Taking a day trip from Florence is a great idea, as it allows you to explore the stunning beauty of Tuscany and its neighboring regions. With Florence as your base, you can easily take day trips to nearby towns and cities that are steeped in history, art, and culture. Here is 5 Unique Day Trips from Florence by train and bus.
5 Unique Day Trips from Florence by train and bus
Cinque Terre
A day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence is a wonderful opportunity to explore the rugged Italian coastline and its charming villages. The five towns of Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, each with its own unique character, are connected by hiking trails and a train line that runs along the coast. You can stroll along the colorful houses, enjoy the stunning views of the sea and the cliffs, and sample the local seafood cuisine.
How to get to Cinque Terre from Florence:
There are several ways to get to Cinque Terre from Florence, but the most popular and convenient option is by train. You can take a direct train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to La Spezia, which takes around 2 hours. From La Spezia, you can transfer to the local train that runs along the coast to each of the five towns of Cinque Terre. Another option is to take a guided tour from Florence, which includes transportation, a guide, and often a boat ride along the coast. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive to Cinque Terre, but keep in mind that the towns have limited parking options and driving can be challenging on the narrow, winding roads.
San Gimignano
A visit to San Gimignano is a journey back in time to the medieval era. The town is known for its many towers, which were built by wealthy families as a sign of their power and wealth. Visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, sample the local wines and cheeses, and climb to the top of the Torre Grossa for a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
How to get to San Gimignano from Florence
Train and Bus: Take a train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to Poggibonsi, which takes about an hour. Then take a local bus from Poggibonsi to San Gimignano, which takes about 30 minutes. Check the timetable of the bus in advance, as they do not run frequently.
Guided Tour: You can join a guided tour that includes transportation from Florence to San Gimignano. Many tour operators offer half-day or full-day tours that also include visits to other Tuscan towns or wineries.
Pisa
A day trip to Pisa from Florence is a must for any traveler to Tuscany. The city is most famous for its Leaning Tower, but it also has many other interesting sites to explore, such as the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city or take a stroll along the River Arno.
How to get to Pisa from Florence
Train: The easiest and fastest way to get to Pisa from Florence is by taking a train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Pisa Centrale station. Trains run regularly throughout the day, and the journey takes around 1 hour. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the station.
Bus: Another option is to take a bus from Florence to Pisa. Several bus companies operate this route, including Lazzi and Flixbus. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and the bus company you choose. You can purchase tickets online or at the bus station.
Monteriggioni
A day trip to Monteriggioni from Florence is like stepping into a fairy tale. The small, walled town is perched on a hill and has remained remarkably unchanged since the Middle Ages. Visitors can walk along the ancient walls, visit the Romanesque church, and take in the breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.
How to get to Monteriggioni from Florence
Bus: The easiest way to get to Monteriggioni is by bus. You can take the SITA bus from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to Monteriggioni. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes, and buses run regularly throughout the day. You can purchase tickets at the station or on board the bus.
Train and Bus: Alternatively, you can take a train from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station to Siena, which takes around 1 hour. From Siena, take the local bus to Monteriggioni, which takes around 20-30 minutes
Siena
A day trip to Siena from Florence is a journey into one of Italy’s most beautiful medieval cities. Visitors can explore the winding streets and alleys, marvel at the Gothic architecture of the Cathedral and the Palazzo Pubblico, and enjoy a coffee in the Piazza del Campo. Siena is also famous for its traditional Palio horse race, which takes place twice a year in the main square.
How to get to Siena from Florence:
Train: The easiest way to get to Siena from Florence is by taking a train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to Siena station. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, and trains run regularly throughout the day. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the station.
Bus: Another option is to take a bus from Florence to Siena. Several bus companies operate this route, including SITA and Tiemme. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and the bus company you choose. You can purchase tickets online or at the bus station
