested in famous landmarks or lesser-known sites, there are numerous excellent opportunities for day excursions within the region and its vicinity to enrich your itinerary.
Here are the 15 most noteworthy day trips available within Tuscany or a short distance from its major cities.
1. Florence
The largest city in the Tuscany region, Florence is a popular destination for international travelers.
It features stunning architecture, exquisite cuisine, and world-class museums and galleries, making it an ideal city for exploration during a day trip.
Notable landmarks encompass the Duomo di Firenze, Ponte Vecchio, and the Accademia Museum, home to Michelangelo’s David.
Beyond the well-known attractions, Florence boasts a vibrant independent arts community, and its cuisine, like the rest of Italy, is exceptional.
Tuscany is particularly famous for its steak, and Florence provides an ideal location to savor some.
2. Montepulciano
Montepulciano is well-known throughout Italy for its wines, particularly the red variety known as Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano.
The town features numerous vineyards and wineries where visitors can engage in wine tastings.
Some establishments even grant insight into the wine production process and offer interactive experiences.
In addition to the wine-related attractions, Montepulciano is home to several intriguing historical sites, including Piazza Grande, San Biagio church, and the civic museum.
Additionally, a 15th-century villa called La Foce is accessible to tourists just a short drive from the town.
3. San Gimignano
Situated in the heart of the picturesque Tuscan countryside, San Gimignano embodies authentic Italian charm and rich history.
The town’s origins date back to the medieval era, with remnants of its ancient walls still standing today.
Several medieval towers are distributed throughout the town, the most prominent being Torre Grossa.
Visitors can also explore art galleries, with Collegiata Duomo excelling in religious artworks, while Pinacoteca Civica showcases smaller, more contemporary pieces.
For those interested in Italy’s medieval history, San Gimignano1300 offers a compelling experience in Tuscany.
4. Reggello
Located in the Chianti wine region, Reggello is an excellent destination for sampling local Italian wines and understanding the production processes.
The town is also renowned for its extra virgin olive oil, with opportunities to tour some of the farms and distilleries in the vicinity.
Its architecture includes interesting structures, such as the Abbey of Vallombrosa.
Established in the 11th century, the abbey continues to function as a monastery, surrounded by a forest well worth exploring.
Visitors can also discover the art of stone cutting at Sottili’s Stone Cutting Workshop within the town.
5. Pisa
Pisa is another renowned city in Tuscany, best known internationally for the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The historical context of the tower’s lean and the measures taken to prevent its collapse are fascinating; however, the town offers much more for day-trippers.
The city center, just a ten-minute walk from the tower, features charming streets and exceptional restaurants specializing in famous Tuscan steaks.
The Museo Di San Matteo houses the finest collection of Tuscan artworks in the region, while Tuttomundo, a large mural of Pisa painted by Keith Haring, pays homage to the city’s beauty.
6. Carrara
Carrara is home to the famed Carrara Marble Quarries.
This area boasts a 2,000-year history of providing marble to Italy, and visitors can still observe operational quarries today.
Guided tours are available, offering insights into the region’s captivating history and access to some of the most magnificent viewpoints in the country.
Following the tour, enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant serving Lardo di Colonnata, a delicacy produced on marble slabs from Carrara.
7. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre comprises five villages along the Italian Riviera, enjoying significant increases in tourism over the past decade.
The idyllic streets of the villages and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea contribute to this popularity.
Each village presents its own unique characteristics, offering varied experiences during your day trip, whether it involves dining, coffee, or swimming in the sea.
The nearby town of La Spezia is also rich in historical UNESCO World Heritage sites from various periods.
8. Siena
Siena, similar to many areas in Tuscany, is abundant in art and history, offering a distinctive day trip that provides insight into authentic Italian culture.
The city, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages, features historic architecture and charming streets.
Piazza Del Campo, centrally located and shell-shaped, is among the most famous piazzas in Italy.
Visitors may explore the renowned frescoes of Palazzo Pubblico, examine Etruscan tombs, and partake in traditional Tuscan cooking classes available in the area.
9. Livorno
If you wish to experience a Venetian-style ambiance without the time constraints, Livorno’s Quartiere La Venezia features a network of canals resembling those of Venice.
The area boasts numerous canal-side bars and restaurants, perfect for enjoying local coffee, beer, and wine.
Piazza Della Repubblica serves as the focal point of the district and features the Dominican Church.
Natural Italian spas located on the outskirts of Livorno offer an ideal retreat after exploring the city’s canals.
10. Lucca
Lucca is an ancient city predating the Roman Empire, tracing its roots back to the Etruscan period.
It serves as an open-air museum showcasing various esteemed architectural styles, including Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance, making it a paradise for architecture enthusiasts.
The intact city walls, constructed in 1650 when Lucca was a sovereign city-state, remain accessible to visitors.
Lucca is also recognized for its glassworks and jewelry design, offering short courses on these crafts to visitors during their day trip.
11. Bologna
Regarded as the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna offers a superb opportunity to savor some of the finest cuisine the country has to offer.
The renowned Spaghetti Bolognese originates here, characterized by a richer meat flavor compared to international versions.
As a prominent student city, home to the world’s oldest university, Bologna exudes a youthful atmosphere and boasts a vibrant bar culture alongside exceptional dining options.
Being less frequented by international tourists, Bologna offers a more authentic experience, predominantly visited by Italian travelers.
12. San Marino
If you desire to explore an additional country while residing in Italy, San Marino, the world’s third smallest country, is entirely located within Italy and easily accessible from Tuscany.
Claiming to be the oldest nation globally, founded in 301AD, San Marino features enchanting ancient streets.
Perched atop a hill, it affords stunning views of the Marche region and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The capital city enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Status, while the surrounding villages provide intriguing insights into the operational dynamics of this small nation.
As it is outside the EU, consumer goods can be purchased at slightly lower prices in San Marino.
13. Cecina
Cecina, located near Livorno, features intriguing ruins dating back to the Neolithic period.
Notable ruins can be found in the village of San Vincenzino, and the Guerrazzi Civic Archaeological Museum is dedicated to the archaeological discoveries from the region.
Cecina is also home to beautiful, seemingly endless beaches, largely untouched by major tourist routes, providing a secluded charm distinct from other Italian beaches.
Wildlife enthusiasts may also encounter native Italian species in the shrub areas adjacent to the beaches, including wild rabbits, foxes, and porcupines.
The Tomboli Biogenetic Nature Reserve in Cecina is ideal for experiencing this rich biodiversity.
14. Genoa
Located just beyond Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera, Genoa is an appealing city frequently overlooked by travelers, rendering it an excellent place to enjoy a slower, more authentic lifestyle.
The city is characterized by charming alleys and ancient streets, alongside exceptional seafood restaurants and hidden bars.
One of Europe’s largest aquariums is situated in Genoa, and diving activities can be explored through boat tours departing from the port.
The vibrant streets are also noted for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, and the city’s maritime culture remains evident today.
15. Lago Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno, another picturesque location off the conventional tourist path, is recognized as Italy’s largest lake outside the Alps.
Unknown to most international visitors, Italians frequently flock to the area during the summer season to relish the tranquil pace of life and stunning lake views.
The nearby villages offer an intriguing experience of rural Italian culture.
Explore the medieval walls of Passignano, the Etruscan architecture of Panicale, or the leaning tower of Vernazzano, which tilts at a greater angle than Italy’s more famous counterpart.
The shallow lake is also perfect for bathing during the summer months.
