Nearby destinations
Tuscany & beyond
Florence is the perfect base to explore Tuscany and beyond. From medieval towns to seaside escapes, here are some of the best trips you can make in a day:
Arezzo
80 km from Florence
Direct train (~1h).
Less touristy, but full of treasures like Piero della Francesca’s frescoes, the Piazza Grande, and the antique market (first weekend of every month). If you love art, visit the Basilica of San Francesco to see The Legend of the True Cross.
Bologna
100 km from Florence
High-speed train (~40 min).
Known as “La Grassa” (the Fat One) for its cuisine. Highlights include the Two Towers, the endless porticoes (a UNESCO site), and a vibrant food culture.
Don’t miss trying tagliatelle al ragù (the original “Bolognese”) and tortellini.
Chianti region
30-50 km from Florence
Best explored by car or guided wine tour. No direct train routes.
Rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, vineyards, and wineries producing Chianti Classico. Perfect for wine lovers. Stop at Greve in Chianti or Castellina for the quintessential Tuscan countryside experience. True Cross.
La Spezia & Cinque Terre
160 km from Florence
Train Florence → La Spezia (~2h 15m), then local trains connect the five villages.
La Spezia is the gateway to the famous Cinque Terre, five colorful villages perched on cliffs above the sea. Wear good shoes, the trails between the villages are beautiful but steep.
The Cinque Terre Card is the official pass for the Cinque Terre National Park, designed to support sustainable tourism and fund the maintenance of trails and local services. It gives access to the paid trekking paths and the regional trains connecting the five villages:
Monterosso
Vernazza
Corniglia
Manarola
Riomaggiore
Lucca
80 km from Florence
Direct train (~1h 20m).
A charming town with intact Renaissance walls you can bike or walk around, shady boulevards, and lovely piazzas like Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.
Rent a bike on the walls, it’s the best way to experience Lucca.
Monteriggioni
55 km from Florence
Best by car (~1h). Few public transport options.
A perfectly preserved walled village with 14 towers, often described as a “fairy-tale fortress.” Small but atmospheric. Often combined with Siena or San Gimignano in a single day.
Pisa
85 km from Florence
Direct train (~1h).
World-famous for its Leaning Tower in Piazza dei Miracoli, along with the Cathedral and Baptistery. Book your tower climb ticket in advance, and go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
San Gimignano
60 km from Florence
No direct train. Best by car (~1h 15m) or bus with transfer.
Famous for its medieval towers (once 72, now 14) that create a skyline like a stone Manhattan. Stroll its cobblestone streets, piazzas, and taste Vernaccia wine. Try gelato at the Gelateria Dondoli, one of the most awarded in the world.
Siena
75 km from Florence
Bus (~1h 15m) is faster and more convenient than the train.
A jewel of medieval Italy, home to the fan-shaped Piazza del Campo (where the Palio horse race takes place) and the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral with its mosaic floors.
Siena deserves a slow visit, spend a full day wandering its alleys and enjoying a glass of Chianti.
Other Italian cities you should visit
Direct train from Florence. Florence is perfectly located for exploring Italy by train. Here are some must-see cities reachable directly from Santa Maria Novella station:
Milan
300 km
High-speed train (~1h 55).
Italy’s fashion and design capital, home to Duomo, Last Supper, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and nightlife.
Naples
470 km
High-speed train (~3h 15).
Southern charm, delicious pizza, historic city center (UNESCO), and access to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
Rome
275 km
High-speed train (~1h 30–1h 40).
Italy’s capital is packed with history: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon, Piazza Navona.
Turin
530 km
High-speed train (~4h).
Elegant northern city known for Mole Antonelliana, Egyptian Museum, and chocolate shops.
Venice
260 km
High-speed train (~2h).
The romantic city of canals, gondolas, St. Mark’s Square, and the Doge’s Palace.
Verona
230 km
Direct train (~1h 30).
Romantic city of Romeo & Juliet, the Arena, and charming medieval streets.