Here are the best day trips from Florence

Florence is an art lover’s delight. The capital of Tuscany was the birthplace of the Renaissance. It is home to famed art pieces by celebrated artists like Botticelli, Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and many more.

Here are the best day trips from Florence:

1. Bologna
   It is known for its churches,food, porticoes, and towers. The Chiesa Della Santa and San Domenico Basilica are must-visits. You can also visit the seven churches of Santo Stefano if time permits.
   The arches called porticoes offer you respite from raining or the strong sun. Le DueTorri (The Two Towers) is a famous landmark. Garisenda is shorter and leans more dramatically than the one in Pisa. You can climb Asinelli to appreciate the gorgeous views of Bologna from the top.
   The Bolognese sauce came from here. So, you must try the Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese and Gelato. It will take you about half an hourto reach the Bologna Centrale station by a fast train. The center of Bologna is a bus ride away.
2. Monteriggioni
   It is a medieval walled town in the Tuscany region of Italy. Located on the top of a small hill, the formidable wall of Castelo di Monteriggioni has witnessed many battles in the past. And a visit takes you back in time.
   We recommend entering from the Porta Franca (Porta Romea). You’ll then reach the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta at Piazza Roma. You should also visit the Romanesque Church of San Lorenzo and the Hermitage of San Leonardo al Lago.
   Try to plan your visit around the Monteriggioni Medieval Festival. It is held in June-July every year. Public transport will get you there in less than two hours. But we recommend renting a car tosignificantly reduce travel time.
3. Lucca
   The walled city of Lucca takes you into the past of Italy. It has some splendid churches and well-preserved towers. All these towers offer spectacular views of the city. Try visiting the Torre Guinigi.
   Do visit the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. And try the local wine and traditional dishes at the classic Tuscan cafes in the local market. You will also like shopping here.
   It will take you a little over an hour to reach Lucca by train. You can then walk from the station to the center.
4. Chianti Wine Region
   The pleasant town of Chianti is between Florence and Siena. It is one of the most renowned winemaking regions in the world.
   You can dine at some of the wonderful restaurants in Chianti. You must savor the delicious Tuscan food here. You may opt for a bus ride from Florence. But we recommend exploring this region by car.
   The roads here are smooth. Take halts for wine tasting and olive oil sampling to make the most of your trip.
5. Rome
   The architecture in Rome is arguably the most prestigious in the world.The Eternal City is loaded with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Make it a point to visit the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the 4 Papal basilicas.
   It is also a great fashion and shopping destination. The Roman pizza is a must-try classic. So are the Roman artichokes and the spaghetti alla carbonara.
   You may rent a car to explore Rome properly.But a train can get you there a lot quicker.
6. Siena
   
   You’ll love the architecture of Siena. All the roads of this classic hill town take you to Piazza del Campo. You should book a tour of the majestic Duomo di Siena. Torre delMangia is the second highest medieval bell tower in the country. You can enjoy magnificent views of Siena from the top of this tower.
   You must try the classic pecorino cheese and pepper along with panforte and Cavallucci. Siena is only 60km away from Florence. You may take the train or the bus to get here.
7. Cinque Terre
   Cinque Terre consists of several distinct coastal villages on the Italian Riviera. Colorful settlements built on cliffs offer picturesque landscapes. You can swim and bask in the sun at the Monterosso beach.
   It is known for its pesto sauce. So, make sure you try enough of the real deal. You should also buy some and use it while cooking back home.
   Traveling by public transport can be tiring as you’ll have to change trains twice. You can take the road with a rented car instead. We recommend taking this trip with a tour company.

Some more day trip options from Florence:

• Venice
• Pisa
• Fiesole
• Milan
• MontecatiniTerme
• Cortona
• Montepulciano
• Portovenere
• Montalcino
• Pienza
• Val d’Orcia
• Volterra
• Viareggio

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