Florence and surroundings villages: the best destinations for unforgettable excursions

One of the most popular places for a day trip is Siena, a city with an incredible medieval atmosphere. Here, you should visit Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race takes place twice a year, climb the Torre del Mangia for a panoramic view of the city, and admire the stunning Siena Cathedral with its unique marble floor. On the way to Siena, you can stop by San Gimignano—the “town of towers,” where time seems to have stopped in the 14th century.

Wine lovers should head to the Chianti region. Here, you’ll find endless vineyards, historic family wineries, and tastings of the famous Chianti Classico wines. The Castello di Verrazzano and Antinori nel Chianti Classico wineries are especially noteworthy, where you can not only sample wine but also enjoy lunch with a view of the Tuscan hills. The town of Greve in Chianti is home to an interesting wine museum, and within a 20 km radius, there are dozens of small wineries open for visits.

For those who want to see the “perfect” Renaissance town, Pienza is an ideal choice—a small 15th-century urban masterpiece. This town, built according to the vision of Pope Pius II, is famous for its pecorino cheese, narrow streets, and breathtaking views of the Val d’Orcia valley. On the way to Pienza, it’s worth stopping in Montalcino, where the famous Brunello wine is produced, and in Montepulciano with its majestic palazzos.

If you prefer the sea, you can reach Livorno or Viareggio — popular resorts on the Tuscan Riviera—in just one day. Here, you’ll find sandy beaches, excellent seafood restaurants, and the atmosphere of a true Italian summer, even in the off-season. In Livorno, be sure to visit the Venezia Nuova district with its canals, and in Viareggio, take a stroll along the famous promenade lined with Art Deco villas.

For history lovers, Arezzo is a great choice—a city with a rich ancient past. Here, you can see Piero della Francesca’s frescoes in the Basilica of San Francesco, visit the Giorgio Vasari House Museum, and walk through Piazza Grande, where scenes from the movie Life Is Beautiful were filmed. If you’re lucky enough to visit on the first Sunday of the month, you’ll witness the famous antique fair.

Another remarkable place is Volterra, the city of the Etruscans. Here, you’ll find a 1st-century BC Roman theater, Etruscan gates, and medieval palazzos. Volterra is famous for its alabaster workshops—you can not only buy unique souvenirs but also watch artisans at work. On the way, it’s worth stopping in San Gimignano or Colle di Val d’Elsa—another beautifully preserved medieval town.

If you’re looking for something unusual, head to Carrara—the city of white marble. Here, you can descend into marble quarries where stone for Michelangelo was extracted, visit the marble museum, and see modern sculptors working with this incredible material. On the way, you can stop in Lucca—a city with fully intact fortress walls that you can walk or even bike along.

For nature lovers, the Val d’Orcia valley is perfect — the epitome of Tuscan landscapes, with cypress alleys, solitary farmhouses, and rolling hills. The best views unfold along the road between Poggibonsi and Montalcino, especially at sunrise or sunset.

All these places are easily accessible for a day trip from Florence in a comfortable car with a professional driver. You can create a custom itinerary that includes exactly the places that interest you most—whether it’s wine tastings, ancient monuments, or scenic landscapes. The key is to leave early to enjoy the atmosphere of Tuscany without the crowds and return to Florence in time for dinner.

Tip: If you want to visit several places in one day, it’s best to plan your route and timing in advance. Wineries usually close by 5-6 PM, and museums in small towns often take a lunch break from 1 to 3-4 PM. Our service will be happy to help you plan the perfect day trip from Florence!

Val d’Orcia—the soul of Tuscany in a single landscape

The main magic of Val d’Orcia lies in its stunning landscapes, which change color depending on the time of day and season. In summer, the hills turn golden; in spring, emerald green; and in autumn, they glow in shades of ochre. The most photogenic spots are the cypress alley near San Quirico d’Orcia (you’ve surely seen it on a million postcards) and the view of the Cappella della Vitaleta, standing alone among the hills.

But Val d’Orcia isn’t just about pretty photos. Here, you can:

• Try the famous pecorino cheese from Pienza (a town called the “ideal Renaissance city”).
• Stroll through the medieval streets of Montalcino with its cobblestone paths and Brunello wine tasting rooms.
• Have lunch at an agriturismo with views of endless fields.
• Take a dip in the thermal springs of Bagno Vignoni (imagine: a 15th-century pool right on the village square!).

Pro tip: It’s best to come at sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and there are fewer tourists. Bring a good camera, comfortable shoes for walking the hills, and… plenty of phone storage — you won’t want to delete a single photo!

How to get there? Easy—just 1.5 hours by car from Florence. You can rent a car or book a private tour with a driver who will show you the most beautiful spots. The key is not to rush and give yourself time to sit on a hill, breathe in the scent of herbs, and savor the moment. After all, it’s for these very moments that you come to Tuscany!

Siena—a journey into a medieval fairy tale

Welcome to Siena — a city where time stopped in the 14th century. Just 1.5 hours on a comfortable bus from Florence, and you’re transported to the era of Dante and knightly tournaments!

The first thing that strikes you about Siena is its “shell-like” shape. The entire city seems to curl around the main square, Piazza del Campo, which locals affectionately call Il Campo. This isn’t just a square—it’s a medieval stadium! Twice a year, the crazy Palio takes place here—a no-rules horse race that Sienese people are willing to tear each other apart for (in a good way). If you’re lucky enough to catch a rehearsal—consider it an emotional jackpot!

The main must-do is climbing the Torre del Mangia. Yes, 400 steps is a challenge, but the view of the terracotta rooftops and Tuscan hills is worth it! Tip: Go in the morning to avoid lines and bring water—it gets hot inside.

Don’t miss the Duomo—possibly the most beautiful cathedral in Italy. Its black-and-white columns and mosaic floor look like a giant’s chessboard. And in the Piccolomini Library, the frescoes are so vibrant it feels like they were finished yesterday.

San Gimignano—Tuscany’s medieval skyscraper

Just 1.5 hours from Florence, and you’re transported to the era of knights and merchant republics. Once, 72 towers stood here (local nobles competed to build the tallest house), but today only 14 remain—yet that’s enough to make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. The highlight? Climbing the tallest tower, Torre Grossa (54 meters, but the view is worth it!), and seeing the golden Tuscan hills embracing this stone island of history.
As you wander the narrow streets, you’ll keep stumbling upon delicious treats:

• Saffron gelato at Gelateria Dondoli—a two-time world gelato champion!
• Fragrant pecorino with truffles in cheese shops.
• Local Vernaccia white wine, loved even by popes.

Don’t miss Piazza della Cisterna—its triangular shape and ancient well will stay with you long after. And in the Duomo, you’ll find a surprise—vibrant frescoes with Old Testament stories that have kept their colors for 700 years!

Pienza—the ideal Renaissance city

Pienza is a tiny Renaissance architectural gem hidden among Tuscan hills. Just 2 hours from Florence, and you’re in a town called “ideal” for a reason—it was designed as the embodiment of 15th-century utopian dreams!

The magic of Pienza begins on the approach—when suddenly, around a bend, you see neat terracotta roofs framed by the endless Val d’Orcia valleys. This landscape is so beautiful it looks painted by a master. The first thing you’ll notice is the flawless proportions of Piazza Pio II, where every building seems measured with a ruler yet brims with warmth and life.

As you stroll the narrow streets (it’s impossible to get lost—you can walk the whole town in 20 minutes!), you’ll keep passing aromatic cheese shops. Pienza is the pecorino capital, and local cheesemakers have turned its production into an art.

Arezzo—Tuscan gem

The first thing that will amaze you is the sloping Piazza Grande, which looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. This is where famous scenes from Life Is Beautiful were filmed. Sit at a café table and imagine ancient Romans walking these stones—Arezzo is a couple of centuries older than Florence.

The main artistic surprise awaits in the Basilica of San Francesco—behind its modest facade lie Piero della Francesca’s frescoes, The Legend of the True Cross. These 15th-century paintings retain their vivid colors and are considered precursors to the Renaissance. A little secret: bring binoculars to see the details—some scenes are high up near the ceiling.

If you’re lucky enough to visit on the first Saturday of the month, you’ll catch Italy’s largest antique fair. Over 500 stalls fill the city center, offering everything from vintage postcards to real knight’s armor. Even if you’re not buying, the “treasure hunt” itself is an unforgettable adventure.