Florence makes day trips simple - fast trains, compact stations, and routes that trade city crowds for vineyards, seaside walks, and medieval streets in under two hours. This guide is built for practical travelers: real departure times from Firenze S. M. Novella, point-to-point travel tips, and one-day plans you can follow without a tour. Use the quick navigation to jump straight to Tuscany hill towns, wine country itineraries, coastal escapes, lakes and thermal baths, Umbrian classics, and major cities reachable by high-speed rail.
Tuscany — Towns & Medieval Hill Cities
Pisa (Пиза)
Why go: See one of Italy’s most iconic ensembles in person and feel the contrast between the postcard area and a laid‑back university town on the Arno.
- Climb the Leaning Tower (reserve ahead).
- Walk the full Piazza dei Miracoli: Duomo, Baptistery, Camposanto.
- Reflections along the Arno near Ponte di Mezzo.
- Stroll Borgo Stretto (arcades, cafés, small shops).
- Palazzo Blu (temporary art shows).
- Summer detour: Marina di Pisa (20–25 min by bus).
One‑day plan: 08:30 train → 09:45 Piazza dei Miracoli (Duomo → tower) → 12:00 Camposanto → 13:30 lunch near Borgo Stretto → 15:00 Arno & old town → 17:00 coffee/gelato → 18:30 train back.
Tip: Arrive at opening or near sunset for softer light and fewer groups.
Siena (Сиена)
Why go: Florence’s Gothic “sister” with dramatic Piazza del Campo and one of Italy’s finest cathedrals.
- Duomo complex: Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Museum + Facciatone views.
- Piazza del Campo — geometry of the Palio and city rhythm.
- Museo Civico: Ambrogio Lorenzetti frescoes.
- Wine aperitivo in narrow‑lane trattorie.
- Local sweets: panforte, ricciarelli.
Plan: 08:30 depart → 10:00 Campo → 11:00 Duomo complex → 14:00 lunch → 15:30 Museo Civico → 17:00 aperitivo → 18:30 back.
Tip: With a car, park near the escalators (S. Caterina/Fornaci).
San Gimignano (Сан‑Джиминьяно)
Why go: The “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” — a skyline of towers and the white wine Vernaccia.
- Torre Grossa (views over rolling hills).
- Piazza della Cisterna — gelato and the stone‑heart of town.
- Vernaccia tastings in enotecas.
- Duomo with Ghirlandaio frescoes.
- Blue‑hour walk atop the walls.
Plan: 09:00 depart → 10:30 center → 11:00 Torre Grossa → 12:30 Vernaccia tasting → 14:00 lunch → 16:00 Duomo/museums → 17:30 sunset & return.
Tip: Easy to pair with Siena if you start early.
Lucca (Лукка)
Why go: A perfect slow day: tree‑lined walls, bicycles, music, and pasta in the oval Amphitheatre square.
- Cycle the ramparts (4.2 km, easy and scenic).
- Torre Guinigi with rooftop garden.
- Duomo di San Martino, Volto Santo.
- Piazza dell’Anfiteatro for lunch/aperitivo.
- Evening concerts/organ recitals.
Plan: 09:00 depart → 10:30 bike rental → 11:30 Torre Guinigi → 13:00 lunch at Amphitheatre → 15:00 Cathedral → 16:30 coffee & lanes → 18:00 back.
Tip: Combine with Pisa — morning there, evening here.
Arezzo (Ареццо)
Why go: Piero della Francesca’s Renaissance frescoes and the atmospheric Piazza Grande.
- Basilica di San Francesco — “Legend of the True Cross.”
- Piazza Grande & museum quarter.
- Casa Vasari (architecture & interiors).
- Fortezza Medicea (views and park).
- Antique and vintage shops.
Plan: 09:00 depart → 10:15 Piero frescoes → 12:00 Piazza Grande → 13:00 lunch → 15:00 Fortezza → 16:30 coffee/shopping → 18:00 back.
Tip: Reserve morning slots for the frescoes to avoid groups.
Cortona (Кортoна)
Why go: A cinematic Tuscan hilltown with widescreen views over Val di Chiana.
- Piazza della Repubblica and honey‑stone lanes.
- Museo Diocesano (Fra Angelico).
- Eremo Le Celle (quiet hermitage walk).
- Wine & Tuscan antipasti tastings.
Plan: 08:50 depart → 10:30 old town → 11:30 museum → 13:00 lunch with a view → 15:30 Le Celle → 17:30 aperitivo → 19:00 back.
Tip: Grippy footwear — some steep ascents.
Volterra (Вольтерра)
Why go: Etruscan heritage, a Roman theatre, and alabaster craft — with far fewer crowds than the coast.
- Museo Etrusco Guarnacci (remarkable collection).
- Teatro Romano (2nd c. BCE).
- Palazzo & Piazza dei Priori.
- Alabaster workshops (carving demos).
- Medici fortress at dusk.
Plan: 08:30 depart → 10:45 Etruscan museum → 12:00 Roman theatre → 13:30 lunch → 15:00 Palazzo/Piazza → 16:30 workshops → 18:00 walls & views → 19:00 back.
Tip: Check evening buses in advance — services are limited.
Pienza (Пьенца)
Why go: A distilled essence of Val d’Orcia — ideal Renaissance town, pecorino cheese, and “postcard” viewpoints.
- UNESCO old town and balcony viewpoints.
- Pecorino di Pienza tastings (various aging styles).
- Photo spots: Vitaleta chapel, cypress alleys.
- Bagno Vignoni thermal square (short detour).
Plan (best by car): 07:30 depart → 09:30 Pienza → 11:00 tastings → 12:30 photo stops → 14:30 lunch in Bagno Vignoni → 16:30 more photo stops → 18:00 back.
Tip: Dawn or sunset delivers the magic light and minimal crowds.
Montepulciano (Монтепульчано)
Why go: Palazzi, atmospheric cellars, and Vino Nobile tastings in historic tunnels.
- Piazza Grande & noble palaces.
- Cellar tour with tasting in the old town.
- Walk to Tempio di San Biagio (views, photos).
- Enotecas with local cuisine.
Plan: 08:30 depart → 10:30 center → 11:30 cellar tour → 13:30 lunch → 15:30 San Biagio → 17:00 aperitivo → 18:30 back.
Tip: Book tastings around midday to keep the day balanced.
Montalcino (Монтальчино)
Why go: Capital of Brunello with a photogenic fortress and endless vineyard views.
- Fortezza di Montalcino (often with enoteca).
- Sant’Antimo Abbey (quiet, atmospheric stop).
- 1–2 wineries around town (enough for a day).
- Lanes & viewpoints.
Plan (car): 08:30 depart → 10:30 fortress + tasting → 12:30 lunch → 14:00 Sant’Antimo → 15:30 winery → 18:00 back.
Tip: Scenic roads can be twisty — allow buffer time.
Monteriggioni (Монтерриджони)
Why go: A tiny crown‑like fortress on a hill — pure medieval vibe with little stress.
- Walk the walls (paid sections exist).
- Piazza Roma & craft shops.
- Tuscan board lunch & Chianti by the glass.
- Photo‑op at the gate.
Plan: 10:00 depart → 11:30 walls → 12:30 lunch → 14:00 stroll/shops → 15:30 back or continue to Siena.
Tip: Late afternoon after tour buses leave is best.
Fiesole (Фьезоле)
Why go: The quickest escape from Florence for panoramic city views, ancient ruins, and cooler air.
- Lookouts near Convento di San Francesco (views of Florence Duomo).
- Archaeological Area: Roman theatre & museum.
- Café with a view; villa and garden strolls.
- Sunset photos over Florence.
Half‑day plan: 16:00 bus → 16:30 viewpoints → 17:15 archaeological area → 18:30 coffee/sunset → 19:30 back for dinner in Florence.
Tip: It’s breezier on the hill — bring a light layer.
Wine & Countryside
Chianti (Кьянти)
Why go: Rolling hills, cypresses, stone borghi and dozens of estates offering vineyard and cellar tours — classic “postcard Tuscany.”
- Estate tastings (compare Chianti Classico / Gran Selezione).
- Town chain: Greve → Panzano → Castellina/Radda/Gaiole.
- Food: bistecca alla fiorentina, Tuscan antipasti, new‑season olive oil.
- e‑Bike/trekking among vines; iconic cypress photo stops.
- Cooking classes (pasta/ragù) with house wines/olive oil.
Day plan (car): 08:30 SR222 → 09:30 Greve (piazza + enotecas) → 11:00 Estate #1 tour+tasting → 13:00 Panzano lunch → 15:00 Castellina (Via delle Volte + enoteca) → 16:30 Estate #2 → 18:30 sunset viewpoint → 20:00 Florence.
Practice: Book tastings; driver stays 0.0‰; grippy shoes (gravel near vines).
Val d’Orcia (Валь д’Орча)
Why go: The archetype of Tuscan landscapes — wave‑like hills, cypress alleys, stone chapels; pecorino (Pienza) and warm springs (Bagno Vignoni/Bagni San Filippo).
- Photo marathon: Vitaleta chapel, La Foce S‑curve, Belvedere di San Quirico.
- Towns: Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, Montalcino (fortress + Brunello).
- Thermal pause: Bagno Vignoni / Bagni San Filippo (short walk in).
- Pecorino tastings and slow‑food osterie.
Day plan (car): 07:30 depart → 09:30 Pienza + pecorino → 11:15 Vitaleta → 12:00 San Quirico (Horti Leonini) → 13:00 Bagno Vignoni lunch & soak break → 15:30 La Foce photo stop → 17:00 wine stop en‑route → 19:30 Florence.
Tips: Parking at photo spots is limited; carry cash for small farms; don’t soak in the central pool at Bagno Vignoni — use nearby streams/terme.
Tuscany Countryside / Vineyards (general)
Why go: Slow down without long logistics: stroll among vines, meet winemakers, long agriturismo lunches, back to Florence by dinner.
- 1–2 wineries: vineyard + cellar tour, mini vertical tasting.
- Agriturismo lunch with views.
- e‑Bike between vineyards; olive harvest in season (on request).
- Short walk to cypress viewpoints; simple cooking class.
Easy day (car/taxi): 09:30 depart → 10:15 Winery #1 (60–90 min) → 12:30 Agriturismo lunch (90 min) → 14:30 Winery #2 → 16:30 short walk/photo stop → 18:00 Florence.
Tips: Always pre‑book; ask for small pours or a spittoon; hat, SPF, water; bring a padded tote for bottles.
Sea & Coast
Cinque Terre (Чинкве‑Терре)
Why go: Five cliff‑hugging villages, turquoise water, terraced vines, coastal trails, and painterly sunsets.
- Hike Sentiero Azzurro / upper trails (sections may close after rain).
- Hop by train between villages + seasonal boats.
- Beaches/swims: Monterosso (sand), Vernazza (cove).
- Tastes: sciacchetrà wine, Monterosso anchovies, focaccia.
- Sunset viewpoints at Manarola/Vernazza.
Classic day: 07:30 train → 10:00 Riomaggiore → 11:00 Manarola (iconic view) → 12:30 Corniglia (stairs/shuttle) → 14:00 Vernazza (lunch, cove) → 16:00 Monterosso (beach) → 19:00 train back.
Tips: Cinque Terre Card covers local trains/trails; grippy shoes, water, SPF; early/late light is best.
La Spezia (Ла‑Специя)
Why go: Handy base for Cinque Terre with its own seafront, museums, and better prices than the villages.
- Passeggiata Morin waterfront, fort views.
- Naval/maritime collections, contemporary spaces.
- Boat day across the Gulf of Poets (Lerici, Portovenere).
- Seafood dinners and waterfront aperitivo.
Hub day: 09:30 arrive → seafront coffee → boat/bus to Portovenere (walk church of San Pietro + grotto views) → 15:00 back → 16:00 aperitivo/dinner → 19:00 train to Florence.
Portofino (Портофино)
Why go: A luxurious cove with yachts, villas, pines over emerald water, and short scenic trails.
- Harbor piazza, Castello Brown, church of San Giorgio.
- Walk to Paraggi beach or lighthouse trail on the cape.
- Boat rides, SUP/kayak in Paraggi.
- Waterfront lunch (reserve if possible).
Views + swim: 08:00 train → 11:00 to Portofino → 12:00 Castello Brown/lighthouse → 14:00 harbor lunch → 15:30 Paraggi swim → 18:00 back to S. Margherita → 19:00 train.
Tip: Light sneakers, hat, swim gear; budget for higher prices.
Viareggio (Виареджо)
Why go: Easiest beach day from Florence: long sandy lidos, Art‑Deco promenade, many cafés and seafood spots.
- Stabilimenti (paid zones with umbrellas/showers) or free sections.
- Promenade with early‑20th‑century façades.
- Bike rentals along the seafront; sunsets.
- Seafood classics: fritto misto, spaghetti alle vongole.
Beach‑light: 09:00 train → 10:30 coffee + beach → 13:30 lunch on the promenade → 15:00 more beach/bike ride → 18:00 sunset → 19:00 train back.
Tip: In peak season reserve sunbeds; SPF, water, hat; fewer services on free beaches.
Livorno (Ливорно)
Why go: A gritty port character with Terrazza Mascagni, the “New Venice” canal quarter, and superb no‑frills seafood.
- Terrazza Mascagni (checkered seafront plaza).
- Nuova Venezia canals by boat or on foot (great at dusk).
- Aquarium (good for rainy days/kids).
- Local dish: cacciucco (fish stew).
- Skerry coves south of town (rocky swims — water shoes).
City + sea: 09:30 arrive → 10:00 canals/center → 12:30 Terrazza Mascagni → 13:30 cacciucco lunch → 15:30 southern coast swim/coves → 18:30 aperitivo on the terrace → 20:00 train back.
Lakes & Thermal Baths
Lake Trasimeno (озеро Тразимено)
Why go: The closest waterside chill from Florence — pastoral shores, lakeside cuisine, castles, and a small inhabited island.
- Promenade & swims (piers, small sandy/grass beaches).
- SUP/pedalos/kayaks (especially in Passignano).
- Boat to Isola Maggiore (loop walk).
- Rocca del Leone castle in Castiglione del Lago (views).
- Lake dishes: carpa in porchetta, pike; local wine & olive oil.
Plan: 08:30 train → 10:30 Passignano (coffee, stroll) → 11:30 SUP/kayak 60–90 min → 13:00 fish lunch → 14:30 boat to Isola Maggiore → 17:00 sunset back → 18:30 train.
Tip: Hat/SPF/towel/water shoes; prebook rentals on summer weekends.
Lake Como (озеро Комо)
Why go: Dramatic mountains, silk‑smooth water, villas and gardens; the Varenna–Bellagio–Menaggio “triangle” is perfect even in a single day.
- Triangle ferries between Varenna–Bellagio–Menaggio.
- Varenna: lakeside walkway, Villa Monastero gardens.
- Bellagio: scalinate lanes, Villa Melzi gardens.
- Menaggio promenade and jagged‑peak views.
- Light hikes above Varenna or to Vezio castle.
Plan (train + boats): 07:00 depart → 10:15 Varenna (walkway, gardens) → 12:30 Bellagio (lunch, Villa Melzi) → 16:00 Menaggio (stroll) → 17:30 back to Bellagio/Varenna → 18:30–19:00 trains home.
Tip: Day ferry pass in the triangle; allow buffer for queues; good‑grip shoes (many stairs).
Saturnia Hot Springs (термы Сатурния)
Why go: Travertine terraces with ~37°C sulfur water year‑round; milky‑blue cascades and “infinity” pools — one of Italy’s most photogenic natural spas.
- Cascate del Mulino — free natural pools (24/7).
- Terme di Saturnia spa complex (showers/lockers).
- Photo session by the cascades (be gentle to travertine).
- Lunch at an agriturismo; Maremma wine tasting.
Plan (car): 07:00 depart → 09:45–10:00 Cascate swim (1.5–2h) → 12:30 agriturismo lunch → 14:00 stroll nearby hills/visit Montemerano or spa entry → 17:00 sunset at cascades → 18:00 drive back.
Safety: Water shoes; two towels; waterproof phone pouch; no soaps/shampoos; avoid strong jets on neck/shoulders; leave no trace.
Umbria & Central Italy
Assisi (Ассизи)
Why go: A spiritual center with unique fresco cycles and wide Umbrian views; a softer pace than Florence.
- Basilica of St. Francis (upper + lower; quiet crypt).
- Basilica of St. Clare, Piazza del Comune, Temple of Minerva.
- Walk up to Rocca Maggiore (olive‑grove vistas).
- Olive‑oil and truffle delicacy tastings.
- In the lower town: S. Maria degli Angeli & the Porziuncola.
Plan: 07:45 train → 10:15 arrive → bus/taxi uphill → 10:45 St. Francis (90 min) → 12:30 center/coffee → 13:15 lunch (truffle pasta, cinghiale) → 14:45 Rocca Maggiore → 16:15 S. Chiara → 17:00 down to S. Maria degli Angeli → 18:15 train back.
Tip: Shoulders/knees covered for basilicas; good‑grip shoes. Add Eremo delle Carceri (45–60 min) if you enjoy quiet walks.
Orvieto (Орвието)
Why go: A dazzling striped Duomo with mosaics, a honeycomb of tufa caves, and the genius Pozzo di San Patrizio double‑helix well.
- Duomo di Orvieto with the San Brizio Chapel frescoes.
- Pozzo di San Patrizio — spiral descent/ascent.
- Orvieto Underground guided tour (scheduled).
- Corso Cavour walk, hill panoramas, Orvieto Classico tastings.
Plan: 08:30 train → 10:30 funicular up → 10:50 Duomo → 12:30 Corso Cavour coffee → 13:15 lunch (salumi, truffle pasta) → 14:45 Underground tour → 16:00 Pozzo di San Patrizio → 17:30 aperitivo with views → 18:30 down → 19:00 train back.
Tip: Get combo tickets; it’s cool/damp in the well — bring a light layer; non‑slip shoes on smooth tufa.
Major Cities (High‑Speed Options)
Rome (Рим)
Why go: Layers of antiquity, Baroque and modern capital life in a single loop.
- Colosseum/Forum (outer loop viewpoints on Via dei Fori Imperiali).
- Pantheon → Campo de’ Fiori → Piazza Navona.
- Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps.
- Trastevere for aperitivo.
Plan: 07:45 HS → 09:25 Termini → metro to Colosseum → Forum views → Pantheon → lunch near Campo de’ Fiori → Navona → Trevi → Spanish Steps → 18:30 Trastevere aperitivo → 20:00 HS back.
Tip: Prebook HS; allocate a separate day for the Vatican Museums.
Venice (Венеция)
Why go: A stage‑set city on water — the city is the museum.
- San Marco (square/basilica).
- Rialto and the market area.
- Wander Dorsoduro & Cannaregio sestieri.
- Gondola/traghetto; vaporetto No.1 down the Grand Canal.
Plan: 07:40 HS → 09:45 S. Lucia → Rialto → San Marco (optional fast‑track inside) → lunch in Dorsoduro → sunset at Zattere/Salute → 19:00 HS back.
Tip: Consider a day ACTV pass if boating around; allow buffer for crowds.
Bologna (Болонья)
Why go: Porticoes, red brick, and Italy’s tastiest city.
- Piazza Maggiore & Basilica San Petronio.
- Asinelli Tower climb for views.
- Quadrilatero markets; tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini; gelato.
Plan: 09:00 HS → 09:40 center → Piazza Maggiore → Asinelli Tower → markets & lunch → gelato/portico strolls → 18:30 HS back.
Tip: Book tower slots; mark down popular osterie in advance.
Milan (Милан)
Why go: Fashion/design capital, the Duomo, and distinct neighborhoods.
- Duomo terraces; Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- Sforza Castle → Sempione Park.
- Brera for lunch; Navigli canals at sunset.
Plan: 08:00 HS → 10:00 Duomo terraces → Galleria → Sforza → Brera lunch → Navigli for sunset → 19:30 HS back.
Tip: Book “Last Supper” far in advance — hard to fit on a day trip.
Verona (Верона)
Why go: Roman amphitheatre, Adige river curves, and honey‑stone lanes with balconies.
- Arena di Verona (outside/inside).
- Piazza delle Erbe; Juliet’s House (for the photo).
- Ponte Pietra bridge; Castelvecchio (external walk).
- Funicular to San Pietro viewpoint.
Plan: 08:30 HS → 10:10 center → Arena → Erbe → lunch → Ponte Pietra → San Pietro view → 18:30 HS back.
Tip: Opera nights are magical — consider returning with an overnight.
Parma (Парма)
Why go: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, a refined Duomo and pink‑marble Baptistery.
- Duomo + Baptistery.
- Teatro Farnese (wooden 17th‑c. stage).
- Food halls: cheese & cured meats; factory tastings.
Plan: 08:30 train → 10:15 center → Duomo/Baptistery → 12:30 tasting‑style lunch → 14:30 Teatro Farnese → 16:00 gourmet shopping → 18:00 train back.
Tip: Morning dairy tours are superb but require earlier logistics.
Modena (Модена)
Why go: Traditional balsamic vinegar (DOP), UNESCO cathedral & Piazza Grande, Motor Valley.
- Duomo & Ghirlandina tower (climb).
- MEF — Museo Enzo Ferrari (in town).
- Acetaia visit (aged balsamico tasting).
- Mercato Albinelli food market.
Plan: 08:30 depart → 10:00 Duomo/tower → 11:30 MEF → 13:00 lunch (tagliatelle; gnocco fritto + mortadella) → 15:00 acetaia → 17:00 Piazza Grande aperitivo → 18:30 train.
Tip: Book acetaia visits; MEF ≠ Ferrari Maranello (different sites).
Maranello (Маранелло — Ferrari Museum)
Why go: Museo Ferrari Maranello, F1 history, simulators; optional test‑drives with private operators.
- Ferrari museum in Maranello (cars, chassis, exhibits).
- Pair with MEF Modena in one day.
- Photo by factory gates; merchandise stores.
Plan: 08:30 to Modena → bus to Maranello → 11:00 museum → 13:00 lunch → 14:30 back to MEF (optional) → 17:30 return.
Tip: Factory tours are generally not available; consider the combo ticket (MEF + Maranello).
Ravenna (Равенна)
Why go: Europe’s finest Byzantine mosaics (UNESCO): gold and cobalt scenes glowing in calm basilicas.
- Basilica di San Vitale; Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
- Sant’Apollinare Nuovo; Neon Baptistery.
- Old‑town stroll; Romagna pasta (piadina, cappelletti).
Plan: 08:30 train → 10:45 San Vitale → Galla Placidia → lunch → Sant’Apollinare Nuovo → Baptistery → 18:00 train back.
Tip: Unified ticket helps; it’s cool inside — bring a light layer.
Mountains & Far Coasts
Dolomites (Доломиты)
Why go: Saw‑tooth peaks, emerald meadows, moon‑like rock and panoramic decks.
- Easy walks on Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm.
- Seceda ridgeline for classic views (check lift schedule).
- Photo stops at Lago di Carezza (with a car).
- Alpine huts: polenta, speck, schüttelbrot.
“Most realistic” day: 06:00 to Bolzano → bus to Ortisei → Seceda lift (or Alpe di Siusi) → 12:30 hut lunch → 14:00 1.5–2h loop → 16:30 down, bus to Bolzano → 18:30 train back.
Tip: Check lift & weather; trail shoes + windbreaker.
Amalfi Coast (Амальфитанское побережье)
Why go: Vertical villages, lemon groves, boats and cliff‑edge views over turquoise water.
- Ferries Sorrento ⟷ Positano/Amalfi (faster than buses).
- Positano lanes (Via dei Mulini), Spiaggia Grande.
- Amalfi Cathedral, limoncello, seaside promenade.
- Optional Ravello (Villa Rufolo/ Cimbrone gardens).
Long but stunning: 06:40 HS → Naples → Sorrento → 11:00 ferry to Positano → 12:30 lunch → 14:00 ferry to Amalfi → 16:00 up to Ravello (if time) → 18:30 back to Naples → HS to Florence.
Tip: Reserve ferries; many stairs — wear non‑slip shoes.
Pompeii (Помпеи)
Why go: A Roman city frozen in time — streets, houses, frescoes, baths and amphitheatre.
- Main houses (Faun, Vettii), forum, baths, lupanar, amphitheatre.
- Villa of the Mysteries (frescoes).
- Optional Mt. Vesuvius side trip (logistics heavy).
Plan: 07:40 HS → 10:40 Naples → 11:20 Circumvesuviana → 12:00 Pompeii entrance → 3 hours on site → 15:30 late pizza → 17:00 back to Naples → 18:30 HS home.
Tip: Hat, SPF, water; sturdy shoes on cobbles; map/audioguide to avoid wandering.
Capri (Капри)
Why go: Turquoise coves, white villas, Gardens of Augustus, Faraglioni viewpoints and lemony sea air.
- Piazzetta & Gardens of Augustus (Faraglioni view).
- Via Tragara or (if open) Via Krupp.
- Anacapri: Monte Solaro chairlift; Villa San Michele.
- Boat loop around the island (Blue Grotto has queues).
Plan: 06:40 HS → 09:40 Naples → 10:30 hydrofoil → 11:15 funicular up → 11:45 Gardens → 12:30 Via Tragara → 13:30 lunch → 15:00 boat loop or Monte Solaro → 17:30 down → 18:00 hydrofoil → 20:00 HS back.
Tip: Monitor sea conditions; buy round‑trip boat tickets in advance.
Microstates & Other
San Marino (Сан‑Марино)
Why go: A cliff‑top republic on Monte Titano with three towers, Adriatic views and optional novelty passport stamps.
- Three towers: Guaita, Cesta, Montale.
- Historic center: basilica, Piazza della Libertà, small museums.
- Cable car Borgo Maggiore ↔ Centro Storico (if not busing up).
- Aperitivo on a terrace facing the sea.
Plan: 07:30 train to Rimini → 10:30 bus to San Marino → 11:30 center → 12:00 Guaita → 13:30 lunch → 14:30 Cesta (arms museum) → 16:30 ridge walk → 17:30 bus back → 18:30 train to Florence.
Tip: Windy on the ridge — take a light jacket; lots of climbs — comfy shoes.
Florence is an easy city to love and an even easier base for exploring Tuscany. Spend your mornings with Brunelleschi’s dome and Botticelli’s light, then plan a day trip from Florence without breaking a sweat. If the sea is calling, a cinque terre day trip from florence delivers cliffside villages, pastel harbors, and Ligurian pesto; many travelers pair a florence to cinque terre day trip with an early train and sunset aperitivo on the promenade. Prefer leaning into medieval streets and wine country? A tuscany day trip from florence threads vineyards, hill towns, and farm lunches, while a florence to siena day trip puts you in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo in time for a lazy espresso.
For quick hits, a florence to pisa day trip or a pisa day trip from florence turns the Leaning Tower into a half-day photo and gelato run; book timed entry and you’re back by dinner. If you’re coming the other way, a day trip to florence from rome or rome to florence day trip lets you trade the Colosseum for the Duomo in under two hours on the high-speed train—walk out to Santa Maria Novella, cross the Arno, and still make the Uffizi in the afternoon. Travelers chase the coast with a day trip to cinque terre from florence, or keep it classic with a day trip to pisa from florence when time is tight. However you stitch it together, Florence rewards slow mornings, art-rich afternoons, and spontaneous detours that make the return ticket feel too soon.