Best Day Trips from Florence

With all that Rome has to offer, travelers are often surprised that many of the city's top attractions can be seen in a day. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican are all just a few blocks away from their respective metro stations. What's more, if you jump on a high-speed train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella station, it only takes about an hour and a half to reach Roma Termini.

Just a two-hour train ride north of Florence, Venice's romantic landscape enchants just about every traveler who crosses its path. The 2-mile-long Grand Canal and the popular Piazza San Marco, two of the city's biggest attractions, can easily be experienced in a day. If you can afford it, hire a gondolier for a romantic ride down the city's enchanting canals or take a much cheaper ride on a vaporetto (public water bus).

If you don't want to travel outside of Tuscany, consider a day trip to Siena. Situated among the Tuscan hills just 45 miles south of Florence, Siena is famous for its Gothic architecture, delectable pastry shops and famous, centuries-old annual horse race, the Palio di Siena. Don't leave town without snapping photos of the Duomo's ornate exterior.

Craving breathtaking ocean views? Head to Cinque Terre. It'll take around two to four hours to reach by car or train, but the chance to experience the region's unique cliffside towns makes it worthwhile. Stretch your legs on the hiking trails that connect the towns of Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia or head out on the water with a boat tour to cover more ground in one day.

Fashionable and cosmopolitan will love Milan, which is less than two hours by train from Florence. While you'll undoubtedly want to check out the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco, leave time to enjoy aperitivo (Milanese happy hour), where classic regional cocktails like negronis are discounted. Just note that many museums and top attractions are closed on Mondays.

Bologna is inarguably the foodie capital of Italy. Located amid the city's beautiful medieval and Renaissance architecture, Bologna's restaurants offer tasty dishes, such as stuffed pasta. You'll also find local artisans selling regional meats and cheeses. Plus, it's just a quick half-hour train ride north of Florence, so you'll have ample time for exploring (and eating).