Tuscany Day Trip Ideas: Chianti, Siena, and San Gimignano

Tuscany is an enchanting region that effortlessly blends natural beauty, historical landmarks, and some of the best wine in the world. While Florence is a hub of art and culture, the Tuscan countryside offers an entirely different allure that’s well worth exploring. If you’re visiting Florence and have a day to spare, taking a Tuscany day trip is an experience you’ll never forget. From scenic vineyards in Chianti to medieval hilltop towns like Siena and San Gimignano, these regions offer a perfect mix of relaxation, exploration, and, of course, incredible food and wine.

How To Get Around Tuscany From Florence: Getting around Tuscany from Florence can be done in a few ways, but the mode of transport you choose will significantly impact your experience. Public transportation such as trains and buses is an affordable option, but it may not be the most efficient, especially when it comes to reaching the more remote areas of Tuscany. Schedules can be limited, and transfers may be required, leading to wasted time on travel.

On the other hand, private transfers offer a much more convenient and comfortable way to explore. With private car services, like DayTrip, you can enjoy a personalized, stress-free experience. DayTrip lets you relax, take in the beautiful landscapes, and visit the top Tuscany destinations at your own pace—without worrying about timetables or crowded public transport. For the best Tuscany day trips from Florence, I highly recommend opting for private transfers to ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience.

Below are the top Tuscany day trips you MUST take from Florence:

1. Chianti Region: A Wine Lover’s Paradise

If you’re a fan of wine, then a day trip to the Chianti wine region is a must. Located between Florence and Siena, Chianti is famous for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.

Florence to Chianti Distance: 30 km (approx. 45 minutes)

How to get to Chianti from Florence: To get to Chianti from Florence, simply head south on the SR222 highway, which takes you through picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. The drive takes about 45 minutes, and you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in the stunning wine country. For a stress-free journey, I highly recommend using DayTrip, a private car service that allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views while someone else takes care of the driving.

Start your day in Greve in Chianti, the region’s main town. Stroll around its charming central piazza, where you can find artisan shops and local food markets. Then, make your way to one of the many family-run wineries in the area. Castello di Verrazzano is one of our favorite wineries in Chianti, and it offers guided tours of its historic wine cellars and a tasting of some of the region’s finest Chianti Classico wines.

For an authentic experience, consider booking a wine tour with a local guide, who can introduce you to smaller boutique vineyards. Pair the wine tastings with a rustic Tuscan lunch at a winery, where you’ll sample local cheeses, cured meats, and olive oils—all fresh from the region. Below are some of the most highly-rated winery tours you can book during your time in Chianti:

Private Full Day Winery Tour of Chianti: Discover Greve in Chianti, Castello di Montefioralle, Azienda Agricola Mauricio Brogioni Winery, Panzano in Chianti, and a farm-to-table lunch and wine pairing

The Chianti Safari: Discover the Chianti region and its Tuscan villas, enjoy a Tuscan lunch at one of the wineries, and explore the region onboard a 4×4 for an off-road adventure

Private Day Trip of Chianti and Siena from Florence: During this tour, you’ll be chauffeured through the most picturesque roads in Chianti, stopping along the way to discover its local wineries and villages.

2. Siena: A Step Back in Time

About 1.5 hours away from Florence, Siena is a must-see city that feels like a step back in time. The medieval streets, winding alleys, and dramatic architecture are nothing short of magical. When visiting Siena from Florence, start your journey at the iconic Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s greatest medieval squares and the heart of the city. This stunning, shell-shaped piazza is famous for hosting the Palio di Siena, a centuries-old horse race held twice a year. As you explore, don’t miss the awe-inspiring Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, or climb the Torre del Mangia for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Things to do in Siena also include wandering through the charming Basilica di San Domenico, visiting the Museo Civico, and enjoying the city’s delicious cuisine, including local specialties like pici pasta and panforte. Whether you’re admiring the architecture or savoring the flavors, Siena offers a rich, unforgettable experience for any traveler.

Florence to Siena Distance: 75 km (approx. 1.5 hours)

How to get to Siena from Florence: To get to Siena from Florence, take the Raccordo Autostradale Firenze-Siena (RA3) highway, which will lead you through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. The drive takes about 1.5 hours, and along the way, you’ll pass through rolling hills and charming villages.

3. San Gimignano: The Medieval Manhattan

Known as the “Medieval Manhattan” because of its impressive skyline of medieval towers, San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s most picturesque towns. This hilltop village is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming atmosphere.

Florence to San Gimignano Distance: 55 km (approx. 1.5 hours)

How to get to San Gimignano from Florence: To get to San Gimignano from Florence, you can take a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside. The quickest route is to drive south on the SR222 highway, also known as the Chiantigiana Road, which takes you through picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. The drive is about 55 km and typically takes around 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Florence’s central train station (Santa Maria Novella) to San Gimignano, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and transfers.

If you’re wondering about the best things to do in San Gimignano, start your day at the Piazza del Duomo, the lively heart of this charming medieval town. Don’t miss the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, where you can admire stunning frescoes that bring the town’s history to life. And of course, no visit to San Gimignano would be complete without indulging in some of the best gelato you’ll ever have! Head to Gelateria Dondoli, an award-winning gelateria known for its creative flavors like saffron and pear or even Vernaccia wine-flavored gelato — a true taste of Tuscany.

For wine lovers, San Gimignano is also famous for its Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a crisp white wine that’s been made here for centuries. One of the best things to do in San Gimignano is to visit Fattoria San Donato, a local winery offering both wine tastings and vineyard tours. You can savor their renowned Vernaccia wine while pairing it with local cheeses and fresh homemade olive oil. It’s a perfect way to experience the flavors of Tuscany while soaking in the beautiful scenery!

As you explore the stunning regions surrounding Florence, don’t forget about other unforgettable Tuscany day trips that are just a short drive away. For a serene escape, head to Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Renaissance architecture and breathtaking views of the Val d’Orcia. If you’re a wine lover, Montepulciano offers a charming medieval setting and delicious local wines. And for a taste of something a little different, consider venturing into Umbria, where you can explore picturesque towns like Assisi and Perugia, which are rich in history and culture. No matter where you choose to go, there’s always something incredible waiting in Tuscany.

Check out the day trips below and start planning your perfect adventure—whether it’s exploring Pienza’s stunning landscapes, wine tasting in Montepulciano, or discovering the beauty of Val d’Orcia and Umbria. We hope you enjoy our recommendations for visiting Tuscany… it is SUCH a magical region and we know you will absolutely love it. Cheers!

Our Favorite Highly-Rated Tuscany Day Trips

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