My grown daughter and I want to take a day trip from Florence to see the best of Tuscany (countryside/winery, rather than more buildings/art.) We could do 1 night somewhere, but thought it best to make Florence our base so we won't have our luggage. Suggestions please?
Posted by
Austin TX after living in Boulder CO for 25 years
1166 posts
You should receive a lot of ideas !
- Train up to Bologna
- Train out to Lucca
- Bus to Siena
- Winery tours with Ciao Florence, Dolce Chianti Tours, Walkabout Florence, or Under the Tuscan Sun Tours
Posted by
3240 posts
In case you'd rather drink than drive:
In 2014, we really loved the Chianti Tour that we took with Tuscan Trails. The included lunch, with more wine, was excellent. The current reviews on TripAdvisor are consistent with our experience. I can't believe it will be five years since we took this tour with Todd!
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8125 posts
Rent a car and drive down to Poggibonsi where you turn west and take in the hilltown of Certaldo. Then go 5 mi. to San Gimignano . Then drive down to Volterra.
Another good day trip would be to Siena by bus from Florence. Parking is scarce and difficult, so the bus is preferred.
There are just so many great day trips out of the Florence area throughout Tuscany.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2299 posts
hey chenier
you'll have a great time with a wine tour. don't know your dates or your budget in euros, i'm sure it will be busy and if in the summertime HOT.
you can rent a car and drive thru the countrysides. couple things to be careful of:
parking will be a nightmare in the more well known towns and villages mentioned here.
drinking and driving a big NO NO, italian laws are more strict
if renting a car each driver will need an IDP (international driving permit from AAA/CAA for $25 and couple passport size photo, received same day)
angelapersonaltuscantour.com
tuscan-wine-tours
gustowinetours.com
toursbyroberto.com
come&seeitaly.com
florencetown.com
there are lots of tours out there, you can stop at a TI (tourist info kiosk in town) and see what info they have. no matter what and who you decide on have a great time and enjoy your mom and daughter time
aloha
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15146 posts
The most popular from Florence:
Siena
Chianti Hills
San Gimignano
Volterra
Monteriggioni (usually added to any of the above, since it takes minutes to visit)
Buon viaggio!
Posted by
OP
9 posts
Thank you all for suggestions...we will be there the first week of July and would love to see the sunflower fields. Found that there are plenty on the way to Siena, but curious if there is a "countryside" tour, that allows picture taking along the way (rather than just go to Siena for example)...a winery would be a bonus, but her first desire is to photograph the sunflowers. I would prefer not to rent a car, so hoping we have options. Thanks for any tips!
Posted by
Austin TX after living in Boulder CO for 25 years
1166 posts
I would contact each of the winery tours listed above and ask if they stop !