Northern Italy offers its visitors breathtaking mountain ranges, dramatic coastlines, striking architecture and some of the country’s most iconic cities, including Venice.

While there is certainly no shortage of things to do and see while staying in the floating city, you may be interested in broadening your horizons by joining a Florence day trip from Venice.

These day trips provide the perfect opportunity to see both the similarities and differences between these two famous Italian cities.

Here's all you need to know about Florence, one of the most exciting day trips from Venice.

How to get to Florence from Venice?

Florence is located in central Italy and is roughly 270 kilometers southwest of Venice.

From Venice to Florence by car

If you plan to drive from Venice to Florence, you should expect the journey to take just over 3 hours depending on traffic. The fastest route is via the A57, A4, A13, A1, and A11, which also gives you the option of stopping at Bologna on the way.

From Venice to Florence by train

High-speed trains run between Venice's Santa Lucia station and Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station on a regular basis. The train ride is just over 2 hours long, making this the fastest way to travel between the two Italian cities.

Guided tour to Florence from Venice

Have your travel itinerary taken care of by an expert local guide when you join a tour from Venice to Florence. You may travel by train or private vehicle and these tours are typically full-day excursions, lasting around 10 hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

Most Florence day trips from Venice make use of the high-speed train and you’ll be provided with train tickets and a seat number upon making the booking for the tour. Once in Florence, you may meet with a professional local guide who will show you around.

You’ll visit a wide variety of famous sites, including Ponte Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria, San Lorenzo Church, the Straw Market and a variety of Florentine artisanal shops. After a few hours of sightseeing, you’ll stop to enjoy a traditional lunch before continuing on.

At the end of your excursion, you will return back to Venice via the train.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Florence?

When looking to book a Florence day trip from Venice, you have a few different types of tours available to you, including guided tours, shuttle transfers and multi-day trips.

Guided tours to Florence from Venice

Guided tours provide a fun and affordable way to spend the day in Florence. After you’ve taken the high-speed train and met your guide at the train station in Florence, you’ll walk around the city with a small group of like-minded travelers.

You’ll get to see the major Florentine sites and perhaps even make some new friends before you head back to Venice via train.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Florence from Venice

Make your way from Venice to Florence in the comfort of a private vehicle, driven by a professional driver. You and your travel companions will be the only people in the vehicle and you can tell your English-speaking driver where exactly you’d like to go in Florence.

Your driver can either wait for you in a central location or drive you between various landmarks. While your driver is not a tour guide, they’ll be able to give suggestions of things to do and see in Florence.

3-Day tour to Florence from Venice

Make the most of your time in Italy by opting for a multi-day tour that visits Florence and its surrounding wine regions. A private driver will transfer you between the various locations on the tour and local guides will be there to provide information and lead the way.

This is the perfect excursion for wine lovers who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Venice for a few days.

How much does a day trip to Florence from Venice cost?

Basic guided trips to Florence from Venice tend to cost around €150 per person, including train tickets and a guided walk around the city.

The price of shuttle transfers can fluctuate depending on the number of travelers, but you can expect to pay around €750 for a roundtrip transfer for a group of up to 7 people.

Multi-day trips, like the 3-day tour to Florence from Venice, cost roughly €2,800 per person including accommodation, lunch and breakfast. Dinner is not typically included.

What will you see and do?

While Florence day trips and tours from Venice are all slightly different, most of them visit Florence’s main markets, churches, town squares and artisanal shops.

Churches

Florence is known for its gorgeous churches and cathedrals, of which there are over 130! Some of the main churches that you may see on a Florence day trip include the famed Duomo.

Markets

A trip to Florence is incomplete without visiting the Central Market, where you’ll find a variety of affordable goods and souvenirs. The Flower Market is also incredibly beautiful and provides the perfect backdrop for taking photos.

Town squares

Florence’s town squares are filled with gorgeous statues, fountains and small gardens, and are a popular item on day trip itineraries. The famous Piazza della Signoria is known for being one of the most beautiful town squares in the world!

Artisanal shops

Some of the items that you may find in Florence’s famous artisanal shops include things like jewelry, books, mosaic, terracotta pots and linen embroidery. These items make fantastic souvenirs and gifts to take home with you.

When is the best time to visit Florence?

The best time to visit Florence is in the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these periods you'll experience mild and pleasant weather and fewer crowds in comparison to the hot and busy summer season.

Are there any tours to Florence from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

Travel tips

On a day trip to Florence you'll be doing a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes.
Don't miss out on the local Tuscan dishes. Try bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), and of course, enjoy some gelato!
If you're planning to visit churches, ensure that you're dressed modestly, so no bare shoulders or shorts/skirts above the knee.

Florence: Day Trips and Tours from Venice