Looking for some fun activities for you do to fill out your spare time while you are in Florence? If so, fantastic, you came to the right place! There are so many sites and places to explore that it can be overwhelming and frustrating to choose the one that suits you best, especially if you are short on time. Don’t worry, in this article, you’ll find a list of the best day excursions from Florence and a quick guide for you to have a stress-free and unforgettable time!
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TOP RATED
1.Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence
Tuscany is packed with history, art, beautiful countryside, wineries, and delicious food. What more could you ask for? This is one of the highest-rated excursions from Florence, and there are good reasons for this.
You’ll step back in time with the famous city and cathedral of Siena, have a delicious Tuscany lunch at the Chianti hills vin-yard with a wine and olive oil tasting. You’ll also get the chance to stroll between the medieval streets of San Gimignano and admire the impressive architectural drama of Cathedral Square, home to the tower of Pisa.
This tour covers the three most popular villages in the Tuscany countrysides in one day and includes skip-the-line entries to sites, which allows you to beat the long queues.
It could take more than a day to see all 3 locations at once if you do it on your own. So If you have limited time and want to visit Florence in one day in the most relaxing way, this excursion is for you.
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 12 hours
- Departure Point: Piazza Della Stazione, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 2 minutes walk from the train station to Piazza Della Stazione, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Tips
- Get supportive and comfortable walking shoes as there is quite a lot of walking.
- Wear comfortable clothes
Pros
- A friendly and knowledgeable guide that keeps you entertained.
- Amazing food (accommodate gluten allergy and vegetarian)
- Well organized.
- Allow you to visit three beautiful villages of Tuscany in one day.
- Excellent driver, keep on schedule and drive safely.
Cons
- Some travelers found the tour too long.
- A few commentators said there are lots of walking.
TOP PICK
2.Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking
If you like hiking and strolling around beautiful small authentic Italian villages, this excursion will meet your expectations! Don’t want to walk? No problem, you can do this tour by train.
Know that the hike is pretty intense as there are 382 steps to climb, and the paths are close to the cliff’s edge. So if you choose the hiking option, make sure to wear sturdy shoes.
Get aboard your comfortable coach and contemplate beautiful landscapes as your driver brings you to the five idyllic fishing villages of old-world Italy.
While traveling, your guide will entertain you with fascinating stories about the area and its five fishing villages, Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, and Vernazza.
Once you arrive, you’ll hike through the Cinque Terre on the hill on top of Manarola. Then you’ll continue walking through breathtaking trails up to Corniglia with your guide.
There is a cozy bar halfway where you can stop to rest, eat, and enjoy the panoramic. Excellent day tour!
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- Duration of the trip: approximatively 13 hours
- Departure Point: Piazza Della Stazione, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 2 minutes walk from the train station to Piazza Della Stazione, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Tips
- It’s hot in the summer, so try to wear shorts. You can even bring your swimwear as there are some great spots to swim.
- If you do the tour in the winter, bring a waterproof jacket.
- Get a good pair of hiking shoes if you plan to hike.
Pros
- Flexible, you can either take the train or do the hike.
- Knowledgeable and entertaining guides
- Very well organized and on time.
- An excellent way to explore the five villages in one day.
- Free time in each place.
Cons
- It involves a lot of stair climbing and walking if you opt for the hiking option. Challenging hike.
- The boat ride can be canceled if the weather is rough.
- If you do the hike, you have less time to spend in each place.
3.San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni, Chianti Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting
There is no better way to discover the three most beautiful villages of Tuscany in one day. No need to stress driving or wait for your train. Just Relax on a comfortable air-conditioned coach while visiting the Tuscan gems of Chianti, Siena, and San Gimignano.
You’ll start your trip in San Gimignano, the Henrico World Heritage site, located on a hilltop. This beautiful village is well known worldwide for its medieval color houses, towers, saffron cultivation, and Vernaccia wine production. Without a doubt, you’ll succumb to the charm of its marvelous architecture.
Once you are there, use your free time to visit the taller tower “Torre Grossa,” Cathedral of San Gimignano, Church of Sant’Agostino, and stroll around the old street filled with boutiques and art galleries.
Not far from San Gimignano, there is the famous historical hamlet of Monteriggioni, a walled town built in the 13th century that attracts thousands of travelers, architects, and archaeologists worldwide.
There you may roam around and admire the church of Santa Maria Assunta, Piazza Roam, Largo Fontebranda, and its fascinating museum. After visiting Monteriggioni, you’ll head to a charming winery in Chianti, where you’ll enjoy a delicious Italian lunch, three fine wines, balsamic vinegar, virgin olive oil tasting, and a tasty Tuscany dessert.
Your Next stop is in Siena, where your professional guide will bring you the famous Basilica of San Domenico built in the 13th century. You may have extra time to visit the Town Hall at “Piazza Del Campo.” and the spectacular Cathedral of the 12th century.
Then finish your journey by strolling on your own through the City’s narrow streets surrounded by historical palaces and local shops.
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 11 hours
- Departure Point: Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 8 minutes walk from the train station to Piazzale Montelungo, Firenze FI, Italy
Tips
- Wear supportive shoes as there is a lot of walking.
- Bring something to cover your shoulders and knees to enter the churches.
Pros
- Well organized tour
- Informative and friendly guide in Siena
- Excellent wine and local food tasting in Chianti
- You Get to see three villages in one day.
- Breathtaking views
Cons
- Some reviewers wished they had more time in San Gimignano and Siena.
- Several people complained there was a lot of walking.
4.Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine
If you want to travel through the splendid Tuscan hills and enjoy the breathtaking views in the most fun, romantic and adventurous way, this is the ideal excursion for you.
Get on your Vespa and discover the most beautiful parts of Florence. Your guide will give a brief overview of how to drive your Vespa. Then get a quick test around the location to ensure you are comfortable riding before you get on the road.
Ready for the drive? Okay, jump on your Vintage PK Vespa and wind through the city streets and into the beautiful countryside to admire Florence’s stunning panoramic views from the famous Church of San Miniato Al Monte before exploring an array of incredible artwork inside the Romanesque church.
Continue your adventure through the Tuscan hills, poppy fields, and vineyards. Take pictures with your loved ones and friends. On the way back to Florence, get to see the Piazzale Michelangelo and soak up the Arno River’s stunning views and the iconic Duomo.
End your adventure with a real Tuscan meal on a romantic terrace, tasting delicious bruschetta, pasta, burrata cheese, and sliced meat with fennel. Relax and enjoy the surrounding before heading back to Florence.
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 5 hours
- Departure Point: Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 1, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 23 minutes walk From the train station to Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 1, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- By bus 14: 23 minutes
Pros
- Fun and adventurous way to explore Florence
- A delicious meal and wine in a picturesque spot.
- Passionate and experienced guide keep you entertained
- Fantastic views of Florence
- You can do the tour in a car if you don’t pass the driving test.
Cons
- Some reviewers reported that the test driving was long.
- A few people felt not really safe driving on a Vespa.
5.Cinque Terre Semi-Private Day Trip from Florence
This is a semi-private day trip through the Cinque Terre. Only a few people participate, creating a very intimate atmosphere. Your excursion will start at the Piazza Della Republica in central Florence, where you’ll meet your guide and a few other participants.
Board your comfortable van and learn about the UNESCO-listed region’s history as you travel through Tuscany and into the Liguria area for your first stop in Manarola village.
Then get on board your boat and while sailing from Manarola to Vernazza, enjoy the stunning views of the impressive cliffs. Once you land, enjoy your free time and stroll around the elegant color houses surrounding the small marina.
Don’t miss to visit the Santa Margherita Di Antiochia Church, clinging to the rocks. Explore the Doria castle tower that sits on top of a cliff overlooking the harbor.
Savor a local Italian dish and tasty wine of the region in one of the seafront restaurants. After your journey at Vernazza, travel back to your starting destination through charming Corniglia.
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 10 hours
- Departure Point: Piazza della Repubblica, 43R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 11 minutes walk From the train station to Piazza della Repubblica, 43R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- By bus 14: 10 minutes
Tips
- Wear a good pair of shoes
- Bring your bathing suit and a towel. You can swim in the sea.
Pros
- Small group, maximum of 8 travelers.
- Comfortable private van with Air-conditioned.
- Breathtaking views along the way.
- Discover three of the cinque villages in one day.
- Delightful knowledgeable Guide/ driver
Cons
- Lots of uphills and downhills walking if you plan to hike.
- If the sea is rough, the operator will cancel the boat ride, and you’ll have the option to take the train instead.
- Some found the private van ride a bit long.
6.Wanna Be Italiano – The original Cooking Class & Market Tour in Florence
Want to cook like a real Italian chef? If so, don’t hesitate to take a real master cooking class while on vacation in Florence. Lots of people would have given 10 stars instead of 5 if they could so much they had fun.
Meet your friendly chef and classmates in Florence central. Then head to the famous central market of Firenze and stroll between stands filled with fresh vegetables, fruits, spices, local olive oil. While choosing the ingredients, your chef will share stories about the locals, and you’ll get to sample some delightful cheese and meat before heading to the kitchen.
After you’ve picked all the ingredients for your meal, get ready for your cooking class. Put on your apron and start to make fresh tagliatelle, ravioli, two types of meat sauces, and Tiramisu from scratch with the guidance of a real Italian chef.
Once the lunch you’ve cooked is ready, take a seat with all your new-found friends and family, and degust the delicious meal accompanied with Chianti wine. When you go back, you can impress your friends with all the recipes you have learned in this cooking class. And on top of this, you get a cookbook to recreate the recipes easily at home. And if your friends don’t believe you, show them your diploma!
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 5:30 hours
- Departure Point: Diadema Cooking School, Via Panicale, 43/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 8 minutes walk From the train station to Diadema Cooking School, Via Panicale, 43/r, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress long sleeve shirts.
- On Sunday and bank holidays the market is closed so pay attention to these details when you book your tour.
- Bring some hair bands to tie your hair when cooking.
Pros
- Plenty of food and wine tasting.
- You get a diploma and a cookbook at the end of the course
- Friendly and professional Italian chef
- Extremely well organized
- Suitable for vegetarians
Cons
- Some reviewers wished they were more recipes to learn.
7.Florence Day Trip to Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena
This tour will make you discover the three most symbolic villages of Tuscany – the famous San Gimignano, Pisa, and Siena and all this in one day. Be prepared because this tour lasts 12 to 13 hours, ready?
Your comfortable coach will take you to Siena to visit the Piazza del Campo, where the Palio di Siena horse race is held and its stunning monuments.
You’ll then head to the winery halfway between Siena and San Gimignano to have a delicious Italian lunch and local tasting wine.
After this relaxing lunch, your journey continues to San Gimignano, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be able to stroll around beautiful medieval houses and explore Piazza Della Cisterna, Piazza del Duomo, or the Cathedral of San Gimignano. And while you are there, don’t miss refreshing and delicious ice cream at the famous Gelato.
It won’t be easy, but it’s time to leave and head to Pisa. There you’ll have the time to explore the stunning Piazza Dei Miracoli, Baptistery, and the famous leaning Tower.
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 12 to 13 hours
- Departure Point: Villa Costanza Tram T1, 50018 Scandicci, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
- Getting there: 29 minutes via tramway (T1.3) From the train station to Villa Costanza Tram T1), 50018 Scandicci, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
Tips
- Take some money with you if you leave your bag on the bus. You may need it to go to the bathroom or buy something.
- Wear supportive shoes there are lots of walking.
Pros
- Comfortable and clean coach.
- Delicious lunch and wine at the winery
- The tour is delivered in English and Spanish.
- Knowledgable and attentional guides
- Great way to see the most famous sights in one day.
Cons
- Some wished they had more time at San Gimignano and Siena.
- Several reviewers said there are lots of walking.
- A few people commented that the tour is too long for small children.
8.Self-Drive Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Florence
No need to rent a car to explore the beauty of Florence. Your fashionable Vintage Fiat 500 will drive you and your loved ones through the beautiful countryside of Firenze. Just make sure you or your partner have a manual license. If you don’t, you can still do this tour on a Vespa, as they offer this option as well.
Meet your guide at central Florence, and from there, head to the location where your restored Fiat is waiting for you to begin your fun adventure. Before you hit the road, your guide will give a brief overview of how to manipulate manual gears to ensure you feel comfortable.
Then, jump into your car and drive through stunning hills and small city streets you would have never experienced without this Fiat!
Stop at the beautiful Church of San Miniato al Monte, renowned to be one of the most beautiful churches in the country, and enjoy Florence’s spectacular views. And while you are there, don’t forget to take pictures!
After this relaxing pause, continue your journey through lovely hillside town areas of the charming Tuscany.
During your tour, you’ll get the chance to stop at various places such as the Villa Pian dei Giullari, Villa del Poggio Imperiale to admire stunning fields of olive oil and wine.
Complement this tour with a delicious traditional Tuscan meal and Chianti wine in an outdoor veranda of a hillside winery at the Casa Chianti Classico and enjoy Chianti, Siena, and Florence’s spectacular views.
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 5 hours
- Departure Point: Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 24 minutes walking From the train station to Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- By Bus N.23: 22 minutes
Tips
- Get your camera with you!
Pros
- Walkie talkie to connect with the guide during the drive.
- A helpful and knowledgeable guide
- Well organized
- Delicious Traditional Tuscan meal and Chianti wine
- Well maintained cars.
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Cons
- Must know how to drive manual gear.
- The Fiat and Vespa tour can be combined if they aren’t enough participants.
9.Semi-Private Horses and Vineyards – Horseback Riding in Tuscany
Discover the Tuscan countryside on horseback—what a unique way to see the beauty of the surrounding. And the best part is that you don’t need any experience. Trust your horse; he will take you through the lovely Chianti wine region to admire the breathtaking landscape of vineyards and olive trees.
After the pleasant ride, walk through lovely curving roads to a rustic local wine cellar and discover the region’s winemaking tradition. Then, get to a charming Italian family-owned winery covered with cypress and olive trees to have a traditional Tuscan meal consisting of bruschetta, Pecorino cheese, salami, Prosciutto, and Chianti wine. What a dream tour!
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 6 hours
- Departure Point: Piazza Mentana, 2, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 19 minutes walk from the train station to Piazza Mentana, 2, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- By Bus N.14: 18 minutes
Tips
- Wear long leave pants so that you have a comfortable ride.
- Wear sneakers, shoes, or Blundstone.
Pros
- Friendly and well-behaved horses
- Fabulous lunch/dinner at the winery.
- Two Wine tasting
- Beautiful landscapes
- Professional and friendly guides
Cons
- Some people wished they could ride a little faster.
- A few reviewers said the wine tasting was a little short.
10.E-Bike Florence Tuscany Ride with Vineyard Visit
If you want to explore Florence’s beautiful countryside without having to spend most of your day on a bus or guided excursion, the E-bike tour will please you a lot. No need to be in shape or a professional cyclist to ride an E-bike. It’s easy to control, and the cool thing is that you can drive at your own pace and independently.
Your tour starts at the Florence shop where you’ll meet your guide. He will quickly put you at ease with useful advice about the route and how to use the E-bike. Once you are ready, hit the road and wind through the magnificent forests and breathtaking views.
Stop at Fiesole’s historic town and have a delicious cup of cappuccino while soaking in Florence’s atmosphere and spectacular landscapes from the monastery.
After this relaxing pause, get back on your E-Bike and head to Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta in Settignano village.
There you may choose to have a tasty Tuscan lunch, which consists of fresh Italian bread with Chianti olive oil, cheese, and charcuteries, and buy a picnic of traditional Tuscan products at the vineyard shop.
Continue your journey and explore stunning Tuscan villas and magnificent views. Enjoy another stop at the vineyard for a Chianti glass of wine and Italian snacks.
Your next stop will be at the famous Piazzale Michelangelo, from where you’ll have the chance to admire the stunning Florence panoramas. When you feel ready to end your E-Bike trip, it’s time to say good-bye, and get back to the shop.
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 4 to 7 hours
- Departure Point: E-Bikes Florence, Via Santa Reparata, 7R, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 11 minutes walk from the train station to E-Bikes Florence, Via Santa Reparata, 7R, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
- By Bus N. 1, 6, 7, 11,14: 10 minutes
Tips
- There is a swimming pool at the vineyard where you can swim. So bring your swimsuit and a towel with you.
- Bring mosquito repellent as there are quite a lot of insects along the road. Try to use citronella oil; it’s natural and doesn’t cause any damage to your skin, and it works great!
Pros
- Top-quality bikes
- The route is well thought out and easy to follow.
- It doesn’t require any experience.
- The tour provides a device holder and GPS map.
- Tasty wine and snacks at the vineyard.
Cons
- The swimming pool at the vineyard charges an entrance fee.
- The lunch at the vineyard is not included in the tour.
11.Full-Day Bologna Food Experience from Florence
This is a food and wine tour you shouldn’t miss if you are in Italy. Visit the Emilia Romagna countryside to discover the famous Parmigiano Reggiano’s secret cheese procedure.
Learn about the process and history of oak-barrel aged Balsamic vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena) at a traditional Acetaia run by the Cavedoni family since the 1860s.
Then move on to see how the Prosciutto is made, and enjoy multi-course lunch and local wines before returning to Florence.
Be prepared to eat well, drink a lot, and learn the secret of the best cheese in the world, Parmigiano Reggiano! One thing is for sure is that you won’t need to spend a penny on a fancy restaurant after this tour. You’ll be completely stuffed.
Meet up with some participants on your tour at Santa Maria Novella. Then board your comfortable air-conditioned van and head to the Parmigiano Reggiano factory.
Before you start your trip, have a delicious breakfast with home speciality cheese and wine.
Meet up with your guide that will entertain you with fascinating stories about the region, food, and factory. Then learn all the steps on how to make the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Enjoy some Italian snacks and wines.
Then continue your tour at Acetaia, where you’ll meet a lovely family that runs the balsamic vinegar complex since the 1860s. While listening about the history of the place, have some delicious foods with wines and desserts.
Your next stop will be at the Monteveglio, where you’ll have the chance to see the production of Prosciutto. Degust sliced meats and wine and then head to a charming top hill restaurant for a delightful lunch and enjoy the beautiful landscapes surrounding the farm.
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 10 hours
- Departure Point: Santa Maria Novella, Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 2 minutes walk from the train station to Santa Maria Novella, Firenze FI, Italy
Tips
- Make sure to wear stretchable pants so that you don’t feel compressed after the food.
- Wear supportive shoes to be comfortable during the tour.
Pros
- Plenty of wine and food tasting (Included in the tour)
- Delicious traditional Italian lunch at the farmhouse (Included in the tour)
- Fun and educational.
- Friendly and knowledgeable guide.
- Extremely well-organized.
Cons
- Not wheelchair accessible
12.Full-Day Tuscany Castles Tour With Wine Tasting from Florence
Explore the beautiful Italian countryside and step back in time in the Tuscany castles. This is a small group tour, so it’s very relaxing.
Your Next stop will be at the Tenuta Bossi, a renaissance villa that the Gondy family has owned since 1592. This winery is situated on wooded hills in the heart of Chianti and has 315 hectares of vineyards, olive groves, cereals, and woods.
This beautiful renaissance villa has been restored over the centuries. Near the Villa Gondi, there is a church built by a family member “AntoninoGondi.
Your guide will give you an overview of the castle’s history and its olive oil and wine process. Then you’ll end your tour at the winery with a fabulous Italian lunch and degustation of Chianti wine before returning to Florence.
- Duration of the trip: approximatively 6 to 8 hours
- Departure Point: Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- Getting there: 23 minutes walk from the train station to Piazza dei Cavalleggeri, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
- By Bus N.14: 23 minutes
Tips
- Wear comfortable clothes
Pros
- Suitable for vegetarians
- knowledgeable and friendly guide
- beautiful landscapes
- plenty of food and wine tasting
- Comfortable air-conditioned minivan
Cons
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Under 18 years old cannot participate in the tour
Guide To Day Excursion From Florence
Florence Overview
Florence is well known to be one of the most beautiful towns in the world. This lovely gem of Tuscany Italy is home to stunning architecture and art museums, attracting around 16 million visitors every year. So it doesn’t matter when you go to Florence, it’s practically always filled with tourists.
The most famous sights in Florence are the Galleria dell’Accademia, which is home to Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture. The cathedral Duomo has an impressive terracotta-tiled dome and bell tower constructed by Giotto and Brunelleschi. And not to forget, the splendid Uffizi Gallery that exhibits the Birth of Venus paint by Sandro Botticelli and “Adoration of the Magi,” “Annunciation” Painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
Best Time to Do a Day Tour in Florence
This will depend on the type of tour you’ll choose. However, the best months to visit Florence are from April to June and September to October. The weather is agreeable and the place is still not too crowded with tourists.
July and August can be great months to visit, but it’s hot, humid, and packed with travelers. Also, it’s the peak season; thus, prices are sky-high.
In the winter, you can find great deals, especially after Christmas, and you can visit Florence’s sights without having to do the queue for hours.
- Best Time for Outdoor Tours: April to end of June – September to the end of October.
- Best Time for Sightseeing Tours: March to May – September to November.
- Best Time for Water tours and sunbathing: June to September.
How to Get Around Florence
By foot: It’s easy to walk around Florence as it’s very small. You can stroll around the History Center of the Town from one end to the other in only 30 minutes.
In my opinion, this is by far the best way to get around Florence because you see so much more than just the main attractions.
What a great way to explore the small quaint shops, Renaissance architecture, and local Tucson restaurants by walking through the City’s narrow, cobblestone streets.
By Bus: If you don’t want to walk, Florence has an excellent bus system, named ATAF, which runs all over the City and goes where bus tours can’t access.
Just make sure to validate your ticket once you get on. You can also map your route on Google maps or the ATAF website.
The tickets are incredibly cheap, and you can find them easily in local Italian stores. A one-way ticket costs around ($1.70) 1.50 Euros, and if you buy a ride package, it’s even cheaper.
Taxi: Know that cabs are expensive in Florence and if you don’t want to shell out a lot of money, avoid them. They might charge you around $3.50 per meter and even higher on certain hours, generally between 10 pm and 6 am or on Sundays.
Travelers use them only to go from Florence train station to their destination and vice versa. Be aware that flagging down a taxi is not allowed, so you better call them before or go straight to the official taxi station.
Like most of Italy’s main cities, Florence is marked with ZTL( Limited Traffic Zone – Zona Traffico Limitato in Italian), which means tourists and non-residents cannot drive in these zones.
Know that there are cameras place at each zone entrance, and if you get caught, you can expect to pay around 65 Euros and sometimes, even more, depending on the City.
If you rent a car, you must park outside the ZTL area unless your hotel offers private parking. However, if you park in your hotel, make sure to tell the receptionist that you come in a car.
Another thing worth mentioning, all U.S citizens must have an international driving license to drive in Italy. So if you plan on hiring a car in Florence, bring it with you.
Who Is a Day Excursion For?
A day tour is for anyone who wants to enjoy a fun or informative activity while on vacation. It’s also a fantastic way to explore Florence in one day. Whether it’s to celebrate a marriage anniversary, honeymoon, or spend unique moments with family and friends, it ticks all the boxes.
It’s also for travelers short on time while in Italy and wants to get the most out of Florence in one day without stressing. Many day tours include food and wine tasting and dinner or lunch, and everything is well organized. You don’t have to do anything other than enjoy!
Why Do a Day Excursion in Florence?
- You don’t have to stress to plan an itinerary. Everything is organized for you to have a great time while you visit Florence.
- It saves you a lot of time, nerves and it’s less expensive than buying individual tours and transport tickets.
- Most day tours offer plenty of food, wine tasting, and lunch, so you don’t have to worry about finding a restaurant to eat outside.
- You can skip the line and get inside the site without having to do lengthy queues for hours.
- You meet new friends during the trip.
Can I Cancel a Day Excursion?
Yes, most tour operators give you a full refund If you cancel 24 hours before your excursion begins.
Sometimes If the trip is canceled due to poor weather or because there aren’t enough people to fill out the tour, you will get your money back or another excursion.
Either way, you’ll get a refund. However, always check the refund policy on the website you buy the tour.
What Include in a Day Excursion in Florence?
Prices and conditions vary depending on the trip. So always check on the website from where you book your tour what’s included and what’s not.
What’s usually included in a full day tour:
- Lunch (Not always)
- Food and wine tasting, or other drinks
- Breakfast if you start early in the morning (Not always)
- A knowledgeable guide.
- Equipment. (Talkie walkie, snorkel, rafting gear, headphone, bicycle, depending on the trip)
- Transport from one place to another by air conditioner minivan, or train boat depending on the tour.
- Entrance fees
What’s usually not included
- Sometimes the Hotel pick-up and drop-off options are included, so you should always check on the website before you Book.
- Photo CD
- Gratuities.
- Personal shopping.
What’s generally included in a half-day tour:
- Food and drink tasting or snacks. ( Not always)
- Equipment (Talkie walkie, snorkel, rafting gear, headphone, bicycle, depending on the trip)
- Professional Guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
What’s often not included in a half-day tour:
- Lunch or dinner (not always)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off. (Sometimes, it’s included)
- Gratuities
- Personal expanse
- Entrance fees (not always)
How Long is a Day Excursion?
It depends, some tours take only a few hours while others the whole day. Typically a day tour starts around 8 am and ends around 5 pm, which is great if you want to get the most out of Florence in a short amount of time.
Half-day tours generally start in the morning around 9 am and finish at 1 pm but can also begin at 1 pm and end in the evening around 5 pm. These are great if you are on a tight schedule or don’t want to spend the whole day exploring.
What to Wear in Florence
- Summer: Shorts, skirts, hats, light dresses, breathable mesh shoes, or comfortable sandals.
- Winter: Waterproof jackets, scarf, gloves, warm sweatshirts, jeans, boots, or supportive walking shoes
- Spring: Rain jacket, long sleeve shirts, dress, sneakers, light walking shoes.
- Fall: Bottom layers, cotton scarf, jeans, heavy legging, leather jacket, or trench coat, boots, walking shoes.
Tips
1.Florence is small, but the museums there are huge and quiet. So wear comfortable shoes that don’t make noise. And avoid high heels at all costs.
2. Most shops and museums are closed on Monday in Florence, Including the academy Museum and Uffizi Gallery. So If you intend to visit sites, it would be best to do it on Sunday. Just make sure that you book your tickets in advance.
3. Be aware that shop owners love to do siesta in Florence between 1 pm to 4 pm. So if you want to do some shopping make sure to do it before or after these hours.
4.Always bring some cash with you. Florence Is well known for its leather and food markets, and some places don’t accept checks or visas, only cash!
5.Some Churches require a certain dress code. So if you plan on visiting churches in Florence for the sake of cultural respect, it would be preferable to carry a long cotton scarf with you so you can cover your shoulders or wrap around your waist to cover your legs in the summer.
6. Before entering any church, men should always take off their hats as it’s not allowed.
Final Words!
With this little guide and list of Florence’s best day tours, you can’t go wrong. Whether you want an informative, fun, adventurous, romantic, or relaxing excursion, you can be sure those day trips will make you have the best time ever while you are in Florence.
Have a fantastic day excursion!
Did you do a day Excursion from Florence? if so, how was your experience? I would love to know!
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
I would love to be in Italy right now, because the winter here in Belgium is so cold and it is freezing! The areas that you describe in this article, how is the temperature right now over there? I hope it is a lot warmer at the moment? I hope I can fly again soon to go on Holiday and that I can leave Belgium and Corona quarantine soon. Italy, here I come!
Hi Lizzy,
Hi Lizzy,
Like in Belgium, it’s cold in Italy at this time of the year, but from now on, the temperatures are going to rise, and soon the weather will be very pleasant:) Spring is coming! When everyone gets vaccinated, travel will get back like it was before. It will take a little time, but it will come back for sure. Nothing can stop people from traveling:)
Thanks for visiting and Ciao!
HI
I love your site, the article about cruising in Italy. Talking and writing about such an amazing country, ofc a few nations know about this but I admitted I’m from the few I know. I Luv Italy.
I would like to thank you and I really appreciate that you want to bring at the surface the real deal for when someone goes to Italy how to get the best Day trips from Florence. Convenient and very detailed. Once this virus s over I’ll definitely book to go to Italy and, as I’ve booked your website into my google I’ll take care and write down your advice.
.
Once again I love it
Hi Angel,
I am glad you enjoyed the reading, and I hope it will help you choose a day excursion for your upcoming trip:).
If you need help, please let me know. I am always happy to assist!
Have a wonderful day!
What a great post! I’ve always wanted to go to Italy, but now with the pandemic… still, your post is very helpful for when I decide to go. I’m not surprised that Florence is one of the highest rated excursions. Tuscany is jam-packed with rich history, beautiful art, a countryside to die for… and not to mention the wineries and super delicious food. Riding on a plane for 12 hours is scary to me though but possibly worth it. I’ll be sure to wear comfortable shoes when I go.
Hi Shalisha,
Thanks, I am glad you’ve found this guide helpful. Yes, I know, but the Pandemic will soon be over, and everyone will be able to travel again.
If you are in Florence and participate in one of these tours, you will surely need a good pair of walking shoes. They all involve a lot of walking.
Let me know if you need help; I am always happy to assist!
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a great day!
Italy is definitely one of those places that we family is going to visit after all this COVID stuff done. We got our passports a year ago just before all this pandemic stuff happened. We planned on celebrating our 20th anniversary overseas. Well now that there is a vaccine we are hoping to celebrate year. Florence looks absolutely stunning, and this is a perfect collection of amazing packages that we could possibly do. I really like the horseback one and the food experience tours. I hope everything opens up soon and we can start getting stamps on our passports.
Hi there,
Yes, Italy is beautiful, many people are waiting for traveling there, especially in Florence:)
Thank God the Covid is almost over! We’ll all be able able to celebrate and travel again soon.
If you need any help, please let me know; I’ll be more than happy to assist.
Thanks for the comment, and I wish you a lovely day!
Oh looks so great….all of the tours! Can’t wait till COVID is over. I am planning a cruise and Italy will be one of my stops. So I will have to sift thru these and see which one would be a good day tour that fits into the schedule. Any come to mind?
Hi Lea,
Sure I’ll be glad to help, can you just tell me how much free time you get on the cruise? Half-day? Longer?
However, if you have only a few hours free, the cooking class is a great option as it lasts only 5:30 hours. if you want a more flexible tour, E-Bike Florence Tuscany Ride will meet your expectations as you are the one who decides when to finish the tour.
I hope it helped. Please let me know if you need more info. I’ll be more than happy to assist!