Day Trips From Florence For The Best Italy Experience: Part1

A visit to Florence, in Italy, is quite often the culmination of a dream come true for many people. This stunning Renaissance city is one of the most popular destinations in Europe (and possibly the world) and, once you’ve experienced it for yourself, it will no doubt be the start of a life-long love affair.

However (dare we say it?), while it makes a superb base for your holiday, there’s so much more to this magnificent part of the world than this famous city. The surrounding area is just begging to be explored and a well-organised small-group Tuscany day trip from Florence (or several) will open your eyes to a wealth of culture and traditions. 

A Tuscany Day Trip from Florence for Everyone

If you’ve got a few weeks, you should plan on more than one Tuscany day trip. From Florence, so many places are convenient and accessible to reach and there’s so much to see it’d be a shame to miss anything. 

But not everyone has unlimited time, so if you can only choose one, work out what’s the most important to you. This is Part 1 of our tips, look out for Part 2!

For the Wine and Food Buff

For the mad-keen food and wine buffs, you’ll want to see and sample as much as you can while here, so your best bet is to head off on a dedicated tour of the famous Chianti region. This kind of ‘safari’ provides the ultimate taste bud experience, and you’ll visit vineyards, markets and restaurants to enjoy the true tastes of fresh local produce, cuisine and wines. A good tour will take you out into the countryside in a specially adapted vehicle to explore scenic back roads and visit lesser-known places. Bring your stretchy waistbands, though!

For the Romantic, Outdoorsy Type

If you like getting out into the great outdoors and want to see one of the most spectacular places in the world, from Florence, it’s possible to take a day trip to the fabulous Cinque Terre. This area is an absolutely wonderful place to explore on foot and, as you hike between the five villages, you’ll take in breath-taking views from and of the rugged coastline, and see first-hand the landscape that’s inspired so many writers, poets and artists. You’ll need a medium level of fitness to make the most of the experience, but you can also choose to do as much or as little of the walk as you like. 

For the Free Spirit

If you’ve got a spirit of adventure and a car licence, there’s one way to explore the Tuscan landscape that’s guaranteed to provide you with life-long memories. If you can picture yourself riding along picturesque rural roads with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face there’s really only one way to do it in style: on your own vintage Vespa! On one of these fun and friendly small group tours, you’ll be taken through the basics of your restored Vespa, then head out of Florence to explore on winding narrow roads that take you deep into the countryside. You’ll pass olive groves, vineyards and ruined castles and be able to completely immerse in this truly authentic experience, with plenty of stops to eat and take photos. The ultimate way to see Italy! (No motorbike licence is required.)

Found a Tuscany day trip from Florence that sounds just right for you? Well, don’t make your decision quite yet because Part 2 in our series offers a few more that might appeal…

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Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including great ideas for a Tuscany day trip from Florence. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.