7 Fantastic Day Trips To Take From Florence
One of my favorite things about Florence is it’s proximity to other incredible Italian destinations! In just a few hours you can head to a variety of amazing day trips and explore different regions Italy. Here are my top 7 favorite day trips to take from Florence!
1. Get your hike on in Cinque Terre
Vernazza is one of my favorite towns in Cinque Terre
Experience the unforgettable Cinque Terre, Italy’s famous “Five Lands.” Located a little over 2 hours outside of Florence, these 5 coastal towns are sure to charm you and make for the perfect day trip. Enjoy a hike along the coast followed by a rewarding (and badly needed) dip in the Mediterranean. To make the most of a day in these stunning towns, be sure to take a peek at my suggested itinerary and Cinque Terre guide!
2. Fall in love with Verona
This Valentine’s day Juliet appeared in her balcony!
Perfect for romantics, Shakespeare fans, and history buffs alike, Verona has something for everyone. The city, around 3 hours outside of Florence, is the setting of Romeo and Juliet filled with related landmarks, such as Romeo’s house, Juliet’s balcony, and the famed “letters to Juliet.” For those more interested in history, the 3rd largest amphitheater in Italy, Scaliger family elevated tombs, and varied architectural styles present within the city make it a must-visit! More information on Verona’s love-ly sights here.
3. Conquer Rome in a day
One of my favorite things to see in Rome is the Colosseum.
Two hours on a high speed train will take you from Florence to Rome in no time! While I would generally recommend spending at least a weekend in Rome, with careful planning you can fit in a lot of sightseeing in one day. Learn how I squeezed in the Vatican, Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi fountain, and more in just one day here.
4. Hop on a Gondola in Venice
Sunset over Venice’s Grand Canal
The floating city is one of Italy’s top tourist destinations and its not hard to see why. Just a few hours from Florence, the unique network of islands, bridges, and canals are easy to spend a day in. Explore the city from the water on a gondola ride, marvel at the colorful buildings, and enjoy getting lost in the labyrinth of streets, bridges, and canals.
5. Explore Tuscany
San Gimignano is one of my favorite Tuscan towns.
There are many smaller Tuscan towns within an hour or so of Florence that make for an incredible day trip. Head to one, or even several in one day to get a feel for Tuscan life outside of busy Firenze. Some personal favorites include Siena, San Gimignano, Lucca, Assisi, or Pisa.
6. Taste wine in Chianti
Wine and vespa? Just outside of Florence? I think yes!
Chianti wines are famous throughout the world. Why not head on a wine tasting tour just outside of Florence? If you are feeling adventurous, kill two birds with one stone and head on a Vespa tour of Chianti. Enjoy the day zooming around, tasting wine, learning about wine production, and wandering through vineyards.
7. Shop ’til you drop in Milan
The Duomo di Milano is one of my favorite pieces of architecture in Italy.
Step out of Florence’s Italian Renaissance and into Milan, one of Italy’s most modern cities and one of the world’s fashion capitals. Take in the sights of Milan, such as its famous Duomo, and enjoy some quality shopping in this bustling city just a few hours north of Florence.
What are some of your favorite destinations for day trips in Italy?
For more great Italy tips, try reading these popular posts:
- 50 Travel Tips For Visiting Italy
- 30 Great Places To Eat & Drink In Florence
- Two Incredible Weeks In Italy: The Complete Itinerary
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