The Best Tuscany Day Trip from Florence 2023

Spend a day in Tuscany – Itinerary

Siena

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Siena is famous for its stunning medieval architecture and historic center. In 1995, Siena was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors are drawn to see the Gothic-style Cathedral, Palazzo Pubblico, and other impressive buildings that can take you on a journey back in time and make you feel like a part of history.

Additionally, the city is renowned for its biannual horse race, the Palio di Siena, held in the Piazza del Campo. Siena offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of history and witness the city’s timeless charm.

Chianti wines

The Chianti region is famous for its wine, which has been produced for over 700 years. Visitors can indulge in the pleasures of the area by enjoying a traditional Tuscan lunch of sliced prosciutto and local cheeses with a bottle of Chianti. Visitors can also explore the numerous estates, which offer interesting wine tastings and cellar tours. Chianti is a must-visit destination for wine lovers and is an excellent option for a day trip from Florence.

San Gimignano

Discover the magic of San Gimignano, a charming medieval hilltop town that boasts breathtaking towers that pierce the skyline. At its peak, San Gimignano had a population of 12,000 and was a popular stop for travelers on the pilgrimage route to Rome. While only 14 towers remain of the original 72, the town’s well-preserved architecture, cobbled lanes, and ornately decorated Duomo will transport you back to the Middle Ages.

Indulge your senses in San Gimignano’s rich culture and culinary traditions, such as the world-renowned Vernaccia wine and local saffron, that make it a must-visit destination on a Tuscany day trip from Florence.

Pisa

Pisa is a city in Italy known for its remarkable Square of Miracles, featuring the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, the Monumental Cemetery, and a museum. The architectural complex is one of the finest in the world and offers visitors a unique experience of history and culture.

The tower’s construction started in the 12th and was completed at the end of the 13th century. It began to lean during construction due to the soft ground’s inability to support the tower’s weight. Despite this initial flaw, the tower has survived at least four strong earthquakes throughout its history.

About the day trip to Tuscany from Florence

Tuscany day trip from Florence

Embark on a fascinating journey through Tuscany starting at Florence’s central train station, where your friendly guide will welcome you. Your first ride is from Florence to Siena, known as Italy’s most charming medieval city.

Join a walking tour of Siena with an expert guide. Admire the stunning terracotta roofs, Gothic and Romanesque architecture, and the historic Piazza del Campo. With its unique shell shape, this square is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval squares.

The next stop is the picturesque town of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its impressive towers. Most of the towers were built in the 12th and 13th centuries as a symbol of power by wealthy families. At its peak, there were 72 towers in San Gimignano.

Finally, you will visit Pisa and its famous leaning tower, where you can learn about the city’s rich history. Before returning to Florence, take a leisurely walk through the Piazza dei Miracoli and marvel at other impressive monuments.

Choose between a small-group or private guided experience to make your journey even more memorable. You can also opt for lunch and indulge in a homemade meal paired with a casual wine tasting at a traditional wine estate in the Chianti wine region.

Try four regional wines and learn about their unique production. Enjoy an organic farmhouse meal with breathtaking views of the vineyards under the Tuscan sun. Take advantage of this incredible adventure through Tuscany!

Included

• Expert guide
• Guided tour of Siena
• Entry ticket to Siena Cathedral
• Farmhouse lunch at a winery estate in Chianti (if the lunch option is selected)
• Wine tasting of 4 regional wines (if lunch option is selected)
• Free time in Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa

Not included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Leaning Tower of Pisa entry ticket

Not suitable for

• People with mobility impairments

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes

Tour Highlights

The historic center of Siena

Walk around Siena’s historic center and marvel at its stunning medieval architecture, including the Gothic-style Cathedral.

Visit San Gimignano

Discover the beauty of San Gimignano by exploring its stunning squares, churches, and magnificent towers.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Visit Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower and impressive marble monuments and snap some unforgettable photos.

Winery estate in Chianti

Indulge in a farmhouse lunch featuring homemade pasta, cured meats, and local cheeses, and sample some of the finest wines at a winery estate in Chianti.

A day trip experience from Florence you don’t want to miss out on!

Book your Tuscany day trip from Florence online!

FAQ

Can you take a day trip to Tuscany from Florence?

Of course! The Tuscany region is a popular tourist destination, easily accessible from Florence. With its rich history, spectacular monuments, captivating views, and incredible wine, this destination offers an unforgettable experience. The most convenient way to travel is by going on a guided Tuscany day trip from Florence. By doing so, you will save much more time and money. Also, you will be able to visit all the surrounding sites of Florence in the best possible way!

How far is Tuscany countryside from Florence?

The Tuscany countryside is not far from Florence, as it is the region's capital. Some of the most popular Tuscan destinations, such as Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, and Chianti region, are located within a two-hour drive from Florence. The distance between Florence and the Tuscan countryside can vary depending on which part of the countryside you are referring to.

Is Florence a good base to see Tuscany?

Yes, Florence is the best base to visit Tuscany. It is well-connected with bus routes and trains leading to other popular locations. Many travelers stay in Florence and take day trips to other destinations. Florence itself is also a beautiful city with many historical and cultural attractions, so it can be a great place to stay for a few days while exploring Tuscany.

Is one day enough in Tuscany?

One day is enough to glimpse the most iconic locations in Tuscany and drive through the scenic countryside. If you can spend more time in this area, we advise you to do it. To see most in such a short amount of time, we advise you to book a Tuscany tour from Florence. That way, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the ride without having to stress about planning everything on your own.

Meeting point

Meet in front of the Santa Maria Novella train station by the taxi stand, right across the street from the McDonald’s outside the station.

Why wait & miss your spot? Book your Tuscany day trip from Florence now!

Know Before You Go

• Our tours offer both shared and private options with multilingual guides available.
• If the Siena Cathedral is closed for religious services, the Santa Maria della Scala Museum will be visited instead.
• If you need to catch a train or flight from Pisa after the tour, you can bring your luggage with you. 
• We recommend booking tickets from Florence after 9:00 pm to allow for any potential delays on the return journey.

Amazing tour!

Our guide and our driver were absolutely incredible, so knowledgeable and enthusiastic that they honestly made my day. A day full of history, fun, empathy, and emotion. We had stunning weather, so that was a bonus. The tour of Tuscany was great! The Winery in Chianti region was absolutely fabulous, and the owners were so warm and welcoming. Of course, their organic fresh farm lunch was a highlight. I highly recommend this Tuscany tour from Florence.

Veronica

Wonderful trip!

What an excellent experience, from the transport to the locations to the activities. I don’t know how the tour managed to squeeze so much in, but every minute was planned perfectly, and nothing felt rushed. We had lunch and a wine tour which we enjoyed a lot. We couldn’t have asked for a better day and would recommend this tour to anyone. Thanks for an unforgettable experience!

Wayne