The 6 Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy
Words and photos by Maddie Firmin who studied abroad with ASA Florence during Spring semester 2022.
When living in Florence, there are so many charming towns and cities only a train ride away. As much as I love my days spent exploring the streets of Florence, I also love making the most of free weekends or time before and after class by visiting new towns all over Tuscany and beyond. After hopping on a train, you could be sitting on the beach of Cinque Terre, experiencing Carnival in Viareggio, biking through the Tuscan hillsides, or taking a picture with the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Here are six of the best day trips from Florence:
SIENA
Only a short bus ride away, Siena is a medieval city preserving centuries of history within its streets. While walking around, marvel at the unique architecture, beautiful cathedrals, and ancient towers. Piazza del Campo is the main piazza and is where the city’s famous horse races take place. Since it was around carnival time when we visited, we got to try some delicious fried rice balls dusted with cinnamon sugar which are found only in this square for just a few weeks each year. Visiting the Duomo is a must when in Siena. The architecture is magnificent and the gold detailing glistens in the sunlight. Inside the Duomo, walk through the Piccolomini Library to view the beautiful, colorful ceilings and paintings.
PISA & LUCCA
It is a must to visit Pisa to snap a picture with one of the most iconic sights in Italy. It’s only about an hour train ride away and will cost you around €8 for a train ticket making it an easy day trip before or after classes. When in Pisa, you can even climb the leaning tower for a view of the city. Walk along the Arno River and visit the Duomo, Baptisery, Santa Maria della Spina, and Palazzo dei Cavalieri. It is unlikely you will need a lot of time here, so depart for Lucca in the afternoon for lunch. Take a walk or a bike ride on the city walls for a view of the surrounding area.
VERONA
Verona is a must for Shakespeare and Romeo & Juliet fans as it is where you can find Juliet’s balcony. We visited Juliet’s house which is believed to have inspired the story of Juliet for Shakespeare’s play. Today, there is a museum you can visit, and the courtyard boasts a statue of Juliet. Visit the Verona Arena: an old Roman amphitheater that, although less massive, is reminiscent of the colosseum found in Rome. Wander through Centro Storico, Piazza Bra, and along the river before departing back to Florence.
FIESOLE
Ride a bus or take a hike up to the small town of Fiesole that sits upon the hills above Florence. Visit the Roman amphitheater and other Roman ruins with the rolling Tuscan hills in the background. This is a great day trip to experience a smaller, less touristy town right near Florence. It is great exercise to walk up the beautiful narrow streets lined with trees and plants.
VIAREGGIO
Viareggio is a seaside town with long sandy beaches lined with colorful umbrellas and endless cafès. Take a walk along the promenade for some gelato and ocean views. Visit during February or March to catch the extravagant carnival that is a unique event filled with food, a float parade, music, and more.
CINQUE TERRE
Cinque Terre encompasses beautiful coastal views and colorful villages sitting upon the towering cliffs. Cinque Terre should be put onto everyone’s bucketlist when studying abroad in Italy. It could be done as a day trip or made into an overnight weekend trip. From Florence, take the two-hour train to Le Spezia. Next, take the Cinque Terre train to the first town: Riomaggiore. There are two ways to explore the towns and cliffside views in between them. The first option is to hike between towns which is about 8 miles in total. The second option is to take the train between towns which stops at each town once every hour. Conclude the day trip in Monterosso, enjoying dinner at a beachside restaurant while watching the sun set behind the beautiful coastal landscape.
Thanks Maddie!