My husband and I are going to Italy for 15 days in June. We will be in Florence for 4 days (after spending 6 days in Rome and 2 in Siena). With that amount of time in Florence, we are trying to narrow down one or two day trips. I've researched many options, but I'm struggling to decide which direction to go. What are the best day trips you have taken from Florence? We are willing to rent a car for a day if needed but will be using public transportation for the bulk of the trip. Also, we are heading to Venice for 3 days after we leave Florence and are considering stopping for a half day in Bologna on the way. What would you recommend doing in Bologna for an afternoon?
Posted by
NorthCarolina
930 posts
If you don't want to rent a car in Florence for day trips - we used WalkAboutFlorence and took 2 day trips with them - the BEST OF TUSCANY TOUR and the CHIANTI WINE & FOOD SAFARI TOUR - we liked them both very much. You can check out their website and see photos and read reviews.
Posted by
Irving
2943 posts
You do not need to rent a car in Florence for day trips and most people recommend that you don’t because of the strict ZTL zone laws that are costly if you break one. How many nights are you going to be in Florence? Florence deserves three nights minimum.
Buy tickets for the Uffizi Gallery two months out to guarantee a reservation. Afterwards walk over to Accademia and get in line to see David, don’t worry the line moves fast.
If you sleep in Florence for four nights take a day trip to Siena by direct bus (1h 15m).
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6017 posts
4 days or 4 nights?
4 nights only equals 3.5 days
Florence should be given at least 2 full days.
Since you will have seen Siena- consider Lucca (can be combined with Pisa)- no car needed.
Renting a car for just a day is more trouble than it’s worth
Fiesole is just above Florence-easy bus ride
Pistoia is another option
A guided bus trip to a few hilltowns/winery could be worthwhile but you’d have to find one that doesn’t include Siena.
More here;
https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Day+trips+Florence+&utf8=✓
Posted by
Gulf Coast, usa
1159 posts
We just spent 5 days in Florence. Christine had great suggestions. We did the Pisa/Lucca trip one day, and you can easily get to. Florence offers a lot to see and do. The big market is a lot of fun to explore. There are as mentioned, wine country day trips from local tour groups available as well.