I would love to learn about your favorite places to visit for a day trip from Florence.
We are considering visiting Siena, Montpulciano, and/or San Gimignano. I'm not sure if we would be able to visit one place in the morning and another in the afternoon? Or if it is best to visit one place?
Thank you
Use WalkAboutFlorence - do their Best of Tuscany Tour - it takes you to Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and lunch. See photos and reviews on TripAdvisor, but book direct with WalkAboutFlorence. Tours by Roberto is also good.
Siena is easy by bus or train
Bus is better as it drops you up in town
Siena deserves a full day or an overnight
Montepulciano is difficult to get to with public transportation
SG can be reached by train then bus but also easier with a car
You could probably in combine Siena and SG if you have a car otherwise public transportation is convoluted and time consuming
If you don’t want to rent a car then consider a guided bus tour as above
Neither Siena nor Orvieto is just a day trip from Florence - too much to see and do. Pisa is an easy day trip by train. We haven't been to Lucca but forum members say it is a good day trip also. We found getting around in Tuscany (other than Siena) difficult without a car due to bus and train schedules.
Prato.
We had a great day trip.
Textile museum.
Castle
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/11/travel/day-trips-from-florence-italy-autumn.html?unlocked_article_code=1.uE4.0g9o.B8Bbq7lgdPef&smid=url-share
Hi Lori,
My husband and I have been to Florence many times and have used it as a base for train travel. One place to go is Venice (lots to see but a good day trip) or Cinque Terre that is absolutely beautiful. If you leave first thing out, you should have plenty of time. Venice you could spend a few days in, Cinque Terre, is nice and can be seen in one day. Just hanging out on a beach (5 small towns on a cliff) is nice too. Hope that helps!
I've done Siena and Bologna and they were both perfect on two different day trips from Florence. Each one has its own style (Siena is more scenic, while Bologna is more contemporary). Not sure if I'd combine two trips in one day, though, you'd have to run if you want to see sights and also drink some coffee and have a proper meal.
San Gimignano definitely deserves a whole day on its own, though.
