Florence: The Perfect Base for Exploring Tuscany

Florence is ideally located for visiting many of Tuscany’s most iconic destinations. On his small group tours, The Traveling Professor often includes these spots on his excursions to Italy. Most are easy to reach by train or bus from Florence’s Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station. Here are a few of our top recommendations:

Pisa

Just about an hour by train from Florence, Pisa is an easy and worthwhile day trip. From Pisa Centrale station, a quick local bus ride will take you to the Campo dei Miracoli (“Field of Miracles”), home to the iconic Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, and the Cathedral. Alternatively, if you catch a less frequent train to the Pisa San Rossore stop, you can walk directly to the Tower. Be prepared for crowds and souvenir stands—but don’t let that deter you. Pisa’s world-famous landmarks are a must-see.

Lucca

From Pisa, it’s only about 30 minutes by train to Lucca (or roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes directly from Florence). Lucca is a beautifully preserved medieval city encircled by Renaissance-era walls. Travelers love to rent a bike and ride along the wide, tree-lined path that tops the walls, offering charming views into private gardens and old villas. Other highlights include the Botanical Garden, the Puccini House Museum, and Guinigi Tower, which you can climb for sweeping views across the city. Be sure to stop by Pasticceria Taddeucci for a slice of buccellato, a traditional sweet bread with raisins and anise. For lunch, try one of the many excellent restaurants in the old Roman Amphitheater—some say Lucca serves the best food in Tuscany.

Bonus tip: You can also take a direct bus from Pisa’s Field of Miracles to Lucca.

San Gimignano & Wine Tasting at Tenuta Torciano

No trip to Tuscany is complete without a wine tasting, and Tenuta Torciano is among the best. Located just outside San Gimignano, this family-run winery offers unforgettable wine and food pairings in a relaxed countryside setting. After the tasting, head to San Gimignano, a postcard-perfect hill town known for its medieval towers, cobbled streets, and local gelato. While there’s no direct train service, buses do run to San Gimignano. Better yet, contact Tenuta Torciano—they often assist with transportation arrangements to and from the winery.

When considering a tour to Florence and Tuscany, consider taking a small group tour with a company like The Traveling Professor.  Traveling with a small group of 12-16 people allows for flexibility and spontaneity not found with those big bus tour groups.

Let Florence be your launching point for these unforgettable Tuscan experiences—you’ll be glad you ventured beyond the city.