By ANL | UPDATED: 19 Aug 2026

Best Day Trips from Florence
Florence is one of the best bases for exploring Tuscany. While the city itself deserves several days, its central location also makes it possible to visit a variety of historic towns and cultural destinations on a day trip.

From Florence, you can easily combine Renaissance art and architecture with medieval hill towns, ancient heritage, thermal traditions, and the distinctive landscapes of the Tuscan countryside. Some destinations are particularly convenient by train or bus, while others are easier to reach by car or organised tour.

This guide focuses on five of the best day trips from Florence: Montecatini Terme, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, and Volterra. Each offers a different perspective on Tuscany, making it easy to choose a day trip according to your interests.

The best choice depends on what you want from your day in Tuscany. Siena is particularly rewarding for history and medieval architecture, while San Gimignano is ideal if you want to experience one of Tuscany’s most recognisable hill towns. Lucca offers a more relaxed city experience, Volterra combines several layers of ancient and medieval history, and Montecatini Terme provides a different perspective through its spa heritage and historic architecture.

Travelling without a car is also possible for several of these destinations. Lucca, Siena, and Montecatini Terme are especially straightforward to reach by public transport from Florence, while San Gimignano and Volterra require more planning. If you want to combine several smaller destinations or explore the countryside between them, a car or organised tour can be more convenient.

Whether you are spending three days or a week in Florence, these excursions make it possible to see more of Tuscany without changing accommodation. For ideas on planning a longer trip through the region, see our Tuscany itineraries and road trips. If you are planning to spend several days in the city before taking day trips, see our Florence itineraries for ideas on how to structure your time.

If you are still deciding whether Florence is the right base for your trip, see our guide to where to stay in Tuscany for a comparison of Florence, Siena, Chianti, the Val d’Orcia and other areas.

Best Day Trips from Florence

Florence makes an excellent base for exploring Tuscany, but there is much more to the region than the destinations covered on this page. See our Tuscany travel guide for an overview of the region and its main destinations. While the city itself deserves several days, its central location also makes it possible to discover some of the region’s historic towns, cultural attractions, and landscapes on day trips.

Tuscany offers a remarkable variety of experiences within relatively easy reach of Florence. You can explore medieval hill towns, Renaissance and Gothic architecture, ancient Etruscan heritage, historic thermal traditions, vineyards, olive groves, and the rolling countryside for which the region is famous. This approach also fits our cultural travel method, which looks beyond individual attractions to the historical, architectural, and cultural layers that give destinations their character. The area also has a rich history stretching from Etruscan and Roman times through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, including the powerful influence of Florence and the Medici dynasty.

Being based in Florence means that you do not necessarily have to change hotels to experience more of Tuscany. Instead, you can choose one or more destinations for day trips and return to Florence in the evening. Some are particularly convenient by train or bus, while others are easier to reach by car or organised excursion.

The five destinations offer quite different experiences. Siena is a natural choice for medieval history and architecture, while San Gimignano provides one of the most recognisable hill-town landscapes in Tuscany. Lucca is ideal for a slower day of walking and exploring, while Volterra combines Etruscan, Roman, medieval, and later Tuscan heritage. Montecatini Terme offers something different again, with its historic spa culture, thermal architecture, and funicular railway to Montecatini Alto.

If you are travelling without a car, the choice of destination becomes particularly important. Lucca, Siena, and Montecatini Terme are among the more straightforward choices by public transport. San Gimignano and Volterra require more planning, as neither town has direct rail access and public-transport journeys involve a bus connection.

If you have a car, you can be more flexible and combine a town with the surrounding countryside. This is particularly useful for Volterra and San Gimignano, where the journey itself can form part of the experience. However, a car is not essential for every destination, and Florence is generally best explored without one.

The following five day trips are therefore not presented as a strict ranking. Instead, each offers a different way to experience Tuscany beyond Florence. Choose according to your interests, the season, and whether you prefer travelling by train, bus, car, or organised tour.

1. Montecatini Terme

Montecatini Terme makes an interesting day trip from Florence if you want to experience a different side of Tuscany. Rather than medieval hill towns and Renaissance monuments, the town is known for its historic spa tradition, Belle Époque and Liberty architecture, gardens, and the hilltop settlement of Montecatini Alto.

Montecatini Terme is also convenient for a day trip without a car. The railway station provides connections with Florence and Lucca, while the historic funicular connects the spa town with Montecatini Alto.

Why Choose Montecatini Terme?

Montecatini is particularly appealing if you have already explored Florence and want a day with a different atmosphere. Its elegant spa district, historic hotels, cafés, and landscaped parks reflect the town’s development as a fashionable European spa resort.

The centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Start around Viale Giuseppe Verdi and the Parco delle Terme, where several historic spa establishments and elegant buildings illustrate Montecatini’s distinctive character.

Montecatini Alto and the Funicular

Historic funicular climbing from Montecatini Terme to Montecatini Alto | Photo: Travel In Culture

The highlight of a visit is the journey up to Montecatini Alto. The historic funicular climbs from the modern spa town to the older hilltop settlement, where narrow streets, small squares, restaurants, and views across the Tuscan countryside provide a striking contrast with the elegant spa district below.

Piazza Giusti in the historic hilltop village of Montecatini Alto | Photo: Travel In Culture

How to Get from Florence to Montecatini Terme

Montecatini Terme is one of the easier destinations on this list to visit independently without a car. The train makes it possible to travel from Florence and return the same day, while a car is useful if you want to combine the town with other destinations in Tuscany.

If you are looking for a more detailed exploration of the town, including its spa heritage, architecture, thermal establishments, and Montecatini Alto, see our complete Montecatini Terme travel guide.

2. Lucca

Lucca is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Florence. Known for its exceptionally well-preserved Renaissance walls, elegant historic centre, churches, and atmospheric squares, the city offers a pleasant contrast to busy Florence. Its compact old town is easy to explore on foot, making Lucca particularly suitable for a relaxed day trip without a car.

The impressive ring of historic walls surrounds Lucca’s old town and has been transformed into a tree-lined promenade. Walking along the walls gives you views across the rooftops, churches, gardens, and surrounding Tuscan countryside.

What to See in Lucca

Start your visit by walking into the historic centre through one of the old gates in the city walls. From here, you can explore Lucca largely on foot. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is one of the city’s most distinctive sights. The oval square follows the outline of the Roman amphitheatre that once stood here, and its curved façades now house cafés, restaurants, and shops.

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro in Lucca with historic buildings, cafés, and outdoor seating.

Continue along Via Fillungo, Lucca’s main historic shopping street, before exploring some of the quieter streets branching off it. The city is particularly enjoyable when you allow yourself time to wander rather than moving directly from one landmark to the next.

Among Lucca’s most important religious buildings is the Cathedral of San Martino, whose richly decorated façade and interior reflect the city’s long artistic and religious history. You can also see the Basilica of San Michele in Foro and the Basilica of San Frediano, both important landmarks in the historic centre.

Basilica of San Michele in Foro, one of Lucca’s most distinctive historic churches | Photo: Travel In Culture

For a memorable view over the rooftops, climb Torre Guinigi, one of Lucca’s medieval towers. Its unusual rooftop garden, with mature trees growing at the top of the tower, has become one of the city’s best-known images.

Walking the Walls of Lucca

Allow some time for the walls themselves. The complete circuit is several kilometres long, but you do not have to walk the entire route to enjoy it. The broad tree-lined promenade is particularly pleasant for a leisurely stroll and provides frequent views back towards the historic centre.

How to Visit Lucca from Florence

Lucca is well suited to an independent day trip from Florence, particularly if you do not want to hire a car. The train journey makes it possible to leave Florence in the morning and return later in the day, while the historic centre is within walking distance of the railway station.

If you are driving through Tuscany, Lucca can also be combined with Pisa on the same day. However, if you prefer a slower pace, spending the whole day in Lucca allows enough time to walk the walls, visit the main sights, and enjoy the atmosphere of the old town without rushing.

For more ideas on what to see and do, see our complete Lucca travel guide.

3. Siena

Siena is one of the most rewarding day trips from Florence if you want to experience a historic Tuscan city with a strong medieval character. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre is centred on the remarkable Piazza del Campo, while narrow streets, Gothic buildings, churches, and traditional contrade give the city a distinctive atmosphere.

Piazza del Campo, Siena, with its distinctive sloping shape and historic buildings.

Siena is compact enough to explore on foot, although its steep streets mean that a day here involves quite a bit of walking. The city is particularly enjoyable if you allow time to wander beyond the main sights and discover the quieter streets and viewpoints.

What to See in Siena

Begin in Piazza del Campo, Siena’s magnificent shell-shaped main square and the heart of the historic centre. The square is dominated by the Palazzo Pubblico and its tall Torre del Mangia and is the setting for the famous Palio horse race held each summer.

From Piazza del Campo, walk through the surrounding medieval streets towards the Siena Cathedral. The cathedral is one of Italy’s great Gothic churches, with an elaborate marble façade and richly decorated interior. The nearby Piazza del Duomo also contains the Baptistery and other important religious buildings.

For a panoramic view over Siena, consider climbing Torre del Mangia. The climb is steep, but the view from the top extends across the historic centre and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

A narrow historic street in Siena leading towards the city’s distinctive architecture.

Siena is also a city to explore between the major sights. Its narrow streets are associated with the historic contrade, the neighbourhood districts whose identities remain an important part of local life. Allow some time simply to wander, stop for lunch, or enjoy a coffee away from the busiest streets.

How to Visit Siena from Florence

Siena can be visited independently from Florence, although the journey takes longer than the trip to Lucca. Buses are often convenient because they arrive relatively close to the historic centre, while trains are another option but require a walk or local transport from Siena station.

If you are driving, remember that the historic centre is largely restricted to traffic. Parking outside the centre and continuing on foot is generally the most practical approach.

Siena is also easy to visit as part of a wider Tuscany itinerary, particularly together with the Chianti region or San Gimignano. However, for a first visit, spending the whole day in Siena gives you enough time to experience its main sights without rushing.

For more detailed information about the city’s history, sights and practicalities, see our complete Siena travel guide.

Florence is also a convenient starting point for guided excursions and cultural experiences throughout Tuscany. Below, you can browse tours, day trips, and other activities to complement your stay.

4. San Gimignano

San Gimignano is one of the most distinctive day trips from Florence. Known for its medieval towers, hilltop setting, and remarkably well-preserved historic centre, the town offers the classic Tuscan landscape many visitors imagine when planning a trip to the region.

The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Although San Gimignano can be busy during the middle of the day, arriving earlier or staying into the late afternoon gives you a more relaxed experience and time to enjoy the town beyond its busiest streets. San Gimignano’s historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, recognised for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval urban landscape, towers, historic buildings, and important works of 14th- and 15th-century Italian art.

What to See in San Gimignano

Enter the historic centre through one of the medieval gates and make your way towards Piazza della Cisterna, San Gimignano’s atmospheric triangular square. Surrounded by medieval buildings, cafés, and shops, it is one of the town’s most characteristic places.

Nearby, Piazza del Duomo forms the historic and religious heart of San Gimignano. The square is surrounded by important medieval buildings, including the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Comunale.

The town’s most recognisable feature is its collection of medieval towers. San Gimignano once had many more towers than the handful that survive today, built by wealthy families as symbols of status and power. Climbing one of the towers provides a particularly good view over the rooftops and surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Piazza della Cisterna, surrounded by medieval buildings and towers in the heart of San Gimignano | Photo: Travel In Culture

It is also worth leaving the main squares for a while and wandering along the quieter streets. From several points around the edge of the historic centre, you can look out over the rolling countryside surrounding the town.

How to Visit San Gimignano from Florence

San Gimignano is more complicated to reach by public transport than Lucca or Siena because there is no railway station in the town. The journey usually involves travelling via Poggibonsi and then continuing by local bus, so check current connections before travelling.

For many visitors, an organised day trip or rental car is therefore the simplest option. Driving also makes it easier to combine San Gimignano with other destinations in the Tuscan countryside.

A medieval tower of San Gimignano rising above the Tuscan countryside.

If you are travelling independently, allow at least half a day for San Gimignano. A full day is preferable if you want to explore at a relaxed pace, visit the main sights, have lunch in the historic centre, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

San Gimignano is particularly rewarding if you are looking for medieval architecture and classic Tuscan scenery. It is more compact than Siena or Lucca, but its towers and hilltop setting give it a character that is quite different from both.

For more detailed information about the town’s towers, historic centre, sights, and practicalities, see our complete San Gimignano travel guide.

5. Volterra

Volterra makes an excellent day trip from Florence if you want to experience a less touristy Tuscan hill town with a particularly rich history. Set on a high ridge surrounded by the Tuscan countryside, the town combines Etruscan and Roman remains with medieval streets, stone buildings, and atmospheric squares.

Volterra is somewhat farther from Florence than Lucca or Siena, and getting there by public transport requires more planning. However, its distinctive character makes the journey worthwhile, particularly if you are interested in ancient history, archaeology, and medieval Tuscany.

What to See in Volterra

Begin in the historic centre around Piazza dei Priori, one of Tuscany’s most atmospheric medieval squares. The Palazzo dei Priori, with its distinctive tower, is one of the oldest surviving municipal buildings in Tuscany.

A medieval street in the historic centre of Volterra.

Volterra’s history stretches back much further than its medieval appearance suggests. The town was one of the important centres of the Etruscan civilisation, and traces of this ancient past can still be seen around the historic centre. The Etruscan Museum is particularly worthwhile if you want to understand the town’s early history and archaeology. For further information about Volterra’s Etruscan heritage, museums, historic centre, and surrounding attractions, see the Visit Tuscany guide to Volterra.

The Roman Theatre is another of Volterra’s highlights. Dating from the first century BC, the remains lie just outside the medieval centre and provide a striking reminder of the town’s importance during the Roman period.

Allow time simply to wander through Volterra’s narrow streets and along parts of its ancient walls. Because the town stands high above the surrounding landscape, there are also several places where you can enjoy expansive views across the Tuscan countryside.

A panoramic view over the Tuscan countryside from the hilltop town of Volterra | Photo: Travel In Culture

How to Visit Volterra from Florence

Volterra is less straightforward to reach from Florence by public transport than Lucca or Siena. There is no railway station in the town, so travelling by bus involves a connection, while driving gives you considerably more flexibility.

A car also makes it possible to combine Volterra with other destinations in Tuscany, although the distance from Florence means that trying to include too many places in the same day can make the itinerary rushed.

For an independent visit, allow a full day if possible. This gives you time to explore the historic centre, visit the Etruscan and Roman remains, and enjoy the town’s hilltop setting without having to hurry between sights.

Volterra is particularly appealing if you want to see a different side of Tuscany from the more famous destinations. Its combination of Etruscan, Roman, and medieval heritage makes it one of the most historically interesting day trips from Florence.

For more information about the town’s ancient heritage, historic centre, sights, and practicalities, see our complete Volterra travel guide.

Which Florence Day Trip Is Best for You?

The best day trip from Florence depends largely on what you want to experience. Lucca is particularly easy without a car and combines historic architecture with relaxed walks, while Siena is the stronger choice for medieval streets, Gothic architecture, and a distinctly Tuscan city atmosphere. San Gimignano is ideal if you want a small medieval hill town and iconic towers, whereas Volterra offers a more atmospheric and less-visited experience with Etruscan and Roman heritage. Montecatini Terme is the most unusual choice, especially if you are interested in spa history, gardens, and Liberty architecture.

How Long Does It Take to Get from Florence?

The journey times below refer to public transport and are approximate, as connections and departure times vary. By car, the journey can be considerably quicker for some destinations, particularly San Gimignano and Volterra. Driving also gives you more flexibility to stop in the countryside or combine several Tuscan towns in one day.

Public transport is particularly convenient for Lucca, Siena, and Montecatini Terme. Lucca’s railway station is just outside the historic centre, while Siena has direct bus connections from Florence.

For San Gimignano and Volterra, travelling by car is more attractive. Both are hill towns away from the main railway network, and a car makes it much easier to combine them with other Tuscan destinations. Visit Tuscany specifically identifies the car as the best way to reach San Gimignano and Volterra.

If you are planning to hire a car anyway, San Gimignano and Volterra can also be combined into a longer day trip, whereas Lucca, Siena, and Montecatini Terme work particularly well as individual destinations.

Which Day Trip Should You Choose?

If this is your first trip to Tuscany, Siena is perhaps the most obvious choice for experiencing a historic Tuscan city beyond Florence. If you prefer a smaller and more compact destination, San Gimignano offers the quintessential medieval hill-town experience.

Lucca is the best all-round option for an easy independent day trip, especially if you want to walk, explore historic streets, and travel by train. Montecatini Terme is a good alternative if you have already seen Tuscany’s major medieval towns and want something different.

Finally, choose Volterra if you are particularly interested in ancient history, Etruscan heritage, archaeology, and a quieter hill-town atmosphere. Its greater distance and less convenient public transport are part of what makes it feel more removed from the main tourist routes.

Whichever destination you choose, these five day trips offer very different perspectives on Tuscany and can all be combined with a stay in Florence.

Day Trips from Florence Without a Car

You can visit several of these destinations easily without hiring a car, but some are considerably more convenient than others. Lucca, Siena, and Montecatini Terme are the easiest choices for an independent day trip, while San Gimignano and Volterra require more planning because of their location and bus connections.

Lucca is one of the simplest choices. The city can be reached by public transport and its compact historic centre is easy to explore on foot once you arrive.

Siena is another excellent option without a car. Direct buses from Florence take around 1 hour 20 minutes, making Siena particularly convenient for an independent day trip. For current routes, departure times, and travel information, check the official Autolinee Toscane bus information before travelling.

Montecatini Terme is also well suited to car-free travel, with rail connections between Florence and the spa town. It is an especially straightforward choice if you want a relaxed day rather than a complicated itinerary.

San Gimignano is possible without a car, but the journey normally involves changing between transport services. Once there, however, the historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Regional buses also connect San Gimignano with Volterra, making it possible to combine the two destinations if you are prepared for a longer day.

Volterra is the least straightforward of the five without a car. Public transport connections exist, but reaching the hilltop town generally requires more planning. For this reason, Volterra is particularly attractive if you are already comfortable with regional buses or are travelling as part of an organised excursion. The regional network also links Volterra with San Gimignano.

If you are staying in Florence and do not want to rent a car, choose Lucca, Siena, or Montecatini Terme for the easiest independent day trip. San Gimignano and Volterra are still possible, but they reward a little more advance planning.

Continue Exploring Tuscany

Tuscany offers far more than the day trips covered in this guide. Continue exploring with our guides to Florence, Tuscany itineraries, and some of the region’s other historic cities and hill towns.

Florence Day Trips FAQs

What is the best day trip from Florence?

Siena is one of the best day trips from Florence if you want to experience a historic Tuscan city with medieval architecture, Gothic art, and the famous Piazza del Campo. San Gimignano is a better choice if you prefer a smaller hill town with medieval towers and classic Tuscan scenery, while Lucca is particularly appealing for a relaxed day of walking and sightseeing.

What are the best day trips from Florence without a car?

Lucca, Siena, and Montecatini Terme are among the easiest day trips from Florence without a car. All three can be reached by public transport and explored independently. San Gimignano and Volterra are also possible, but they require more planning because neither town has a railway station in the historic centre.

What is the easiest day trip from Florence?

Lucca is one of the easiest day trips from Florence, particularly for independent travellers. The city has a railway connection with Florence, and the historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Montecatini Terme is another straightforward option by train, especially if you are interested in spa heritage, historic architecture, and gardens.

Is Siena or San Gimignano better for a day trip from Florence?

Siena may be the better choice if you want a larger historic city with major Gothic monuments, Piazza del Campo, the cathedral, and the traditions of the Palio. San Gimignano is better if you prefer a smaller medieval hill town, historic towers, atmospheric squares, and views across the Tuscan countryside. If you have time for only one, Siena offers more to explore, while San Gimignano provides a more compact hill-town experience.

Can you visit San Gimignano and Volterra in one day from Florence?

Yes, it is possible to visit San Gimignano and Volterra in one day from Florence, particularly by car or organised tour. However, the day will be fairly full, and travelling by public transport is considerably more complicated. If you prefer a slower cultural experience, visiting either town separately allows more time to explore the historic centre, museums, and surrounding landscape.

How many days do you need in Florence for day trips to Tuscany?

Three to four days in Florence can work well if you want to combine the city’s main sights with one day trip. With five or more days, you can comfortably add two or three excursions, depending on your interests. Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, and Montecatini Terme all offer different experiences, so there is little need to visit several similar hill towns unless they are a particular interest.