Looking for the best weekend trips from Florence? Whether you’re a tourist eager to explore beyond the city crowds, an exchange student seeking new experiences, or an expat in Florence in search of nearby gems, I’ve got your weekend break covered.
Below you will find a list of some of the best weekend trips from Florence. From the well-known to the off-the-beaten-path, all easily accessible by train or car. They are all organized according to how close to Florence they are.
The Best Weekend Breaks from Florence
From the historic city of Bologna, offering an authentic taste of Italy minus the tourist crowds, to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa just an hour away, this weekend getaway guide has it all.
Venture further to the medieval magic of Siena, the “Town of Fine Towers” in San Gimignano, the captivating Orvieto perched on a volcanic butte, and the charming streets of Modena.
For a serene lakeside retreat, Lake Garda is a popular choice, and the timeless romance of Venice is just a train ride away.
Bologna
Bologna is the perfect destination for a weekend trip from Florence. It is underrated and offers a much more authentic feel of Italy and the Italian way of life. Not to mention the lack of the crowds of tourists flooding Florence.
Bologna is compact and easy to explore on foot. Start at Piazza Maggiore. Many of Bologna’s attractions are located there. Enter the Basilica di San Petronio to see the world’s longest sundial and the oldest organ still in use. Stop by the Salaborsa City Library to see the archaeological excavations of the ancient Roman city.
Step out of Piazza Maggiore and stroll through Quadrilatero to discover why Bologna is the culinary capital of Italy. Sign up for a cooking class and learn how to make tagliatelle al ragù.
Head to the Archigimnasio and the Anatomical Theater to visit the oldest university in the Western world.
As you stroll through the medieval streets of the city, the porticoes of Bologna will shelter you from the sun and rain. The porticoes of Bologna are more than 60 km of arcades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the porticoes are wooden and have kept their authentic appearance since the 16th century. Others are amazingly beautiful.
You may have seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Bologna has not one, but two leaning towers. If you’re in shape, you can climb one of them and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Tip: Get your tickets in advance.
Bologna also has canals. Not as many as in Venice, but just as stunningly beautiful.
Whether you are a foodie, a history or architecture buff, or a photography enthusiast, you will enjoy your two days in Bologna.
Trip duration from Florence to Bologna: You can get to Bologna in less than 40 minutes by train.
By Maria from Map and Camera
Pisa
Just a short train ride away, Pisa is one of the easiest weekend trips from Florence.
Pisa is famously home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site made famous by Galileo was built in 1173!
Being one of Italy’s and Europe’s most iconic landmarks, one of the best things about staying in Pisa, is that you can wake up early to avoid the crowds and day trippers that swarm the Piazza dei Miracoli to see the famed campanile (bell tower).
Climbing the tower for the slightly skewed view of the city and piazza is a must (booking a skip the line tour!)
Yet Pisa is not just about its leaning wonder. This Tuscan city has a delightful dining scene, too. Take a walking food tour to discover the secrets of the city from a local.
A must try is the Michelin guide recommended Erbaluigia. If you’re looking for more casual bites, the unassuming I Porci Comodi serves the most delicious Tuscan sandwiches.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Arno River and admire the historic Renaissance architecture. Don’t miss Murale Tuttomondo di Keith Haring. Visit the Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest in the world.
For a touch of culture, visit the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, where you’ll find an impressive collection of Tuscan art. As the sun sets, enjoy an apéritif as you watch the world go by.
Pisa is more than a day-trip destination; when evening falls, the crowds disperse, and you’ll find a more authentic side of the city.
Trip duration from Florence to Pisa: The train from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Pisa Centrale takes just one hour. Take a look at this post for all the information you need on how to get from Florence to Pisa, including train options and guided tours.
By Kaz from The Honeymoon Guide
Modena
Personally, I find Modena to be one of the best weekend breaks from Florence. This small city has a lot of charm, and has a couple of pretty interesting sites to visit.
Walking around the historic center and admiring its buildings all painted in yellow, melon and ochre is a great way to start exploring the city. Its streets are full of restaurants and cafes, and they become especially lively on the weekends.
If you are a foodie, you will love this city, as Modena is considered one of the top gastronomical destinations in Italy. Spend the weekend exploring its food scene at the stalls in the old Albinelli market. And if you have the chance, book a table at Osteria Francescana, one of the top restaurants in Italy.
You can also take a balsamic vinegar tour and tasting at one of the acetaias (production houses) in the area. Or try the original parmiggiano reggiano cheese, which comes from this area.
And if you are into cars, visiting the Ferrari museum will be an unforgettable experience. You will be able to see the Ferrari models through the years and learn more about Enzo Ferrari.
Something else you shouldn’t miss in this weekend trip is the Luciano Pavarotti’s House. Pavarotti was born in Modena, and he spent the last years of his life in that house. The visit showscases, photos, paintings, personal items while you listen to some of his amous operas.
With so many things to do in Modena, this is one of the best weekend trips from Florence.
Trip duration from Florence to Modena: The journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes by train.
Siena
Siena makes for one of the best weekend trips from Florence in the Tuscan area. This city is a popular Tuscany day trip from Florence but a weekend stay allows you to enjoy this medieval town and its mesmerising architecture.
The most famous attraction here is the Il Campo, which is the heart of the city. The brick pavement of this piazza and the 9 sections are just breathtaking. You have to allow some time to soak in the vibe at Piazza del Campo.
The Duomo in Siena is as striking as the one in Florence. The white and dark-green, almost black striped church has Gothic architecture. There is stunning art, statues and mosaics to be seen in the church. For those interested in museums, there is Museo dell’Opera del Duomo to explore.
For wonderful views of the city, there is no better place than Torre del Mangia, but you will have to climb the 500-odd steps of this tower.Leave some time to just meander around the narrow lanes, browse through shops, sit at a bar in the evening and have a delicious meal.
Trip duration from Florence to Siena: It is such a popular destination that you have a dozen options of trains from Florence to Siena through the day. The time taken is about 1.5 hours. Of course, you can drive to this lovely town as well but a train just makes the journey easier.
By Shweta from Zest in a Tote
San Gimignano
The medieval walled city of San Gimignano is a great weekend trip from Florence. The city is well-preserved and the historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with many buildings dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
San Gimignano is known as the “Town of Fine Towers” and its tallest tower, Torre Grosse, is one of the best-known towers in Tuscany. You can climb up its 218 steps for amazing views of the nearby Tuscan countryside.
Walking the walls of the city to admire the architecture, as well as the views of the surrounding hills, is a must-do when in San Gimignano. Right off the main square (Piazza della Cisterna) is the city’s Duomo, another great place to stop while exploring San Gimignano.
While you can find good gelato pretty much anywhere in Italy, the owner of Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano has been crowned the world champion of gelato-making multiple times. The gelateria is especially well known for its creative flavors like saffron and chestnut.
Trip duration from Florence to San Gimignano: San Gimignano is about 1.5 hours from Florence via train (to Poggibonsi) and bus.
By Adrienne from Destinations and Desserts
Orvieto
The medieval gem of the Umbria region, Orvieto, a beautiful town near Rome, is one of the best weekend trips from Florence that will keep you occupied for a couple of days. Significantly less touristy than its Tuscan counterpart, Orvieto packs a punch.
Firstly, what sets Orvieto apart is its striking position atop a steep volcanic butte, offering a dramatic setting that offers sweeping views over the Umbrian countryside. Meanwhile, the tangled cobblestoned alleyways invite you to explore the town’s millennia-old history layer by layer.
The town’s crown jewel is definitely Duomo di Orvieto, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. The cathedral will captivate you with its elaborate façade details and stunning frescoes. The interior is equally impressive, featuring more beautiful frescoes, particularly the “Judgment Day” by Luca Signorelli. Make sure to return at dusk to appreciate the exteriors of Duomo illuminated by magnificent lighting.
Do not miss the intriguing Orvieto Underground, a labyrinth of ancient caves and tunnels, that will bring you 3000 years back to the Etruscan times.
For panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside, climb Torre del Moro, located in the very heart of Orvieto.
Also visit Pozzo di San Patrizio (St. Patrick’s Well). This 16th-century architectural marvel is known for its double helix spiral staircase. Designed to supply water in times of siege, it’s a testament to the ingenuity of Renaissance engineering. On the way out, pass by Albornoz Fortress (Fortezza Albornoziana) gardens that are free to visit and provide a peaceful retreat and offer another vantage point for admiring the cityscape.
Trip duration from Florence to Orvieto: If you are renting a car to drive in Tuscany, Orvieto is a scenic 2-hour journey from Florence. Alternatively, within two hours you can also reach Orvieto by bus or a more comfortable train ride.
By Ausra from The Road Reel
Lake Garda
Garda Lake is one of the best weekend getaways from Florence. The scenic lake is located in between some stunning mountain ranges. It is famous for its crystal-clear blue water and cute little towns lakeside.
One of the best places to go at the Garda Lake is Sirmione. The picturesque little village has a stunning medieval castle and a spa with thermal water that supposedly has healing qualities.
Depending on the time of your trip, you can enjoy water sports, hiking, or swimming at Lake Garda. Since it is the biggest lake in Italy, the possibilities are endless.
One of the best tips is to get a hotel with a nice view over the lake. Especially properties that are located a bit on the hills have amazing panoramic views. While most people go in summer for water activities, it is also super charming during Christmas times.
The Garda Lake is super close to famous cities like Verona or Milan. This makes it a great spot for a Northern Italy road trip as well.
Trip duration from Florence to Lake Garda: You can get to Desenzano del Garda/Sirmione in two hours by train.
By Sabrina from Shades of Summr
Venice
If you were having a hard time deciding whether to visit Florence or Venice, don’t worry, you can visit both as they are just a train ride away from each other!
Venice is one of the most wonderful weekend trips from Florence. You can easily reach Venice by the direct Freccia Rossa, which is Italy’s fast train service. The route takes just over two hours and tickets start at 50 euros each way. There are plenty of daily trains.
Venice is a compact, walkable city, easy to explore in one weekend. In fact, Venice is pedestrian only, as the city is built on water.
The main attractions in Venice are Piazza San Marco with the San Marco Basilica, and Rialto Bridge. But Venice is so much more than this, so don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and get lost on the small alleyways and narrow paths. They will lead to some of the best gelato in Venice, which are not on the main roads.
Dorsoduro is a great area to stay in overnight. This is the student area, with cheaper restaurants and typical Venetian bars called Bacari. This is where you will also find more affordable accommodation options.
Some of the hidden gems in Venice include the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, with its impressive external staircase, and San Zaccaria church, with its flooded crypt.
One of the most romantic things to do in Venice is go on a gondola ride. However, keep in mind that for 30 minutes you will pay a minimum of 80 euros. A cheaper option is to cross the Grand Canal by traghetto, a shared service used in places where there are no bridges. This is a large gondola that costs 2 euros for tourists that offers a taster of how it is to be on a gondola.
Trip duration from Florence to Venice: You can get to Venice in two hours and 10 minutes by the high-speed train.
By Joanna from The World in My Pocket
Saturnia
Escape the bustling streets of Florence for a weekend of relaxation, stunning natural beauty, and ancient history in Saturnia, Italy. The small town is famously known for its therapeutic hot springs and picturesque landscapes.
Once you arrive at Saturnia, a must-do is taking a dip in the iconic Saturnia Hot Springs, also known as Cascate del Mulino. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, these cascading powder blue hot springs maintain a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, offering a soothing and relaxing soak. The natural springs are rich in minerals and are believed to provide many therapeutic and health benefits.
The Saturnia Hot Springs are free to visit. Make sure to remove all of your jewelry before getting into the hot spring. With the high sulfur content in the pools, your jewelry, especially silver, will quickly tarnish.
Afterward, explore the historic town of Saturnia and visit the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena and the Archeological Museum of Saturnia. Or treat yourself to a luxurious spa day and spend the afternoon relaxing in the thermal pools at Terme di Saturnia Natural Spa & Golf Resort.
Saturnia is a little off the beaten path, but this unique and one-of-a-kind destination is absolutely worth the visit!
Trip duration from Florence to Saturnia: You can get to Saturnia in 3 hours by car. To break up the road trip, you can visit Siena, a medieval city known for its Piazza del Campo square and famous horse race.
By Alisha from Travel Today Work Tomorrow
Final Thoughts
I hope that this weekend trips from Florence guide will be helpful for getting some ideas and planning your trip. Besides the charming Italian towns mentioned in this guide, there are some other beautiful and interesting locations that you could consider.
For example, exploring Cinque Terre, or the visiting the Amalfi coast if you are looking for destinations by the sea. Or getting to know bigger cities such as Milan or Rome. There are so many amazing destinations in that area of Italy!
Despite how beautiful Florence is, especially if you are traveling to Florence during the summer, going on a day or weekend trip, can be a great idea to have a respite from the crowds.
But if you’re considering leaving Florence just to escape the crowds, thinking you’ve already visited every significant attraction, think again! Take a look at this post about unique things to do in Florence, mostly away from the large tourist crowds.
