Florence is a dream destination on its own, but its location in the heart of Tuscany makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Italy’s most beautiful towns and regions. Just beyond the Renaissance city, you’ll find rolling hills, medieval hilltop towns, world-renowned vineyards, and scenic coastal villages.
After many trips and weeks spent exploring Tuscany and nearby regions like Emilia-Romagna and Umbria, I’ve compiled this list of the best day trips from Florence – places you can easily reach by train, car, or bus. Most destinations are accessible by train in under 2 hours, so you can skip the hassle of renting a car.
Whether you’re looking to sip Brunello in Montalcino, stroll Siena’s medieval streets, or walk the coastal trails in Cinque Terre, these day trips will give you a true taste of Tuscany – and beyond.
Day Trips from Florence
1. Siena
Travel time by train: 1.5 hours
Travel time by bus: 1 hour 15 minutes
Siena is one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany and an absolute must-visit from Florence. I’ve been to Siena three times – twice as a day trip and once for a longer stay – and it’s a place that continues to captivate me.
A day trip from Florence is easily doable, but planning ahead is key to making the most of your time. For transportation, I recommend taking the bus over the train. While both are options, Siena’s train station is about 2 kilometers from the center, requiring a 30-minute walk uphill. The bus, on the other hand, is faster and conveniently drops you just a 10-minute walk from the heart of the city.
Be sure to book your tickets for the Duomo Complex in advance to skip the lines, and if possible, reserve a spot for lunch ahead of time.
Follow my Florence to Siena day trip guide for a detailed itinerary.
Siena Tour Options
- Siena Cathedral and City Walking Tour: Visit the Duomo and other historical sights with an expert guide on this 2-hour walking tour.
- Siena Walking Food Tour: Enjoy a taste of Siena’s delicacies on this food tour, which includes a glass of Chianti wine.
- Tuscan Cooking Class: Cook an entire Tuscan meal, including hand-made pasta, during this cooking class in the heart of Siena.
- Cooking Class at a Winery: Enjoy an authentic cooking class at this countryside estate, where you’ll prepare your Tuscan meal with stunning views of the vineyards.
2. Bologna
Travel time by train: 38 minutes
Just 38 minutes north of Florence by train, Bologna, known as the food capital of Italy, makes for one of my favorite day trips. I’ve spent months getting to know Bologna’s culture, flavors, and sights, and I even hosted a month-long food tour here.
Bologna’s culinary scene is unmatched, from rich, slow-cooked ragu to handmade stuffed tortellini. But while the food is undoubtedly the star, Bologna offers much more. Its historic porticoes (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site), medieval architecture, and interesting landmarks like the Sanctuary of San Luca make it a destination worth savoring beyond the plate.
For a detailed itinerary, check out my Florence to Bologna day trip guide. I also have dedicated guides to the best restaurants and must-try foods to help you make the most of your visit.
Getting there: Take the high-speed train to Bologna Centrale. Be sure to purchase your tickets at least three weeks in advance to avoid steep last-minute prices. Once you arrive, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the city center – you can also take a taxi or bus.
BOLOGNA TOUR OPTIONS
- Bologna History Tour: On this 3-hour historical walking tour, your guide will take you to not only the main sights in Bologna but also some of the city’s hidden gems.
- Bologna Walking Tour: This 2-hour walking tour takes you around the city center to Bologna’s top highlights. It’s also the most affordable tour option available!
- Bologna Food Tour: In our opinion, the best way to experience Bologna is to eat your way through it. On this 4-hour food tour, you’ll taste your way through the city sampling some of the most well-known dishes from the region.
READ ALSO: 27 Incredible Things to do in Florence
3. Lucca
Travel time by train: 1 hour 20 minutes – 2 hours
While Lucca is one of Tuscany’s largest cities, it still feels like one of the region’s hidden gems. A day trip is the perfect amount of time to take in the city’s highlights.
Start by biking along Lucca’s medieval walls, a fantastic experience that offers lovely views of the city. Then, relax with a drink at Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, climb the iconic Torre Guinigi for panoramic views, and wander through a handful of Lucca’s 100 churches.
For a more detailed itinerary, read my Florence to Lucca day trip guide.
Getting there: Take the train from Florence Santa Maria Novella train station to Lucca. The walk from the station to the city walls is only 5 minutes.
LUCCA TOUR OPTIONS
- Bike and Food tour: Take a guided bike tour of Lucca’s old town and walls. You’ll stop for some snacks at a few local shops on the way.
- Pasta Cooking Class: Opt out of dinner at a restaurant and learn to cook your own pasta instead. this 3-hour, small group cooking class takes you into a local’s kitchen where you’ll learn how to prepare a couple of different pastas and tiramisu.
- Private Pisa & Lucca Full-Day Tour: Short on time? This highly-rated private day tour from Florence takes you to both Pisa and Lucca with an expert guide. You’ll visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and some of the highlights of Lucca.
4. Pisa
Travel time by train: 1 hour
Just an hour west of Florence, Pisa makes for a great day or even half-day trip. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can easily combine it with a visit to Lucca.
Pisa is world-famous for its Leaning Tower, and many visitors make a quick stop just to snap some photos before moving on. While that’s totally understandable, there’s much more to Pisa than its iconic landmark.
The OPA complex, which includes the Leaning Tower, is well worth visiting. Beyond the tower itself, you’ll find the Pisa Cathedral, the beautifully designed Baptistery, and a museum.
Outside of its religious sites, there’s still plenty to see and do. Stroll through the Orto Botanico di Pisa (one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe), wander along the Arno River, admire artwork at Palazzo Blu, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
For more details, check out my Florence to Pisa day trip itinerary.
Getting there: The train from Florence to Pisa takes just an hour. Once you arrive at Pisa Centrale, it’s about a 25-minute walk through town to reach the Leaning Tower. If you’d prefer to save time, you can take a taxi (a quick 10-minute ride) or hop on a public bus for easy access.
Pisa Tour Options
- Florence to Pisa Day Tour: This 6-hour day trip includes a guide and tickets to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cathedral. If you don’t want to plan the day trip yourself, this is a good option.
- Florence to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano Day Tour: This full-day guided tour takes you to Pisa, Siena, and the Tuscan town of San Gimignano from Florence. This is a good option if you are short on time and want to see multiple cities in a day.
- Pisa Walking tour: This 1.5 – 2 hour guided tour takes you to the Pisa Cathedral, Leaning Tower, Baptistery, and Piazza dei Miracoli.
READ ALSO: 19 Best Museums in Florence
5. Cinque Terre
Travel time by train: 2-2.5 hours
Is it possible to take a day trip to Cinque Terre from Florence? Absolutely.
I’ve visited Cinque Terre several times, including twice as a day trip from Florence, and it’s very doable. While you can expect a packed schedule and plenty of crowds (it’s always busy), you’ll still be able to see the highlights in a single day.
Start by taking an early morning train from Florence to La Spezia, where you’ll connect to the regional trains that stop at each of the five coastal villages. I recommend beginning your day in Monterosso al Mare and then slowly making your way back, with a hike between villages to enjoy the stunning views along the way.
Follow my detailed Florence to Cinque Terre itinerary to help you easily plan your trip.
Getting there: Take the train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to La Spezia, with a transfer in Pisa along the way. Once you arrive in La Spezia, switch to the local rail system that connects all five villages. To make things easier, purchase a Cinque Terre Train Card, either online or at the station, which gives you unlimited access to the regional trains for the entire day.
cinque terre tour options
- Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking: This 5-star rated, full-day guided tour takes you through all five villages with an option to hike one of the trails. It includes transportation by bus, a guide, entry tickets to Cinque Terre National Park, a boat ride (from end of March to end of October), optional lunch, and extra time to wander around on your own.
- Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre: This day tour takes you to Manarola, Vernazza, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso al Mare with a guide. From April 1 to October 31, you’ll get to enjoy a boat ride between Monterosso and Vernazza.Additionally, the tour includes an optional lunch, transfer between Florence and Cinque Terre by bus, guide, and free time to explore the towns or go swimming.
- Cinque Terre Private Day Trip from Florence: This highly rated private tour includes a visit to all five towns, lunch, and a wine tasting in Monterosso.A private tour is a fantastic option if you are traveling with a group (up to 6) and want a more relaxed, tailored experience.Transfer from Florence is included, plus extra time to explore and swim.
6. Volterra
Travel time by car: 1 hour 20 minutes
Volterra is a quiet hilltop town known for its stunning views and ancient Etruscan heritage. The drive to this medieval gem takes you along winding roads, past rolling fields and rusting farmhouses – a quintessential Tuscan experience.
Start your visit at Porta dell’Arco, part of the town’s remaining Etruscan walls that date back to the 5th century. From there, wander through the charming cobblestone streets, stopping to admire the Duomo and the impressive Roman Amphitheater.
To delve more into Volterra’s history, I recommend visiting the Etruscan Museum. Alternatively, you can check out the Pinacoteca, the town’s art museum, which showcases works spanning centuries.
I recommend combining this day trip with San Gimignano.
Getting there: Other than booking a private tour, the best way to reach Volterra is by car. The drive takes about an hour and 20 minutes, and having a car makes it easy to combine your visit with another nearby town, like San Gimignano.
Volterra Tour Options
- Private tour to Volterra and San Gimignano: Spend the full-day with a private guide exploring two of Tuscany’s most charming medieval hilltop towns.
7. San Gimignano
Travel time by car: 1 hour
Nicknamed “Medieval Manhattan,” San Gimignano is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Florence. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming town is famous for its unique skyline with medieval towers – 14 of its original 72 towers still stand today.
Start your visit by climbing the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in town, for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Then, wander the streets, try the “best gelato in the world” at Gelateria Dondoli, and visit the beautiful Duomo. For a taste of local wines, stop at one of the town’s enotecas (wine bars) for a wine tasting.
San Gimignano is perfect for a half-day trip, which is why I recommend pairing it with a visit to the nearby hilltop town of Volterra.
Getting there: To get to San Gimignano, you’ll need to either rent a car or book a guided tour. The drive from Florence only takes an hour.
SAN GIMIGNANO TOUR OPTIONS
- San Gimignano & Chianti Wine Tour from Florence: This full-day guided tour includes a visit to a small winery, wine tastings, lunch, and a tour around San Gimignano.
- Private Walking Tour: Book this 2-hour guided walking tour to learn more about the history of San Gimignano with a visit to the town’s main attractions.
- Tuscan Cooking Class: Prepare a 5-6 course lunch with a local Tuscan family just a short drive from San Gimignano.
READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Florence
8. Chianti Wine Region
Travel time by car: 45 minutes
For wine lovers, a day trip to the gorgeous vineyards of Chianti is a must. Spend the day tasting world-class wines while taking in the beautiful landscapes that Tuscany is known for.
The easiest way to explore the region is by booking a guided wine tour, which often includes transportation, tastings, and visits to multiple vineyards. If you prefer a more independent experience, you can rent a car, explore popular Chianti towns like Greve or Castellina, and book your own wine tastings at local wineries.
Here are a few guided tours I recommend:
- Small Group Chianti Wine Tour: This half-day guided tour takes you to 2 wineries and provides up to 7 different wine tastings. Maximum group size is 8 people.
- Private Chianti wine tour: Spend the day tasting your way through the towns and vineyards in the Chianti region.
- Half-Day Wine Tour: An affordable wine tasting experience with wine tastings at a couple of wineries.
9. Val D’Orcia
Travel time by car: 1 hour 30 minutes
The Val d’Orcia is one of the most breathtaking regions in Tuscany, with its green rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and picturesque hilltop towns. Renting a car (or booking a guided tour) is the best way to spend a day exploring this part of Tuscany.
Here are a few of the must-visit towns:
- Montalcino – Known for its world-famous Brunello wine, it’s a lovely spot for a wine tasting.
- Pienza – A UNESCO World Heritage town and the best place to try pecorino cheese.
- Montepulciano – A pretty medieval village, known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano wine.
Val d’orcia tour options
- Full Day Tour to Val d’Orcia: A full-day guided group tour to the region’s hill towns, includes a wine tasting and endless scenic views.
- Val d’Orcia Private Tour: Book this full-day tour to Pienza, Montalcino, and Montepulciano with a private guide and driver.
10. Arezzo
Travel time by train: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Being only a 30-minute train ride from Florence, Arezzo makes for an easy day trip. This town is known for its antiques, art, and Tuscan charm.
If you can plan your visit for the first weekend of the month, don’t miss the Fiera Antiquaria – one of the largest antique markets in Italy. The town’s main squares and streets overflow with vendors selling everything from vintage treasures to furniture.
Arezzo is also the hometown of Giorgio Vasari, the Renaissance artist who painted the interior of Brunelleschi’s Dome in Florence. You can visit his former residence, Casa Vasari, where he decorated many of the walls with his frescoes.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the town’s historic churches, wandering through Arezzo Park, and soaking up the countryside.
You can also combine this day trip with Cortona.
Getting there: Take the train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Arezzo. The walk from the station to the town’s center is 5-10 minutes.
11. Cortona
Travel time by train: 1-1.5 hours (Camucia Cortona)
Famously known as the town featured in Frances Mayes’ “Under the Tuscan Sun,” Cortona is a lovely hilltop town and perfect for a half-day trip from Florence.
The real highlight of Cortona is the town itself. Start at Piazza Garibaldi, then stroll along Via Nazionale to Piazza della Repubblica, the town’s lively central square. From there, walk to Piazza Signorelli to visit the Etruscan Museum and the Duomo.
Spend some time exploring some of the shops, taste wine at an enoteca, and get lunch at La Buccaccia, known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Getting there: To get to Cortona, take the train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Camucia-Cortona, then hop on the local bus – it’s just a quick 12-minute ride into the center of town.
Cortona Tour Options
- Private tour from Florence to Cortona & Montepulciano: Enjoy a full-day, private tour with a guide and driver to these wonderful Tuscan towns.
12. Modena
Travel time by train: 1.5 hours
Home to Ferrari, the world’s best restaurant, and balsamic vinegar – what more could you ask for? Modena is a must-visit for both food lovers and luxury car enthusiasts, and a day trip here offers plenty of ways to experience its highlights.
Ferrari Itinerary: Start your morning at the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena. From there, take the shuttle bus to Maranello, where you can explore the Ferrari Museum, tour the factory, and even book a test drive on the Ferrari test track. In the late afternoon, head back to Modena for dinner.
Foodie Itinerary: Kick off your day with a food tour to sample Modena’s culinary specialties, including its traditional balsamic vinegar. Spend the afternoon visiting Modena’s historical sights, like the Duomo and Piazza Grande. Finish your day with dinner at a local restaurant.
If you want a mix of both food and Ferrari, then start your morning at the Enzo Ferrari Museum, then spend the afternoon on a food tour or exploring the city’s main sights.
For more detailed tips, check out my One Day in Modena guide to help you plan your day.
Getting there: The train from Florence to Modena takes about an hour and a half. From the station in Modena, the walk to the city center is about 15 minutes.
Modena Tour Options
- Modena Food Tour: A 4-hour tour of Modena with tastings of different specialties, such as Balsamic Vinegar, Lambrusco Wine, Tigelle, and more.
- Balsamic Vinegar Tour: Spend 2 hours touring a historic acetaia with the owners. You will learn about the process of making traditional Balsamic Vinegar and enjoy lunch at the house. Pick up from Modena is available for an extra fee.
13. Ferrara
Travel time by train: 1 hour
A hidden gem in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Ferrara is a beautiful medieval city with roots dating back to the 5th century BC.
Start your visit in the historic center at Este Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by a moat. Inside, you’ll find frescoed ceilings and exhibits detailing the legacy of the powerful Este family, who ruled Ferrara for over 300 years.
Next, make your way to Palazzo dei Diamanti, a Renaissance building famous for its facade of 8,500 diamond-shaped stones. Don’t miss the Cathedral of Ferrara, a stunning 12th-century church that blends Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Before leaving, make sure to try Ferrara’s signature dish, Cappellacci di Zucca Ferraresi, a pumpkin-stuffed pasta shaped like little hats. You’ll find this local specialty at restaurants like Cusina e Butega.
For more tips, read my complete guide to Ferrara and discover why this city is one of Emilia Romagna’s best-kept secrets.
Getting there: The direct train from Florence to Ferrara takes 1 hour. The walk from the station to the center takes 20 minutes.
Ferrara Tour Options
- Ferrara Private Walking Tour: Spend a few hours with a tour guide visiting all of the main sights while learning about the city’s historic past.
14. Venice
Travel time by train: 2 hours 15 minutes
While a day trip to Venice is ambitious, it’s absolutely doable with the right planning. That said, if you have the time, I highly recommend spending a few nights to truly experience the city.
In a single day, you’ll have enough time to see Venice’s iconic attractions, including Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and even enjoy a gondola ride. To make the most of your time, be sure to purchase tickets for the major sights in advance to avoid long wait times.
If you’ve already been to Venice, a day trip is a great opportunity to see some of the city’s smaller museums and wander around at your own pace.
For a detailed itinerary, read my One Day in Venice guide. Or, if you’re looking for even more ideas, take a look at my list of the 25 Best Things to do in Venice.
Getting there: Take the high-speed train from Florence to Venezia Santa Lucia station. From the station, you can either take a vaporetto (water bus) to St. Mark’s Square or Rialto Bridge. Or you can walk – it’s a 25-minute walk to Rialto.
Venice Tour Options:
- Full-day Venice tour: This 6.5 hour tour includes access to St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and a Gondola tour. You get the most bang for your buck on this one!
- Venice Food tour: This 3-hour food tour takes you to some of the best local spots for a tasting of Venetian cuisine.
15. Milan
Travel time by train: 2 hours
Hop on a high-speed train from Florence, and in just a couple of hours, you’ll arrive in Milan. Known as Italy’s business and fashion capital, Milan is a city I’ve grown to love after many visits.
With just one day, you can cover the city’s main highlights, including the iconic Duomo, the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. Be sure to book tickets for The Last Supper well in advance, as it’s one of the city’s most sought-after attractions.
Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Milan’s exceptional cuisine. Some of my favorite restaurants include Antica Trattoria della Pesa, Trippa Milano, and Stendhal Milano.
Read my One Day in Milan guide for a complete itinerary.
Getting there: Take an early morning high-speed train to Milano Centrale. From the station, catch the metro to the city center, where you can easily explore Milan’s top sights on foot.
Milan Tour Options
- Milan Duomo & The Last Supper Guided Tour: This tour is the best way to experience both Da Vinci’s Last Supper and the famous Milan Duomo. With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, we’d recommend this tour to anyone visiting Milan.
- History tour & The Last Supper: On this 3-hour guided tour, you’ll walk the streets of Milan with a guide while learning about the city’s history. Additionally, entrance to the The Last Supper is included.
- Full-day Milan Tour: If you’re looking for the best full-day tour of Milan, this is for you. Not only will you visit the Milan Duomo and The Last Supper, but you’ll also visit some of the city’s hidden gems.
16. Fiesole
Travel time by bus: 20 minutes
Perched in the hills surrounding Florence, Fiesole is a charming village tucked away from the busyness of the city. Take the #7 bus from Santa Maria Novella station – it’s a quick 20-minute ride each way.
While Fiesole is small, it has a handful of worthwhile sights. Explore the Roman archaeological area and amphitheater, visit the Duomo, and stop by the Bandini Museum for a dose of local art and history. But perhaps the best reason to visit Fiesole is the breathtaking views overlooking Florence.
For a memorable lunch, eat at Ristorante La Reggia degli Etruschi, a fantastic Tuscan restaurant that pairs delicious food with incredible views.
Fiesole Tour Options
- E-Bike Florence Tuscany Self-Guided Ride with Vineyard Visit – Ride from Florence up into the Fiesole hills, complete with a wine tasting.
17. Cooking Class in the Countryside
Taking a cooking class is one of my favorite experiences in Italy – it’s always a fun way to meet new people and learn how to make the local dishes yourself. While there are plenty of great options in Florence, consider heading out to the countryside for a more authentic experience.
Below, I’ve shared some of the best cooking classes set in the rolling hills of Tuscany.
18. Brisighella
Travel time by train: 2 hours
An underrated medieval village located well off the tourist trail, Brisighella is one of the most beautiful small towns in Emilia-Romagna. The village is set among three striking hills, where you’ll find its main attractions: the La Rocca Manfrediana fortress, the Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio), and the Santuario del Monticino. All are easily walkable from the train station.
Stroll through the town’s quiet streets and don’t miss Via degli Asini (Donkey Street), an elevated walkway lined with arches. For nature lovers, walk the Sentiero dell’Olio (Olive Oil Path), which begins right in the center of town and winds through olive groves.
Before you leave, be sure to try some of Brisighella’s delicious local specialties. One must-try dish is spoja lorda, a fresh stuffed pasta filled with creamy raviggiolo cheese and parmesan.
For more information, read our Brisighella travel guide.
Brisighella Tour Options
- Brisighella Guided tour with lunch: A half-day walking tour of the main sights with lunch included.
19. Assisi
Travel time by train: 2.5 -3 hours
Known as the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi is a deeply spiritual and religious city located in the heart of Umbria. The main highlight here is the magnificent Basilica of St. Francis, one of the most splendid churches in all of Europe.
Built on the burial site of St. Francis, the basilica is dedicated to his life and legacy. Inside, you’ll find the walls and ceilings covered with spectacular frescoes, making this one of the most impressive artistic and architectural sights I’ve ever visited.
Beyond the basilica, there’s plenty more to see and do in Assisi. Visit the Basilica of St. Clare, wander the remains of the Roman Amphitheater, and explore Piazza del Comune, the heart of the city.
Don’t miss a walk up to Rocca Maggiore, the medieval fortress with stunning views.
To make the most of your visit, plan to spend a full day in Assisi. Be sure to catch one of the earlier trains from Florence so you’ll have plenty of time to see it all.
Getting there: Catch an early train from Florence to Assisi. The station in Assisi is 3km from the center, so you’ll need to either catch the “C” bus or a taxi into town.
Assisi tour options
- Florence to Orvieto and Assisi Tour with Church Visits: A full-day tour to both Assisi and Orvieto, admission to main churches is included.
- Private St. Francis Basilica of Assisi and City Walking Tour: A private tour of the basilica and other sights.
- Small Group Tour of Assisi and St. Francis Basilica: Explore the highlights of Assisi on this guided tour.
Italy Train Travel
Traveling by train is the easiest and most convenient option for most day trips from Florence. I’ve traveled by train all throughout Italy and have found it to be an affordable, accessible, and clean way to explore the country.
However, keep in mind that delays are fairly common. While I’ve never encountered a significant delay, it’s something to be aware of when planning.
Italy offers two main types of trains: regional trains and Frecciarossa (high-speed) trains. Frecciarossa trains are more expensive but can save you valuable time, especially for longer trips.
Firenze Santa Maria Novella is the city’s main railway station, located about a 15-minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.
How to Book Train Tickets
You can book train tickets either online in advance or at the train station. The official website for booking is Trenitalia.com.
For the best prices, we recommend booking tickets at least three weeks in advance, particularly for longer journeys. For regional trains or short trips (under an hour), you can often book tickets a day before or on the day of travel, with minimal price difference.
Tips for Train Travel in Italy
- Book Early: For the best prices, try to book your tickets at least three weeks in advance for longer trips.
- Use the Trenitalia App: The app is convenient for checking timetables, booking tickets, and monitoring delays, all from your phone.
- Know the City Names: Italian city names are used on the Trenitalia website and app. For example, Florence is Firenze and Venice is Venezia.
Renting a Car in Florence
For some of these day trips, having a car is essential unless you book a guided tour.
Renting a car in Florence is pretty straightforward, and I recommend renting from the Florence Airport. Not only is it typically cheaper, but it’s also outside the city center, making it easier to get on the road and you avoid city traffic. The airport is a quick 20-minute tram ride from the train station, so it’s easy to get there.
You can also rent a car directly from the Florence train station, but keep in mind it’s often a bit pricier.
Driving in Italy isn’t nearly as daunting as you may have heard. Yes, drivers might cut you off and blinkers can seem optional, but driving around Tuscany is surprisingly relaxed.
The smaller country roads, lighter traffic, and wide-open landscapes make for a less stressful experience.
For car rentals, my go-to booking site is Discover Cars. I’ve used them all over Italy (and Europe) and have always had a positive experience.
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.