Pisa
Description: A city in the Tuscany region best known for the iconic Leaning Tower, completed in 1372.
How to Reach: Take the train for 1 hour from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Pisa Centrale. From Pisa’s train station, you can either take a 15 minute bus ride on the Red Line (linea lam rossa) or a 25 minute walk to the Leaning Tower.
Bologna
Description: Among Bologna’s main industries are the manufacture of pasta and sausages, so be sure to try some while you’re here. Along with visiting Bologna’s tourist attractions, spend time absorbing the city’s unique character.
How to Reach: Take the hour and half train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Bologna Centrale.
What to See: Piazza del Nettuno, Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio, Leaning Towers, Sanctuary and Portico of the Madonna di San Luca
Siena
Description: Twice a year, Siena holds Italy’s most famous horse race in the main square. Take a stroll around the city center and make sure to try some ricciarelli and panforte. Siena is famous for its sweets!
How to Reach by Train: Take a 2 hour train from Santa Maria Novella railway station to Siena. After arriving at the train station, it’s recommended to catch a bus to the city center. Get off the bus at either Piazza del Sale or Piazza Gramsci.
What to See: Piazza del Campo, the Duomo
Lucca
Description: Lucca is a city on the Serchio river in the Tuscany region of Italy. It’s known for its Renaissance walls encircling the city center.
How to Reach: Take the train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Lucca. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What to See: Guinigi Tower, St. Martin Cathedral, Piazza Anfiteatro, the Puccini Museum
San Gimignano
Description: An Italian hill town encircled by 13th-century walls, with a skyline of medieval towers.
How to Reach: Take the bus from Firenze Autostazione. Take the Tiemme bus #131 to Poggibonsi FS. Bus Stop, and then take #130 or #133 from Poggibonsi FS to San Gimignano. It should take approximately 1.5 hours
What to See: San Gimignano Bell Tower, Duomo di San Gimignano, a wine tour!
Arezzo
Description: A city in eastern Tuscany, famous for its cathedral and a 15th-century fresco of Mary Magdalene painted by Piero della Francesca.
How to Reach: Take a 1 hour train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Assisi.
What to See: Arezzo Cathedral, Basilica di San Francesco, Basilica di San Domenico
Assisi
Description: Best known as the birthplace of St Francis, one of Italy’s most famous patron saints, Assisi is a popular destination for pilgrims. Yet you don’t have to be religious to appreciate the town’s beautiful scenery, spectacular architecture and rich culture.
How to Reach: Take the 3 hour train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Assisi Centro.
What to See: Basilica di San Francesco, Santa Maria degli Angeli, Santa Chiara, Rocca Maggiore
Prato
Description: The city combines the ancient charm of its historic centre with the modern business and contemporary art district, in an itinerary that ranges from the Middle Ages to Avant-garde.
How to Reach: Take the 20 minute train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Prato Centrale.
What to See: Museum of Fabrics, Contemporary Art Museum, Duomo di Prato, Museo dell’ Opera dell Duomo, Castelo dell’Imperatore
Hiking in Fiesole
Description: A 2.5 km day hike near Florence along the Stonemasons and Leonardo Trail—part of the Renaissance Ring (Anello del Rinascimento)—starting and ending in Fiesole.
Where: Fiesole/Monte Ceceri
Getting There: Take the #7 bus from Piazza San Marco. Get off at Piazza Mino da Fiesole (the last stop).
From there, take Via Giuseppe Verdi to Via di Monte Ceceri, and keeping walking until you see the trails.
Walk up to Piazzale Leonardo (on top of the mountain) to see the stunning view.
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