We are going to have some extra time in Florence, and would like to take a short day trip into a nice small town. We’re doing Cinque Terre another day, so I’m thinking about going a different direction, an hour, or under on the bus or train. Any recommendations?
Posted by
North Carolina
2475 posts
Bus northwards to Fiesole; train westwards to Prato, Pistoia, or both.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
886 posts
Hello susankmiec, and welcome to the boards,
Depending on your definition of "small town" you could also look at Siena or Lucca.
Siena is actually more of a small city by Italian standards but the picturesque hilltop walled city is the classic Florence day trip and is accessible by bus or train.
Lucca is a city of ~90K but the small. walled old town is only home to about 10% of those people and makes a nice old town visit. It is short on "sights" compared to Siena but is filled with narrow streets, pleasant piazzas, cafes and outdoor dining. Currently times are at about ~1:45 changing in Pisa but it usually isn't that way so check at the time of your visit to see if times have improved.
There is also a bus at ~1:15 but I haven't taken it.
You are spoiled for choice, have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
Halifax, NS
311 posts
I second Pistoia and especially Prato. Prato is a happening little place.
Posted by
Western Canada
3212 posts
Another vote for Pistoia.
I went from Florence last year.
I picked a day when the town was having the street market, and really enjoyed it.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15441 posts
Pistoia or Arezzo can be reached in 30 to 60 min by Regional train.
Siena or Lucca or Pisa can be reached within 90 minutes by train (Siena within 75 min by bus).
Bologna can be reached within 40 minutes by high speed train.
The above are cities, therefore not exactly small villages. Bologna is quite large.
If you want a smaller village, San Gimignano is the most famous and popular. It is half way between Florence and Siena but takes almost 2 hours by bus.
Certaldo or San Miniato are also other options (less than one hour by train)
Fiesole is on a hill just above Florence (City bus no. 7 can take you there in under half hour).