11 Unforgettable Day Trips From Florence

When you’re in the narrow, cobblestone confines of Florence, it might seem as if the seaside is a world away, but just northwest of the city is Italy’s famous Cinque Terre, a collection of five villages on the coastline of the Italian Riviera. Explore the region’s crystal-clear waters and cliffside dwellings on a trip that begins with the port city of La Spezia, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Florence. Other highlights on this tour include the Medieval town of Riomaggiore, a stroll along Via dell’Amore (Path of Love) in Manarola and a boat trip to Vernazza.

With its legendary leaning tower, an architectural marvel that still captures the imagination of all who visit, Pisa is one of Italy’s must-visit destinations. Find out more about the tower’s construction and how local engineers are working to save it as part of this afternoon day trip, and enjoy the stunning scenery of Tuscany on the drive from Florence to Pisa and back.

The Tuscan region is known for producing some of the finest wines in the world. And a drive through the Chianti wine region affords wonderful views of the area’s bountiful foliage, lush greenery and rolling vineyards. Take a scenic tour capturing the boundless beauty of Tuscany and the Monteriggioni fortress. The town was mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy, and the ancient walls have been meticulously maintained over the years. Ends you trip a visit to a charming Chianti wine estate, where you can sample some wine, salami and bruschetta.

This particular tour clocks in at under five hours but manages to squeeze in two wineries in Chianti Classico. This whistle-stop trip is perfect for small groups interested in learning a little more about the techniques involved in producing wine using tried-and-tested methods. You’ll be able to dive into the local viniculture and even sample some fresh olive oil.

Val D’Orcia, a valley in the heart of Tuscany and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the towns of Montalcino, Pienza and Montepulciano, all of which will be visited on this one-day tour. The region is known for its pecorino cheese, as it is one of only a handful of locations allowed to produce the cheese outside of Sardinia, and which you’ll get to sample with some exceptional wine pairings. Some of the stops on this full-day trip are elevated above the rolling hills of Tuscany, meaning you’ll get to take in some of the best views around. The sheer beauty and majesty of the region are perfectly encapsulated on this unique tour.

The distinctive roar of Ferrari engines will be ringing in your ears after a trip to the world-famous home of the car manufacturer affectionately known as the ‘prancing horse’. The Ferrari Museum is situated in Maranello, a two-hour drive north of Florence, where there is a testing track, a large F1 simulator and a collection of vintage cars that established Ferrari as a prestige brand almost a century ago. If you’ve got the stomach for it after the adrenaline-fuelled fun of the morning at the museum, the next stop is the world’s largest agri-food market, where you can try the delicious balsamic vinegar of Modena. This trip ends in Bologna, which has become one of the top destinations for foodies in Europe.

Filmmakers love Tuscany thanks to its incredible natural scenery. Tours offers the ideal combination of movies and locally produced wine, a pairing that showcases the region at its best. First, head from Florence to Siena, the Medieval town that is known for its Palio horse race, and which has also been the setting for several Hollywood movies such as Quantum of Solace (2008) and 6 Underground (2019). Nearby Montepulciano saw vampires descend upon it in The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) and should be your next stop, before you head to the olive groves of Cortona, which were seen in Under the Tuscan Sun (2003).

For those who want to combine city and sea, Livorno is the right place to visit. On the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Livorno is one of Italy’s traditional seaside resort towns. Providing less of a historical art and culture experience than other Tuscan cities, Livorno is a place to simply lay back and relax. It has its charm: from Fortezza Vecchia, the old fortress near the port, head to Quartiere La Venezia, a nice neighborhood with bridges and canals that make it look like a small Venice, and then on to Terrazza Mascagni, maybe the most beautiful terrace in Tuscany.

Located between Florence and Siena, San Gimignano is one of the nicest villages in Tuscany. It is just an hour by road from Florence and the road itself is a piece of art with its vineyards, olive groves, hills dotted with rustic agriturismos and ancient farms. San Gimignano boasts 14 medieval towers (once 72) and overlooks picturesque hills. The best thing to do here is stroll along the narrow cobblestoned streets and admire the stunning medieval buildings. Did you know that San Gimignano is also called “the medieval Manhattan” because of its ancient towers?

This charming little town, known for its Etruscan origins, is located in an excellent place between Florence, Pisa, Siena and the coast. Its peculiar urban layout reminds of its Etruscan origins (people can visit part of the majestic walls built in that era) but there are also many Roman remains to visit, such as the Roman Theatre. It was relatively unknown to tourists until the Twilight series, but fans might be disappointed to know that the movie scenes were actually filmed in Montepulciano.

Lucca is much smaller and less touristy than Florence, Pisa or Siena. A must-see spot in town is Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, an oval square with houses built into the walls of the Roman amphitheatre. The Duomo of San Martino also worth a visit because it houses many art treasures, such as Tintoretto’s Last Supper. For a unique sight, you should visit Palazzo Guinigi with a tree growing from its tower. At sunset, stroll along the ancient walls to admire the best panoramas over the city.