MileHacker Logo
Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Tuscany, Italy

Nearby Destinations

Fiesole's position makes it a starting point for exploring Tuscany. From the town, several famous locations are a short journey away, offering diverse experiences.

Florence, the Chianti region, Siena, and San Gimignano represent top choices, each with unique appeal and transportation considerations.

Day Trip Options

  • Florence: Approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles). Frequent ATAF bus #7. A full day or more is ideal.
  • Chianti Region: Immediately south. Best with a rental car or an organized wine tour. Half to full day.
  • Siena: Approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles). Direct bus from Florence (1 hr 15 min). Full day.
  • San Gimignano: Approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles). Bus from Florence (change in Poggibonsi) or car. Half to full day.

Natural Escapes

Tuscany's varied landscape presents opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic drives.

Countryside Exploration

Explore the trails of Monte Ceceri, directly in Fiesole. Further afield, the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona e Campigna, east of Florence, invites car access for extensive hiking.

Scenic Drives

  • Drives through the Chianti hills, the Val d'Orcia (further south), or the Mugello region (north of Fiesole) offer classic Tuscan scenery and photo opportunities.
  • Every turn reveals beautiful vistas, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
  • Observe the olive harvesting in autumn, a traditional activity.

Geographical Features

The Apennine mountains to the north of Fiesole (Mugello region) provide hiking and cooler temperatures, good for summer escapes. For coastal experiences, the closest significant beaches are on the Tuscan coast, like Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi, located about 1.5-2 hours drive from Fiesole.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Witness the olive harvesting in autumn, a traditional activity in the Fiesole hills.
  • The grape harvest in autumn also brings opportunities to see the wine-making process.
  • Hiking options abound in cooler seasons.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites Beyond the Main Hub

  • Medici Villas and Gardens: Several significant villas, like Villa di Castello and Villa della Petraia, near Florence, share insight into the Medici family and Renaissance garden design.
  • Badia a Passignano: A historic abbey and surrounding vineyards in the Chianti region, it offers wine tasting and a glimpse into monastic life and winemaking history.
  • Rural Villages: Explore charming villages in Chianti or the Mugello region, such as Borgo San Lorenzo or Vicchio, many present authentic local experiences and traditional crafts.
  • Pilgrimage Sites: Santuario di Montesenario, north of Fiesole in the Mugello region, is a significant monastery on a hilltop, offering panoramic views.

Authentic Local Experiences

  • Experience traditional crafts in local markets.
  • Taste authentic local food at various eateries.
  • Discover the deep history embedded in every corner.
  • Engage with the warm local community.

Multi-Day Extensions from Fiesole

  • Southern Tuscany & Val d'Orcia:2-3 days
  • Explore Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Pienza, Montalcino.Wine, food, landscapes.
  • Cinque Terre:2 days
  • Coastal villages for hiking and unique architecture. Train from Florence.Coastal charm.
  • Bologna & Emilia-Romagna:1-2 days
  • Bologna's food scene, historic porticoes. Modena (Ferrari, balsamic vinegar), Parma (Parmigiano Reggiano).Foodie paradise.
  • Logical Next Destinations:Rome, Venice, Milan
  • Italy's high-speed rail network connects Florence to major cities.Efficient travel.

Travel Tip: High-Speed Rail

Italy's high-speed rail network offers efficient connections between major cities, making multi-day trips straightforward.

Regional Travel Routes

Fiesole's central location in Tuscany makes it an ideal starting point for longer regional explorations.

Northern Journey

Start in Florence, then travel to Bologna, Venice, and finally Milan. This route showcases different aspects of Northern Italy.

Southern Exploration

From Florence, visit Siena and San Gimignano, then continue to Rome, and potentially further south to Naples and the Amalfi Coast for a comprehensive Italian journey.

Coastal & Inland Loop

Consider a loop from Florence to Cinque Terre, then to Pisa, and Lucca, before returning to Florence. This route blends coastal beauty with historic Tuscan cities.

Florence Day Trip Details

Traveling independently is straightforward due to frequent bus service (ATAF bus #7). Florence itself works as a central point for many tours throughout Tuscany.

Getting Around Florence

  • Bus #7 is a direct link between Fiesole's Piazza Mino and Florence's Piazza San Marco.
  • Walking around Florence is the best way to see the sights.
  • Taxis are an alternative for direct transfers.

Chianti & Siena Logistics

The Chianti region is best explored by rental car, pick up outside Florence's ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). Public transport is limited. Organized wine tours suit those who prefer not to drive.

Travel Options for Tuscan Towns

  • Independent travel with a rental car presents flexibility for vineyards and towns.
  • Siena is accessible by direct bus from Florence (Rapida line).
  • Organized tours to Chianti or combined Siena/San Gimignano trips offer convenience.

Recommended Tour Bookings

For diverse day trip options:GetYourGuide Day Trips
Explore Florence's artistic treasures:Uffizi & Accademia Galleries
Discover the heart of Siena:Piazza del Campo
Winery visits in Chianti:Local vineyards
Ancient towers of San Gimignano:Historic Centre
Unique experiences for every interest:Cultural & Culinary Tours

Planning Ahead

  • Consider booking popular museum tickets in Florence well in advance.
  • For Chianti, booking vineyard tours ahead is a good idea, especially in peak season.
  • Mix and match independent exploration with organized tours for a balanced experience.
  • Factor in travel time between Fiesole and your chosen day trip destinations.
  • Always check the latest bus schedules for ATAF Line 7 for Florence connections.