This wonderful Italian city, full of special medieval charm, is often used as a starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside and beyond. Despite the colossal density of attractions per square kilometer of the local area, living in the capital of Tuscany is much cheaper than in Rome or Venice. And the question of where to go from Florence for one day is not for its guests - there are many directions and opportunities for an inquisitive traveler.
Popular destinations
Pisa and Lucca are invariably considered the most interesting cities near Florence:
- The city of the famous leaning tower is located 80 km from the center of the province of Tuscany. Commuter trains run from early morning until late at night from Santa Maria Novella Station in Florence, and the journey takes 45 minutes by train. The price of the issue is about 10 euros, depending on the class of the train. The schedule is available on the website - www.lefrecce.it.
- From Florence to Lucca, just 1.5 hours by train or Lazzi bus. The price of the issue is about 7 euros, and the schedule is available on the website - www.trenitalia.com. The city is famous for its ancient fortress walls, from where you can see picturesque views of the non-Tuscan plain, and the Cathedral of St. Martin, founded in the 6th century.
Not far from Lucca lies the medieval town of Barga. It is about 4 km from the Barga-Gallicano railway station to the historic center, so comfortable shoes are a must when traveling.
To the knightly tournament
When deciding where to go from Florence, fans of historical novels opt for the town of San Gimignano, 60 km from the center of the province of Tuscany. The easiest way to get here is by car, but public transport also offers uncomplicated options for active tourists. Buses to Poggibonsi leave from Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station near Florence Train Station. There you should change to the local route N130. You can simply buy tickets on the website - www.tiemmespa.it.
San Gimignano is famous for the Giostra dei Bastoni knight tournament and Vernacci wine. For those with a sweet tooth, local cafes prepare hundreds of varieties of the most delicious ice cream in Italy, and for lovers of antiquity, a historical museum is open in the city. The medieval center itself is an exposition of medieval architectural masterpieces - the majestic towers of the 11th-13th centuries, magnificent palaces and the Cathedral remain for a long time in the photo albums of the guests of San Gimignano.
In search of the perfect shopping experience
When deciding where to go from Florence on your own, pay attention to local outlets. Located in the suburbs, they are becoming a place of pilgrimage for shopaholics from all over the world.
It is best to plan a trip to Florence outlets during the period of post-Christmas discounts, when real price savings can be up to 70%.
In Empoli, an hour's drive from the city, there is a leather goods factory where you can buy quality clothes and accessories.
