best tuscany day trips from florence

2021/05/21

If not, budget ample time strolling through the pedestrianized historic center.

Verona is full of red and peach colored medieval buildings and Roman ruins. Its the worlds longest continuous portico, starting at Porta Saragozza and leading up to the lovely Basilica of San Luca. You may want to book a guided walking tour of Verona or a walking tour that includes a skip the entrance to Juliets House. If you want to book a tour to Siena from Florence, you have several options. Be sure to make a reservation in advance online or at the tourist office. Verona was made famous, of course, by Shakespeares plays Romeo and Juliet and The Two Men of Verona. Driving in Italy is fairly easy (outside Florence). Discover the many delights of Tuscanys wine country on this small-group tasting tour from Florence. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to The Geographical Cure, my travel and culture blog. Inside, youll find the Allegory of Good and Bad Government, one of the most famous fresco cycles in Italy. They were attributed to Giotto after his initials were found on one paintings. Volterra gained fame as a filming location for the teen vampire Twilight series. Time to drive to Radda in Chianti: 1 hour. Midday, visit a family-owned winery for a lunch of seasonal Tuscan delicacies paired with local wines. The result? The artist demonstrated his single point perspective innovation, populating the frescos with serene figures with his trademark perfectly oval heads. In the off season, take the time to explore and photograph the citys beautiful Liberty (Art Nouveau) architecture. Take your cue from an expert chef as you create Italian dishes such as bruschetta, pasta, roast pork, and tiramis. Learn to make pizza and gelato during this culinary experience on a Tuscan estate near Florence, perfect for lovers of culture and cuisine. Pienza is known as the first ideal Renaissance town. It was the brainchild of Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who would later become Pope Pius II. If you forget to validate your ticket, its possible youll get a hefty fine. If youre an art lover, you may want to put this on your priority list of day trips from Florence. It leans because its a product of poor engineering and soft soil, nothing else. Regional trains are cheaper, with set fares. If youre interested, I highly recommend a visit to the newly renovated Museo della Ceramica in Montelupo to get the full scoop. Led by a professional tour escort, the tour includes visits local wineries set inscenic villages. No list of day trips from Florence would be complete with Pienza. The main pedestrian drag and shopping street is Via Fillungo. Search experiences with increased health and safety practices. In fact, the 13th century Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi is one of Italys best known churches. Prato is one of Tuscanys most underrated and off the beaten track towns. READ: Guide To the Michelangelo Trail in Florence. Youll also find Vasari paintings and his correspondence with Michelangelo and Cosimo I de Medici. Its known for its Brunello wine, one of the worlds most beloved reds. But, like the fictional love story, Juliets House is itself a fiction. The operator whose product is featured here may pay Viator more. Youll be greeted by a huge statue of Neptune atop a fountain. Park outside the city walls and walk into the town. Enjoy Siena and finish your tour with a wine tasting at a local winery in the Chianti region. Regional tickets are valid to use at any time up to four months from the purchase date. If youre in Florence because you love Renaissance art, head straight to nearby Arezzo. Quickly access bookings. It wasnt owned by the Capulets. The town is dominated by the mighty and imposingRoccafortress, which was built in 1361 when Montalcino was captured from Florence by Siena. Flowers bloom everywhere, completing the picturesque ensemble. There arent any actual filming locations in Volterra though. At one end of the street is Cortonas most famous piazza, the Piazza dell Repubblica, perfect for people watching. There, Piero della Francesca, whose (other unflattering) portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Urbino are in the Uffizi Gallery, painted his greatest masterpiece, still in situ. The Italians drive pretty fast. A local guide leads the way up through the scenic hills, where you pass the famous Piazzale Michelangelo and the Church of San Miniato al Monte. But there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to keep you busy. The fortress also has a tasting room for oenophiles. You wont go home empty handed. It gives you maximum flexibility and is faster, especially for out of the way destinations without good connections. Cortonas main street is Via Nazionale, the only flat place in town. Located in Umbria, Assisi is about a 2 hour day trip from Florence. Taste different wines, along with olive oil and Tuscan specialties like fresh cheeses and bruschetta. Monteriggioni is an idyllic walled town in the Tuscany. Sam Gimignanos historic center is a UNESCO site. The complex fresco cycle represents the Legend of the True Cross. Roam the streets of San Gimignano, and travel to Pisa to admire the architectural drama of Cathedral Square home to the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa. Search for fresh ingredients at a Florentine market before venturing to a Tuscan farmhouse in the countryside. Round-trip transportation from Florence is included. Pisa is one of the best and easiest day trips from Florence. The Duomo is free to enter, though youll have to pay a couple euros to light up the paintings. Its the most ancient cathedral in Italy, older than the cathedral complexes in Siena and Florence.

This must see Assisi site is two churches in one, both massive and multi-level. But some critics say the restoration was clumsy and ruined portions of the medieval frescos. You have to pay a fee to enter and rent an umbrella and chairs. Raddais a classic Tuscan town right in the middle of the Chianti Classico region. This Romanesque edifice was founded in 1118. Romanesque churches are around every corner. The real gem of the Field of Miracles is Pisas exuberant Duomo. Theres also an elaborate pulpit carved by Giovani Pisano in the early 14th century and works by Ghirlandaio and Giambologna. Take a guided walking tour of Siena, home to the famous Palio horse race, and explore the medieval hill town of San Gimignano. It was created by one of the great late Renaissance sculptors, Giambologna, who was second only to Michelangelo in skill. (Walking the entire wall takes about 1 hour.).

Bolognas must see sites are found in the citys main square, Piazza Maggiore. Bologna is one of the best day trips from Florence. If you want to escape the adoring Tuscan crowds on your Florence day trip, head to the off the radar medieval hilltop town of Barga. Its a complex of seven interconnected churches, founded by Petronio atop a Roman temple.

After posing with the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa, some time to explore the area independently. Clickhereto pre-book an entry ticket to the palazzo. Happily, Lucca never tore them down, like many Italian towns did to make way for modernity. A town that perfectly expressed the Renaissance canons of art and architecture. READ:Complete Guide To the Mosaics of Ravenna, Time to get there by train: 2:50Time to drive to Ravenna: 2:15. If you want to book a guided tour from Florence, this 11 hour tour covers both Assisi and Cortona. Upgrade to include skip-the-line entry, if you wish. In 1515, they were admired by Pope Leo X. I usually research parking places in advance. Time to get there by high speed train: 1.5 hours. Etruscan origins, this charming little town is located on a towering coastal bluff between Florence, Pisa, Siena and the coast. Nicknamed the Medieval Manhattan, San Gimignano is a walled town with a startling cityscape with 13 spiky towers poking the sky. Get a true taste of Italy's famous Chianti region on this full-day wine and food tour departing from Florence. Experience theUNESCO-listed Cinque Terre in one day with a guided tourthroughthe five idyllic fishing villages of old-world Italy. You can also book a guided day trip tour from Florence to Bologna. Nicknamed La Grassa, or the Big Fat, for its delicious food, Bologna just oozes medieval charm. Its a wonderful easy day trip from Florence. Or a 2.5 hour guided tour of the town of Pisa with a skip the line ticket for the tower. Train travel is easy, relatively cheap, and the online timetables are easy to understand. The underrated medieval town of Montelupo is another town thats very tourist free. I usually like to road trip in Europe. Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch in Piazza del Campo. Im Leslie, a lifelong traveler and culture vulture. In the Chapel of Saint Fina, there are paintings by early Renaissance master Ghirlandaio. Its a great day out in the Italian countryside. Piazza Grande is the monumental center of Montepulciano. Every year, the iconic blue building holds exhibitions of important modern artists (Chagall, Dali, Miro, and Toulouse- Lautrec were recently featured). But it shouldnt be. Plan on climbing the palaces tower. If you want to have lunch or dinner, try Il Pozzo. Luccas appeal lies in its relaxed old world Medieval charm. Afterward, head back to our country estate for a traditional Italian meal to top off your journey. Next visit Palazzo Communale, which is Montepulcianos town hall. Also check out the the Monastery of San Francesco. Theres no remnants of the arena. You could easily wile away a half day in Fiesole.

Visit the town of San Gimignano, the wine territory of Chianti, the medieval town of Siena, and the Monteriggioni fortress. If not, the first thing to do in Montepulciano is stroll the pretty main drag,Il Corso. There are some fun tours to take in Bologna. Then it's off to the village of Chianti for a tasting of local blends and delicious lunch at a winery. If youre lucky, you may get off without a fine. That chapel also has a fresco cycle by Pietro Lorenzetti, with a hauntingDepostion. The impressive church is the masterpiece of Anthonio da Sangallo the Elder. The exterior is decorated with alternating black and white stripes. The entire city center becomes a gigantic (and rather expensive) antique market with hundred of stalls. If youve driven in Europe before, youll know to expect lots of roundabouts. You wont want to drive into thecentro storicoany of the hilltop villages you visit. You may enjoy these other Italy and Tuscany travel guides and resources: If youd like to take some amazing day trips from Florence, pin it for later. Or, if you have a car, its a 1:05 drive. Here are my tips for visiting Pisa. Bologna is a bit of a hidden gem in Italy, a regular Italian city catering to locals and not just tourists. Montepulciano is utterly beautiful and synonymous with most peoples images of Tuscany. Youll also want to visit the Church of San Francesco, with frescos by Cenni di Francesco telling the Legend of the True Cross. If you want to book a tour to Pisa, check out this 9 hour guided tour that takes you to both Pisa and Lucca from Florence. Lucca is know for its glass making and jewelry, which make great souvenirs. Prices rise as your travel day approaches.

Top off your trip in Siena to explore its historic city center with a stop at the Duomo. Stroll around the historic monuments of Piazza della Republica and Piazza della Signoria, cross the landmark Ponte Vecchio bridge, then admire the opulent Pitti Palace and the legendary Duomo. This is the towns highest point, with a wonderful panoramic view of the town. Artistically, Assisi could be considered a mini Rome. In Radda, narrow alleys with views across the vineyards bisect the still partly walled medieval town. Lucca doesnt really have any must see sites, which means its under the radar for most tourists. It was built in 1297-1308 for the Council of Nine, the governing body of Siena. The frescos are significant because they mark the transition from the Gothic period of art history to the early Renaissance. If you choose the tour option without hiking, the train will be used instead to move between villages. As you might expect, Radda has plenty of wine bars and wine-centric restaurants. These Florence experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures: What Day Trips in Florence are good for avoiding crowds? Check off the best bits of Italys Renaissance capital on this comprehensive walking tour of Florence. Enjoy free time to stroll through the winding streets, swim at picturesque beaches, and or upgrade to include lunch. Visit the Church San Zeno Maggiore, where Romeo and Juliet were fictionally married. Stop first in the city the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano. Luccas central square, Piazza Anfiteatro, is an enclosed piazza built around an ancient Roman arena. In Italy, there are two types of trains: flexibly priced fast trains and price fixed regional trains. Known for its 4th century B.C. Just look how charming it is. Your full day of sightseeing concludes with transportation back to Florence. With this wine tour, set off directly from Florence and visit two different wineries in the Tuscan hills to tour the vineyards, visit the cellars, and relax over guided tastings. You cant take the train to Monteriggioni. The beaches in Viareggio are, like most beaches in Tuscany, private. Its still entirely contained within its stout Renaissance walls. There, youll find a great wine bar called Enoteria. Get a taste of the Tuscan countryside on this full-day tour from Florence. 4 euros gets you entry to the walls and the museum onsite. Explore the city of Siena and the cathedral, and then take to the Chianti hills for a Tuscan lunch and wine tasting. Make stops in local wine bars and restaurants to sip some regional varietals and eat a traditional Italian lunch (both at own expense). Lucca is so pretty and historic that you may want to book a guided walking tour or guided e-bike and wine tour for your visit. Make the most of your precious time in Florence with priority entrance tickets to the world-famous Accademia Gallery, best known as the home of Michelangelo's 'David' statue. If you want to book a guided day trip tour to San Gimignano from Florence, you have several options. Beautifuly preserved Lucca is like a mini-Florence. Prato is also Tuscanys second largest city after Florence, girded by mostly intact city walls. The poet spent the last three years of his life in Ravenna, after being expelled from Florence when he fell out of political favor. Ive noted train travel times and drive times as well. Theres also a beautifully carved pulpit, created by Giovanis father Nicolo Pisano. Juliets House, or Casa de Giulietta, is a gorgeous 14th Gothic building in Verona. Stop in Pisa on the way back to Florence to see the famous leaning tower. Montepulciano has Renaissance palazzi and churches of a splendor far beyond its dimensions.

Prato is essentially a suburb of Florence and hence a very easy day trip from Florence. Experience the famous beauty and flavor of Italys Chianti wine region on this half-day tour from Florence. Its considered one of the great and most influential frescos of the early 15th century. Like RomesBasilica of St. Peter, all the most famous artists of the day came to paint the Basilica of St. Francis. Naturally, these tickets are more expensive than regional tickets. READ: Tips For Renting a Car and Driving in Europe. Founded in the 11 century, the Romanesque Duomo di Prato holds some of the most stunning 15th century frescos and relief carvings youll ever find in a cathedral. Because Assisi was the home and final resting place of St. Francis, its also a pilgrimage destination. Legend holds that, when Dante was expelled from Florence for his politics, he wiled away time in the churchs Romanesque cloisters. Lippis beautiful frescos are in the choir. The Facciatone offers stunning views. Montalcino is a pretty village of medieval perfection. Your professional Italian chef provides a fun hands-on cooking lesson that culminates in a 3-course feast of appetizers, pizza, and gelato, accompanied by wine and beer. Its especially pretty in the early morning or at sunset. You cant really get there by train. Combine medieval gems, fine wines, and UNESCO-listed monuments on this full-day tour of central Tuscany from Florence. The towns most important historical figure is Francesco Datini. If you choose the option with lunch, you'll have the chance to spend your lunchtime in Piazza del Campo, where every year the Palio Horse Race takes place. If you have a GPS with voice directions, theyre pretty easy to navigate. Beat the crowds that are a constant at this popular attraction, and head straight inside the hallowed halls to feast your eyes on the iconic sculpture plus masterworks of Renaissance painting by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and many others. Search experiences that may have limited interaction with crowds. The streets even have romantic names like Love Street and Kiss Street. There are some toll roads, called theautostrade. Siena is one of the mot popular day trips from Florence. Travel along beautiful hillside roads through vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees. You may want to rent a car to visit properly. Fall for the charm of the Cinque Terre, a coastal region of cliff-clinging villages and dramatic seaside views. Ride a vintage Vespathrough Tuscany on this tour from Florence. Regional tickets purchased online must be printed out. In 1997, after an earthquake prompted restoration of the basilica, some other early Giotto frescos were discovered in the lower churchs Chapel of St. Nicholas. From Florence, you can also book a guided tour for both Pienza and Montepulciano or a cheese and wine tour in these two towns. When youre done with all that, take some time to sample Veronas inventive restaurants and delicious wine bars. Ive generally focused on beautiful places you can generally reach in 2 hours or less. They stop more along the route, and are thus slower. After taking in the frescos, stop for a glass of wine or gelato in the Piazza della Cisterna, San Gimignanos other main square. If you want to book a guided day trip from Florence, this tour takes you to Cortona, Siena, and Montepulciano. Before leaving, have a gelato or meal in the pretty piazza, which is a popular meeting place. There are plenty of amazingthings to do in Montepulciano. When the inspector comes, try to explain to him what happened. The roads are narrow and parking places can be tight to get into. It was reputedly carved by Nicodemus, the man who helped depose Christ from the cross. It has a surprisingly good collection of art curated by local 18th century cleric Angelo Bandini. Arezzo Cathedral is a late 13th century Gothic church, with a rather austere exterior, on Piazza Grande. It contains all of Montepulcianos most important Medieval and Renaissanace architecture a clock tower, the Duomo, Palazzo Contucci, and a beautiful well. A former Etruscan town, Cortona was featured in the famous movie and book by Frances Mayes. Theres also a violent fresco cycle of Black Death paintings. The Geographical Cure 2019-22 But if you can tear yourself away from the beloved Cradle of the Renaissance, Florences location in central Italy makes it a splendid long term base for day trips to other must see places in Tuscany. They come for Pisas famously Leaning Tower on the spectacular UNESCO-listed Field of Miracles. Based on our booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, this experience is likely to sell out through Viator. Italy is rather well known for its train strikes. It almost doesnt look real. If you dont want to hoof it, theres a bus that leaves from town as well. You may want to book a guided tour of the basilica and Assisi. Beside the palazzo soars the slender Tower of Mangia, which you can climb for panoramic views. The duo are Bolognas two leaning towers, Torre Garisenda and Torre Asinelli (the tallest). In Piazza San Martino, youll find the ancient Cathedral of San Martino. See the Tuscan gems of San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti on a day trip from Florence. The Duomo is free to visit, though youll need to pick up a timed entry ticket. Here are my recommendations for the 21 best day trip destinations from Florence. Fiesoles beautiful cathedral, the Cathedral of San Romolo, is ancient, almost a thousand years old. Led by a tour guide, discover each fishing village by coach, train, and boat, from the beaches of Monterosso to the charming streets of Riomaggiore. The palazzo is one of the seminal civic structures in Europe Its a harmonious example of early Renaissance architecture, with a curved brick facade and beautiful triforate arched windows. And cross the absolutely stunning Ponte Pietra stone bridge. True aficionados can also take a full day tour of the mosaics. Bolognas most famous site and most beautiful church is the Santo Stefano Church. Just make sure theres an artist painting in the shop to ensure youre getting a 100% local piece. He became the worlds first true art historian, after publishing his treatise Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects. If you find out theres a strike the day youre traveling on a regional train, skip traveling. Surrounded by cypress groves, San Gimignano one of the most popular day trips from Florence. Along the way, youll discover secret passageways, tony boutiques, staircases, and pretty pastel homes. If, like me, you feel compelled to admire these glittering gems, these are the must visit sites in Ravenna: I highly recommend booking a 3 hour guided tour to see these UNESCO-listed sites. Spend at least one day in Siena. You can also take a2 hour all inclusive tourto explore all the monuments on the Field of Miracles. You can also buy regional tickets from designated ticket machines, ticket booths, and newspaper shops. In particular, you need to visit the high chapel in the towns Basilica of San Francesco. See all that Tuscany has to offer on this day trip to Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano from Florence. These hidden gems in Florence may have limited interaction with crowds: Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) Tours & Tickets, Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi) Tours & Tickets, Florence Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria dei Fiori) Tours & Tickets, Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia) Tours & Tickets, San Lorenzo Market (Mercato di San Lorenzo) Tours & Tickets, See more Virtual Experiences around the globe, Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano Day Trip from Florence Including Lunch, Tuscany in One Day Sightseeing Tour from Florence, Cinque Terre Day Trip with Transport from Florence, Cinque Terre Day Trip from Florence with Optional Hiking, San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni, Chianti Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting, Small-Group Wine Tasting Experience in the Tuscan Countryside, Montalcino, Orcia Valley, Pienza, and Montepulciano: Wine- and Cheese-Tasting Guided Tour from Florence, Florence to Chianti wine region with 2 wine tastings and vineyards escape, Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Chianti Wine Tasting Tour from Florence, Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class in Tuscan Farmhouse from Florence, Chianti afternoon Wine Tour from Florence, Semi Private Cinque Terre and Pisa Leaning Tower Tour from Florence, Siena and San Gimignano: Small-Group Tour with Lunch from Florence, Florence Vespa Tour: Tuscan Hills and Italian Cuisine, Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Chianti wine tasting from Florence, Chianti Safari: Tuscan Villas, Cheese, Wine and Lunch from Florence, Pisa and the Leaning Tower Afternoon Tour from Florence, Florence Day Trip: Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena with Lunch, Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence, Cinque Terre Semi-Private Day Trip from Florence, Skip the Line: Florence's Accademia Gallery Priority Entrance Ticket, Skip-the-Line Florence Highlights and David Walking Tour, Bardini Gardens (Giardino Bardini) Tours & Tickets, Gucci Garden (Gucci Museo) Tours & Tickets, Giotto's Bell Tower (Campanile di Giotto) Tours & Tickets, Florence Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni) Tours & Tickets, Salvatore Ferragamo Museum Tours & Tickets, Piazza della Santissima Annunziata Tours & Tickets, Florence American Cemetery and Memorial Tours & Tickets, Florence Via Cavour (Via Camillo Cavour) Tours & Tickets, Auditorium Santo Stefano al Ponte Vecchio Tours & Tickets, Medici Riccardi Palace (Palazzo Medici Riccardi) Tours & Tickets, Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower (Sears Tower), Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tours and Tickets, Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours and Tickets, Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets, Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets, Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets. The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers questions. Its considered one of the first works of Renaissance art. In the 13th century, Montelupo was a fledgling producer of intricate majolica, or tin-glazed ceramics, for the Medici dynasty. Its a long twisting road loaded with fashionable shops, cafes, and bars. I believe in the salutary and magical effects of a temporary geographical cure and have been running away from real life to seek treatment for years. There are museums, palazzos, and piazzas to check out. Its architectural beauty led Montepulciano to be dubbed the Pearl of the 1500s.. The Byzantine rulers blanketed Ravennas churches with gorgeous mosaics. Day tripping is a good way to escape Florences adoring (and sometimes maddening) crowds during the day. Sip local reds and whites plus sample balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil while enjoying views over the Chianti countryside. You can even take a class from a master ceramicist. I have loads of tips on Italian train travel at the end of this article. Its Volterras main landmark, built by Etruscans in the 3rd century B.C. Travel through the rolling hills of Tuscany to arrive at the dramatic rocky coastline, and take the train to visit the villages of Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Manarola as well as Porto Venere. Find tickets & tours worldwide. Visit historical hill towns Pienza, Montalcino, and Montepulciano; admire the gorgeous, vineyard-covered scenery of Orcia Valley (Val dOrcia); and enjoy cheese and wine tastings as you stop at local wineries and other venues. Bargas Duomo is called the Collegiate di San Cristoforo, perched at the towns highest point. The rest of Arezzo offers plenty of things to do for a half day visit, with many churches and museums. San Gimignano dates back to the ancient Etruscans, a civilization that preceded ancient Rome. Pienza is one ofItalys most beautiful townswith narrow streets, beautiful palaces, churches, and buildings. The booths wont be manned. Its one of Europes most beautiful churches, especially for lovers of all things Gothic. With the advent of high speed trains, its never been easier or faster to travel in Tuscany. A statue of Datini stands outside his palazzo in Pratos town center. Take a boat ride between Manarola and Vernazza and get free time to explore both locations on foot. The best way to check timetables and purchase tickets online is on Trenitalia. But it makes little sense to have a car in Florence. The town is dominated by the Church of San Niccol, with a lovely portico. Its quiet, but stuffed with delicious things to see and do. Its a Gothic church built to house one of Christendomes most famous relics, the Volto Santo. If youre a ruin luster or history buff, Fiesole is perfect. Stay as long as you like during museum opening hours, and view the art at your own pace. Stop for a swim in the turquoise waters and upgrade to include a traditional Italian lunch. Its only a half hour train ride from Florence. Arezzo is also a good place to take a food and market tour. You can book a guided tour that includes Siena, Pisa, and San Gimignano, a guided tour that includes Sienna, San Gimignano, and Chianti or a private tour to Siena and San Gimignano. The nearest train (or bus) goes to the town of Poggibonsi. Donatello decorated the exterior pulpit, while Fra Fillipi Lippi and Agnoli Gaddi painted fresco cycles. Most travelers in Tuscany descend in droves on tiny Pisa. If you want to book a tour to Lucca, check out this 9 hour guided tour that takes you to both Lucca and Pisa from Florence. To see the town once you arrive, you may want to book asmall group walking touror aprivate walking tour. Discover some of the highlights of Tuscany on this day trip from Florence by coach. Despite that, the former Roman settlement never seems crowed. Once youve made the obligatory Juliet pilgrimmage, youll also want to tour the doughty Roman Arena, the Arena di Verona, in the Piazza Bra. When youre done on the stunning Field of Miracles, visit the historic town itself, strolling along the Arno River. Time to get there by high speed train: 3 hours. Travel through the rolling hills and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside, stopping at two estate wineries to taste authentic Chianti wines and snack on regional specialties like bruschetta and cheese. Barga has a beautifully restored castle, an 11th century Duomo, and the beautiful Church of San Francesco. Its clad all over in Sienas trademark white and dark green marble. Start your visit in Volterra at the Porta allArco, the citys ancient gateway.