Florence is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities. It is the capital of the nation’s Tuscany region. If you have never visited then now’s the best time to. With summer approaching the weather there is about to get very warm (and very welcoming) which makes conditions perfect for foreign travellers looking to get away to somewhere new.
However, Florence isn’t the only place that’s worth seeing in the part of Tuscany that it is situated in. There are many other places equally as fantastic too. In this article, we’re sharing all about the different day trips from Florence by train that you can visit!
1. Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is situated on the Italian Rivera. You can take a day trip from Florence to Cinque Terre by train. Many regard it as one of the most beautiful places in the entire country and that is saying a lot since Italy is considered one of the most breathtaking countries in the world.
If you do plan on going then make sure that you book your tickets in advance. Booking tickets online and in advance of your trip will help you to save yourself money. Cinque Terre’s charming coastal villages make it somewhere you cannot miss.
Here’s all you need to know and places to stay before you visit Cinque Terre.
2. Siena
Siena is a medieval city that is located a mere stone’s throw from Florence. Most have heard of it because of its cathedral. When there, check out the Piazza del Campo. As with Cinque Terre, it is a good idea to book your tickets to get there in advance so you do not have to pay a late booking premium.
In addition to booking your train tickets in advance, book venue tickets too. Booking tickets for museums, galleries or any other attractions you plan on visiting early will help you to ensure that you do not get turned away on the day of your arrival.
3. Pisa
Who hasn’t heard of Pisa’s leaning tower? Even if you had not heard of t by name before, the iconic lopsided tower is most certainly something you will have seen photographs of before. If you plan on visiting Pisa then you’ll be pleased to know you can go on a Pisa day trip from Florence.
However, it does need to be noted that Florence itself has some absolutely stunning architecture. If you have never been before then you may want to spend more time exploring Florence than surrounding and neighbouring cities. If you have been to Florence before, then by all means head to Pisa.
4. Rome
The previous places listed here in this post are all in Tuscany. Did you know that Rome is only a two-hour train ride from Florence though? If you are new to Italy, you must visit the nation’s capital. The architecture and history there are phenomenal. A trip to Rome will be unforgettable for you and your travel companions.
If you do plan on visiting Rome then again it is a good idea to book tickets for venues online prior to visiting. Many of Rome’s tourist attractions get overbooked every day of the year. It’s not hard to see why when you consider how amazing some of them are.
And if you’re on a budget, there are a lot of free things to do in Rome that’ll leave you with the best memories!
5. Lucca
Lucca is a famous Tuscan-walled city. It came into its own during the Renaissance. If you are new to Tuscany as a region, it is somewhere you most definitely need to go. The thing that makes Lucca special is indeed its architecture.
It is unlike anywhere else in all of Tuscany. If you are planning a trip to Lucca then try to visit at a time of the year when not that many other people are. If you go when everyone else is, you will not get to enjoy the city’s beauty without being bumped into and shoved.
6. Val D’Orcia
Val D’Orcia is a famous UNESCO World Heritage site also in Tuscany with amazing landscapes and verdant hills. Most people go there for wine tasting, however. The reason for this is because of the area’s many vineyards.
If you plan on going wine tasting then you may want to do your research and find a vineyard that doubles as a hotel. While the area is a short train journey from Florence, staying there will allow you to immerse yourself more.
7. Chianti
Talking of vineyards, some of Italy’s best wine is produced in the Chianti Region, located in Tuscany. Instead of going on a wine-tasting tour in Val D’Orcia why not go on one in Chianti?
Chianti wine is regarded around the world as some of the finest and highest quality wine there is. Such a tour will not be cheap though which again is why you need to book early. Booking your tour early will allow you to save yourself a lot of money.
8. Cortona
Cortona is a Tuscan hilltop town. If you have never been or heard of it before, do some research. It has been featured in books and television as well as documentaries. The best thing about Cortona is the views it provides of the surrounding area.
Those who’re attracted by Tuscany’s beauty will most certainly enjoy the town. Additionally, Cortona has fantastic restaurants and cafés. If you consider yourself a foodie then you need to visit. If you are planning on going to restaurants, read their reviews first just to make sure they are good.
9. Arezzo
Arezzo is another historic, medieval town. If you like Roman history you’ll love it as the town has an amazing, almost intact amphitheatre. Additionally, there are fantastic works of art to be found there.
Arezzo is not that popular among tourists so you do not need to worry about booking early unless you really want to.
10. Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a wine town in Tuscany, where Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is manufactured. You can buy the wine for next to nothing there. It is significantly cheaper to buy there than anywhere else in the world.
Florence is a beautiful city, but there are many other beautiful places nearby. Be sure to check out some of the ones mentioned here. Don’t prioritise them over Florence itself though, as Florence is beautiful and steeped in history.
