Florence sits at the heart of Tuscany: within an hour or so you can reach vineyard-covered hills, medieval towns and cities of art. Here are the trips we recommend, with a rough idea of travel times to help you plan.
01The Chianti
Between Florence and Siena lies the Chianti: hills of vines and olive groves, castles, country churches and small villages such as Greve, Panzano, Castellina and Radda. The first villages are less than an hour's drive away. It is the perfect trip for wine lovers: many estates offer cellar visits and tastings, which should be booked ahead.
If you plan to taste, leave the driving to someone else: the roads are narrow and winding. For a private driver or a tour with tastings, we can put you in touch with trusted partners, so you can simply enjoy the day.
02Siena
Siena is about an hour and a half from Florence by car, coach or train. Its heart is the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, with the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia; the Palio horse race is run here in summer. A few steps away stands the cathedral, striped in white and black marble, with its decorated floor. Allow time to wander the steep lanes.
03San Gimignano
San Gimignano, on the hills of the Val d'Elsa, is known for its medieval towers, visible from far away. It is about an hour from Florence and easiest to reach by car or on a tour; it pairs well with Siena or the Chianti on the same day. Try Vernaccia, the local white wine.
04Pisa and Lucca
Pisa is the easiest trip by train, taking about an hour. In the Piazza dei Miracoli, set on a wide lawn, the cathedral, the baptistery and the Leaning Tower stand side by side. If you want to climb the tower, book ahead. Then take a stroll along the river, which is quieter than you might expect.
Lucca, about an hour and a half by train, is enclosed by walls that survive intact, with a tree-lined path on top to walk or cycle. Inside are Romanesque churches, towers and the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, an oval square built on the remains of a Roman amphitheatre. Pisa and Lucca can be combined in one day.
05Fiesole, the closest
The closest trip is Fiesole, on the hills above Florence: around twenty minutes by bus or taxi take you up to a small town of Etruscan origin, with a Roman theatre and a sweeping view over the city. It is ideal for an afternoon, perhaps staying on until sunset.
06The Val d'Orcia, for a longer day
For a longer day, head to the Val d'Orcia, south of Siena and about two hours' drive away: gentle hills, rows of cypresses and lone farmhouses, in a landscape listed by UNESCO. Set off early, or consider staying overnight to see it without rushing.
- PienzaThe Renaissance town created by Pope Pius II, with terraces over the valley and its famous pecorino.
- MontalcinoA hilltop town among the vineyards, home of Brunello.
- MontepulcianoA little further east, a town of palazzi and wine cellars, known for its Vino Nobile.
