Best Day Trips from Florence: Siena, Chianti, Pisa and More

ByTour Florence

Quick answer: The best day trips from Florence are Siena and San Gimignano, the Chianti wine road, Pisa and Lucca, and Cinque Terre. Most are 1 to 2.5 hours away, and a private driver lets you combine two stops in a single day.

Cypress-lined road in Val d’Orcia, a day trip from Florence
Val d’Orcia’s cypress roads are among Tuscany’s most photographed views.

Siena and San Gimignano

Siena is about 75 minutes away and centers on the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the striped cathedral. Pair it with towered San Gimignano for a full day. Visit the official Siena cathedral site for tickets.

Piazza del Campo in Siena, Tuscany
Piazza del Campo is the heart of medieval Siena.

Chianti Wine Country

Spend a relaxed day among vineyards, castles and long lunches. Our private Chianti wine tour includes estate visits and a table reserved for you.

Chianti vineyards near Florence
Chianti is only 30 minutes from the city center.

Pisa and Lucca

Pisa’s Leaning Tower is about 75 minutes away, and walled Lucca makes a charming second stop. Book timed entry on the official Opera della Primaziale Pisana site.

Leaning Tower of Pisa on Piazza dei Miracoli
Reserve a timed slot to climb the tower.

Cinque Terre and Beyond

Cinque Terre makes a long but rewarding day, ideal with a private driver and boat. For something easier, try the Arezzo and Cortona day trip, or go further to Rome and Venice.

Colorful villages of Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is best with an early start and a driver.

Make It Fully Private

Let us arrange driver, guide, tickets and lunch. Browse Florence day trips on GetYourGuide, or plan with a Florence and Tuscany travel guide. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links are affiliate links; they cost you nothing extra. Start with our things to do in Florence guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best day trip from Florence?

Siena and San Gimignano are the classic choice, while Chianti suits wine lovers and Pisa with Lucca suits first-time visitors. A private driver lets you combine two stops in one day.

How far are the main day trips from Florence?

Siena is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car, Pisa about 1 hour 15 minutes, Lucca about 1 hour 20 minutes and Cinque Terre about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Is it better to take a train or a private driver?

Trains work for Pisa, Lucca and Siena, but a private driver reaches hill towns and wineries that trains do not serve and saves time between stops.

Can I visit Rome or Venice from Florence in one day?

Yes. High-speed trains reach Rome in about 1 hour 30 minutes and Venice in about 2 hours, and we can arrange guides and transfers at both ends.

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