More about: Day Trips to Florence from Rome
Florence is an essential stop on that trip to Italy you've been promising yourself for so long. Strolling through its cathedral, squares, markets and other charming spots you won't find in Rome makes this a great excursion. If you fancy visiting on an organised tour so you don't have to deal with the logistics of waiting for public transport, read on:
Florence and Pisa Day Trip from Rome
Visit Florence and Pisa on an organised excursion
Perfect if you are looking forward to visiting these emblematic Italian cities without having to worry about organising the trip. You will be accompanied at all times by a specialised guide.
This tour to Florence and Pisa not only takes you to see the most unforgettable sights of Florence, but also passes through Pisa to see the iconic leaning tower that has made the city so famous.
A local guide, an expert in the history of both cities, will take you to see all the must-see sights: Florence's Duomo square, the Palazzo Strozzi, the Ponte Vecchio, which has survived natural disasters and wars and is therefore one of the symbols of the city, the Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's famous David, and on the visit to Pisa, the famous tower.
Recommended if... you want to see two of Italy's most famous cities in one day, without having to worry about trains, maps and timetables. Ideal for making the most of your stay in Rome.
Florence Day Trip from Rome by High Speed Train
Florence in one day with fast train and English speaking guide
Travel by AV train from Rome and see the best of Florence with a guide and no queues. Ideal if you prefer small groups and moving fast.
This excursion to Florence by high speed train is perfect if you want to make a day trip from Rome without wasting time on the road. The AV train journey is fast and comfortable, and once there you'll take a guided tour of the city's must-see sights with a small group. You'll see the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria... and if you choose the option, you'll be able to enter the Uffizi without queuing up.
You'll also have free time to discover Florence at your own pace, take photos, have a drink or simply let yourself be carried away by its streets full of history.
Recommended if... you like to go with a guide but without the hassle of a large group, and you prefer to travel by train to make the most of the day.
Florence and Pisa Private Day Trip from Rome with Leaning Tower Tickets
Your day in Florence: 1st class train and guide just for you
A private getaway with premium train, guided tours and entrance fees included. You set the pace.
The private excursion to Florence from Rome is the most comfortable and personalised option. You will travel in 1st class, you will have a guide just for you during the main tour and direct access to places such as the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo's David awaits you. All without queues, with free time to explore and with a more relaxed approach.
If you like to do things at your own pace, without depending on anyone and with an exclusive touch, this is your best option.
Recommended if... you want a more intimate experience, without rushing or groups, and with all the details taken care of.
How to book the excursion to Florence
When you make your booking, you will receive a confirmation email to the email address you have provided. You do not need to print anything, just show up at the meeting point, greet your guide and show him/her the voucher included in the email from your mobile phone.
The guides narrate in several languages, including English and Spanish. Most importantly, the guide will make sure you don't miss any of the highlights of the city.
What to see and do on your excursion to Florence
Marvel at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo)
Florence' s grand cathedral is a proud symbol of the city and its dome is a testament to the artistic and technical greatness of Brunelleschi, who devised a new architectural structure to create a double vault, which can be visited on a tour of the Duomo.
The interior of the Cathedral is a place like no other, and conveys a sense of infinity as you gaze up at the impressive frescoed dome.
The Duomo in its entirety is the most important visit you can make in Florence, to admire the cathedral, baptistery and bell tower as a whole.
Breathe history at the Palazzo and Ponte Vecchio
A visit to the Palazzo Vecchio is worthwhile only for the famous Salone dei Cinquecento, a spectacular art gallery where paintings by Vasari are preserved and where you can admire the grandeur of Florence in the Medici era. This salon was home to the court of Duke Cosimo I, his Council of five hundred members.
It is not only in the Salone dei Cinquecento that you will find jaw-dropping works of art, the entire Palazzo contains an overwhelming art collection and rooms of great interest such as the Hall of Geographical Maps, and you can find unique artefacts in the world, such as the death mask of the poet Dante Alighieri.
Of course the exterior of the Palazzo Vecchio and its surroundings make for an unforgettable walk, especially the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge which throughout its history has been an important commercial hub in the city of Florence, and which during the Second World War was left intact by German artillery, according to legend, on the express orders of Adolf Hitler.
Visit to the David at the Galleria dell'Accademia
I don't know anyone who has travelled to Florence without visiting Michelangelo's David. Not only is it one of the most important sculptural works of the Renaissance, it is also a great excuse to visit an impressive museum dedicated to this historical period. That's why you can book an excursion to Florence and Pisa from Rome with tickets to the Galleria dell'Accademia included.
Here you can see numerous works of art such as religious triptychs, a lush sculpture hall filled with busts and even admire original musical instruments from the period.
Stroll around the Piazza della Signoria
This is Florence's most important square, the centre of the city's public life, where you'll find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, and sculptures (including a copy of Michelangelo's David, right where the original sculpture originally stood).
The Fountain of Neptune is another architectural marvel in the square, along with major buildings such as the Merchant's Court, Palazzo Uguccioni and the Loggia della Signoria, a Gothic portico that now serves as an open-air museum sheltering the sculptures in the square.
Don't miss Santa Maria Novella
This Latin cross church concentrates much of its beauty on its façade, one of the most important architectural works of the Florentine Renaissance. Inspired by one of the oldest basilicas in Tuscany, San Miniato al Monte, the church of Santa Maria Novella elevates the two-coloured marble motif to unparalleled beauty.
Inside the church, you can admire a number of Renaissance paintings and visit the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, the oldest in Europe, built in the early 13th century.
Tips for your excursion to Florence from Rome
Take in the sights along the way
Whichever method of transport you choose to travel to Florence from Rome, the views you'll enjoy are second to none. You'll be able to see the Tuscan mountains and pass through some of the region's major towns such as Assisi and Orvieto.
Climb the Dome of the Duomo if you have time
If you get the chance, I recommend climbing the dome of the Florence Cathedral. Not only are the views from the top of the dome breathtaking, but you'll also find beautiful frescoes and paintings on the way up, making for a very complete experience.
Taste the local gastronomy
Florence also elevates gastronomy to the status of art, so keep your eyes peeled as you pass through the city's markets and restaurants. Florentine bread, and in particular Schiacciata, a kind of focaccia, is a real treat. And you've probably heard of Florentine steak, a dish you won't want to miss with a good Tuscan wine.
Try the best coffee in Florence
If you want to have a coffee after lunch or at sunset, visit the Caffetteria delle Oblate: it's a rooftop café on the roof of a public library with a beautiful view of the Cathedral.
Get around on foot
Don't even bother using public transport: Florence is a perfect city to walk around, especially if your walk ends at the Ponte Vecchio where you can watch a wonderful sunset over the Arno River. Since you're going to walk, remember to wear comfortable shoes: you'll be thankful you wore trainers.
Visit the Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens
If you have time to spare in Florence, I recommend a visit to the Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens behind the palace, where you will see an open-air theatre, a fountain dedicated to Neptune and numerous statues.
Wear warm clothes in winter
I recommend wearing warm layers especially if you visit Florence in winter (between November and April) and although the weather is very warm in summer, it can get a little chilly in the evenings. In general, the temperature in the city is not very changeable.
Other activities you may be interested in
While in Rome, you can make the most of your stay in Rome by taking a number of excursions to other cities and regions. Before deciding on one, I recommend you read our tips here: 8 Best Day Trips from Rome.
And if you're the type to have things clear, I recommend you don't go looking around and take a trip to Pompeii, where you can see the ravages of Vesuvius and look out of a window to Ancient Rome. Read all about it here: 5 Best Day Trips to Pompeii from Rome.
Now, let's enjoy Florence! It's a city that has so much to add to your trip to Italy and the perfect complement to Rome, and walking its charming streets will leave you with some memories you won't forget.