The region of Tuscany is a rich in history, art, culinary traditions and natural treasures. That is why is considered one of the main Italian touristic destinations.
Apart from beautiful Florence, its capital, there are several other enchanting cities and villages that are worth visiting. So, if you are staying for a couple of days in Florence, you might want to consider some of those day trips to explore the countryside area and experience the authentic atmosphere of this magical region.
On this article, you will find what we consider to be the best day (or half-day) trips & excursions from Florence. If you wish to take a break from the hectic pace of the city and, at the same time, culturally enrich yourself, those tours should be on your next bucket list!
1. Full-day Tour of Siena, San Gimignano, Chianti and Monteriggioni
Prepare yourself to the discovery of one of the most beautiful areas of Italy: the Chianti. With this Tour of San Gimignano, Siena and Monteriggioni you will cross magnificent timeless landscapes, and you will visit 3 among the most beautiful destinations in Tuscany!
The first stop on this tour is San Gimignano, wonderful medieval town declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will have free time to visit the historic center, with its famous medieval towers.
The tour continues in the beautiful Chianti area, where you will have lunch in a typical Tuscan wine estate. You will taste the locally-produced wine, accompanied by a delicious Tuscan lunch. In the afternoon the tour continues with a visit of Siena, where you will visit the Cathedral, the Town Hall and Piazza del Campo with a professional guide.
Last stop of the tour will be at the fortress of Monteriggioni, avvillage surrounded by an impassable wall, which still maintains all its charm of yesteryear.
Looking for a VIP small group tour in Tuscany? Join our Siena and San Gimignano tour from Florence and experience the best of these medieval treasures in the province of Siena, Italy. Admire San Gimignano's famous towers and visit Siena's iconic landmarks, while taking in the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany. Enjoy a delicious dinner and wine tasting in the Chianti area, savoring the locally-produced wine. Our professional guide will provide insights and anecdotes about the history and culture of these magnificent destinations. Book now and discover the beauty of Tuscany with our day trip from Florence to Siena and San Gimignano.
2. Half-day Tour of Pisa
A holiday in Tuscany cannot be complete without a visit to Pisa, the city of the famous Leaning Tower, one of the best-known symbols of Italy in the world. With this half-day tour from Florence you will have the opportunity to discover all the secrets of this city unique.
The tour begins with a walk along the medieval walls, which will lead you to Porta Santa Maria, the ancient gateway of Pisa. From there you can enter historical heart of the city: Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracle’s Square), a unique place characterized by the splendor of the marble.
A professional guide will take you to visit the wonders of this square, such as the Cathedral, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture; the Baptistery, with its rich exterior facade; the Monumental Cemetery; and finally the famous Leaning Tower, one of the most famous monuments in the world. You'll also have the chance to climb the tower, with our skip-the-line tickets included!
Before returning to Florence, you will also have time for a good Italian gelato and for shopping.
3. Full-day Tour of Montalcino, Montepulciano and Pienza
With this amazing full-day tour you will explore one the most authentic areas of Tuscany: the Val d’Orcia, land of the finest wines in the world.
The first stop will be in Montalcino, with its picturesque medieval historic center. You will also visit a typical wine cellar, where you will taste a selection of local wines, including the famous Brunello di Montalcino, accompanied by a delicious local delights.
This wine tour of the Val d’Orcia will continue in Pienza, a wonderful town characterized by narrow alleys and picturesque squares, where you will breathe the authentic Tuscan traditions. Next, you will visit Montepulciano, another city with a long wine tradition, where the grandeur of Renaissance palaces and the refined beauty of the churches intertwine creating a unique setting.
The ideal experience for food and wine lovers!
4. Full-day Tour of the Cinque Terre
Located on the Ligurian Coast, the Cinque Terre are one of the most beautiful natural areas of Italy, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This full-day tour departing from Tuscany will take you to discover this piece of paradise, made of eighteen kilometers of rocky coasts, caves, beaches and trails with breathtaking views.
The tour of the Cinque Terre will be held in part by train and by boat, and partly on foot. You will visit the village of Manarola, a small urban jewel studded with typical tower houses. You will then move to the village of Vernazza, dominated by the ruins of a castle and a medieval cylindrical tower of the eleventh century. The third stop will be the village of Riomaggiore, found on the 13th century, famous for its wine and for its characteristic paths.
Finally, you visit the village of Monterosso, known as "the pearl of Cinque Terre", an ancient fishing village that will captivate you with the beauty of its beaches and the lush vegetation of its rocks. Here you can have lunch in a typical restaurant, with a three-course fish-based lunch, overlooking a beautiful terrace overlooking the bay.
5. Full-day Tour of Umbria (Cortona, Assisi and Perugia)
The region of Umbria is rich in architectural and natural treasures. With this full-day tour departing from Tuscany, you will have the opportunity to visit 3 of its gems: Cortona, Assisi and Perugia.
Cortona is a lovely hill town of ancient origins, rich in architectural treasures, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You can immerse yourself in the setting of the famous movie "Under the Tuscan Sun", which was filmed here in 2003. You can freely visit the city, discovering its narrow medieval streets and its ancient Etruscan roots.
Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, stands on top of a hill overlooking a beautiful valley surrounded by hills and vineyards. A professional guide will introduce you to every aspect of the city, and you can visit the Basilica of Santa Chiara and the Basilica of San Francesco, where you can admire Giotto's frescoes on the life of the saint.
The last stop will be Perugia, where you can wander through the five districts of the city. This wonderful city founded by the Etruscans is rich in history and monuments such as the Fontana Maggiore, the Arch of Augustus, the Palazzo dei Priori, and Rocca Paolina.
+1. Full-day Tour of Venice
With this unique full-day tour departing from Florence, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the most charming and famous Italian cities: Venice.
You will arrive in Venice in absolute comfort, thanks to the organized transfer by high-speed train, and upon arrival you will have free time to walk through the water-canals and bridges of the historic center. You can visit some typical taverns, savoring delicious local dishes r you can enjoy some shopping in the St. Mark’s district.
Early in the afternoon, you will finally meet a professional guide, who will accompany you to discover the wonders that this charming city has to offer. You will visit the St. Mark's Square with its magnificent Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, renowned throughout the world for its architectural beauty.
The tour will continue through other wonderful attractions, such as the Rialto Bridge and the royal palaces lined along the Grand Canal.
