The beauty of Florence (aside from its actual beauty) is that it’s centrally located in Italy, and many different destinations are just a short train ride away. I took advantage of this fact and embarked on many easy day and weekend trips from Florence while I was living there. Whether you’re studying abroad in Florence, or are based there on your next trip to Italy, here are a few ideas of places to escape the city for a day or two.
This is just a short list of ideas of places to explore outside of Florence. Of course there are many, many more, but if you are in Italy for the first time, these places are a great start to seeing the country.
TUSCANY/CHIANTI
Definitely try to make it out to the countryside at some point. I went horseback riding through Florence Town, and did a vineyard tour with Viator tours. Both were extremely beautiful, and convenient half-day excursions so I wasn’t away from Florence for too long. Just enough time to see the beauty of Chianti by day, and ride home during sunset among the hills of shining olive groves.
SIENA
Less than two hours from Florence, and has an amazing cathedral. A great stop for art and history lovers, and also home to the world’s oldest bank (which has its own large art collection to boot). Make sure you stop at Caffe A. Nannini and get a bombolone. It will blow your mind!
CINQUE TERRE
A very easy day trip from Florence if you’re willing to catch an early train and commit to the experience. It’s definitely doable to see all five towns in one day, and you’ll be grateful for the exercise of hiking when you want to indulge in ALL the pesto pasta later (Cinque Terre is in the Genoa region, home to world-famous Genovese pesto, the best in the world). Plus all the focaccia, seafood, gelato, and granitas that will be calling your name as you admire the pastel houses clinging to the cliff sides.
ASSISI
One of my favorite small towns of Italy, that contains A LOT of churches and cathedrals and saint relics, but also beautiful views of the countryside in Italy’s greenest region, Umbria. Did I also mention it’s known for its truffle dishes? Book the train now!
VERONA
A small town north of Florence, south of Venice, that looks just like I always imagined Italy: colorful apartments, balconies overflowing with plants, pink marble streets, and the city where Romeo and Juliet is set, so romance is forever floating in the air. You’ll be grateful you made the stop in Verona on your way to Venice. It’s a place where a slow pace is encouraged, and the moments you spend around the table at lunch or strolling by moonlight after dinner become unforgettable memories that bring you pace. See my travel journal on the city here.
VENICE
One of my absolute favorite cities in the world!! You can go for one day if you don’t have time for a whole weekend. Verona is on the way if you want to combine the two, but you can’t do them both in one day. If you have the time, turn a day visit into a weekend. Venice is totally worth the overnight stay, but be sure to be respectful of natives and the local laws while you’re there. Venice’s beauty is worth every effort to preserve. It’s secrets only reveal themselves when the sun goes down.
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