Volterra: Day Trips and Tours from Florence

Volterra is located in the center of Tuscany and is full of artisanal crafts, sumptuous wines and picture-perfect landscapes. There is an abundance of history and culture in the walled town, and you can see it all on a Volterra day trip from Florence.

Volterra’s architecture encompasses three of the major ancient civilizations throughout time and the town itself dates back almost 3,000 years.

It’s just a short drive from nearby Florence to this place of remarkable relics and handmade alabaster sculptures.

Below you can check out our complete guide to Volterra, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Florence.

Where is Volterra? What are my travel options from Florence?

Volterra is situated in the Pisa province of Tuscany, around 80 kilometers from the city of Florence.

From Florence to Volterra by car

The journey to Volterra by car takes around 1.5 hours and follows the A1 south out of the city as far as Bottai. From there, you'll take the Raccordo Autostradale Firenze - Siena and follow it along until the SS68 turn off which takes you all the way to Volterra.

From Florence to Volterra by public transport

It is possible to use public transport to access Volterra even though there is no direct connection. You should leave Florence from the Firenze S. Maria Novella station on a train to Pontedera.

From there, you'll take the 500 bus to Volterra from the Pontedera bus station which is located less than 100 meters from the train station.

It takes less than an hour to travel between Florence and Pontedera. The following bus runs every three hours and takes another hour to reach Volterra.

Guided tour to Volterra from Florence

Guided tours begin around 9 AM and include a pickup from your hotel. Most tours last all day and you'll return to the city after approximately nine hours.

What is on the itinerary of a typical day tour to Volterra from Florence?

Volterra day tours often begin with a pickup in Florence and travel for an hour to the heart of the UNESCO site of San Gimignano. Some day trips include a walking tour of the medieval town and some allow you to roam freely.

You'll then make the short jaunt to Volterra and discover another of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Tuscany region. Take a trip back in time as you tour the ancient Roman baths and theater, as well as the Etruscan tombs which date back as far as the eighth century B.C.

Some tours include a pre-arranged lunch at a local restaurant. Others allow you to follow your nose and seek out the most divine Tuscan food you can find in the town. You'll then board your vehicle and finish your Volterra excursion back in Florence.

What types of Voterra day tours from Florence can I book?

Day tours to Volterra are varied and cover a wide range of interests.

Day trip to Volterra from Florence

Volterra day trips begin with a visit to Colle Val d'Elsa's charming town, famous for its crystal glass blowing. While you're there, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a workshop where you'll learn how to master the craft yourself.

Continuing on the tour to Volterra, you'll embark on a walking tour and learn about its many characteristics. The town has its own claim to fame as it features in the Twilight movie and book saga.

Lunch is served at an organic farm in the countryside and you'll sample the traditional Tuscan fare. You’ll make a final stop at a local winery for a tasting session before leaving for Florence.

Private day trip to Volterra plus San Gimignano from Florence

Private day trips that include San Gimignano travel through glorious countryside and winding vineyards to reach the medieval town. San Gimignano has a dozen towers within its walls and is therefore nicknamed "the town of fine towers."

You'll have free time to explore the Gothic and Roman architecture through the town's churches and historic center. The latter of the two is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Later in the day, you'll move on to Volterra which was built before the eighth century B.C. and contains a fusion of Roman, Etruscan and Medieval influences.

Ferrari day tour to Volterra plus Blogheri from Florence

Ferrari day tours to Volterra are a luxurious experience for those who love to feel the wind whistling through their hair.

You'll rent the car for eight hours and be in constant contact with a tour director via walkie-talkie to guide you through the attractions. You'll visit Volterra first, before stopping in Bolgheri for a local Tuscan lunch, and lastly experience a tasting at the Argentiera wine estate.

How much does a tour to Volterra from Florence cost?

Day trips include round-trip transportation from your hotel, as well as a Tuscan lunch with wine, a local guide and a wine tasting session. You'll pay €233 for this nine-hour tour.

Private day trips to Volterra and San Gimignano are limited to your group of up to eight guests. They include hotel pickup and drop-off and you'll travel in an air-conditioned minivan. The tour lasts eight hours and you'll pay around €58.

Day tours of Volterra in a Ferrari include car rental for eight hours, as well as insurance, parking fees and a tour director. On top of this, you'll receive a traditional lunch and a guided wine tasting. You can expect to pay €2,809 for up to two people.

What are the highlights in Volterra?

Roman Theater

The Roman Theater at Volterra was buried for centuries until it was discovered in the 1950s by a team of archaeologists. The excavation uncovered one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world that dates back to the first century B.C.

It is likely that up to 3,500 guests would have originally been entertained in the building before it was abandoned in the third century. In the 13th century, the buried remains were cut in half and separated by the building of the city walls.

The archaeological site is open daily from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM in the summer season between April and November. Tickets range between €2 and €8 depending on age.

Alabaster Ecomuseum

The town of Volterra is very proud of its alabaster production and has dedicated a museum to it. In the museum, you'll see how the raw material is turned into sculptures and artifacts.

You'll also learn about how alabaster was used in the ancient times of the Etruscans. Tourists can visit the site from 9 AM to 7 PM daily between April and November. The entrance fee for adults is €8.

Medici Fortress

The Medici Fortress was built in the 15th century and can be seen from miles away. While many fortresses are used for the protection of a city, the Medici Fortress had more sinister uses.

It was built as a scaremongering tactic to discourage rebellion from the townsfolk. You can't visit the fortress, as it is presently used as a prison. However, you can view the imposing tower and admire the craftsmanship of the building from its adjacent gardens.

Viti Palace

Palazzo Viti is one of the most opulent palaces in all of Italy and is named after the family who bought it in 1850. The palace was originally commissioned in the 16th century and is still inhabited by descendants of Giuseppe Viti.

There are 12 rooms open to the public that display luxurious furniture, alabaster works and other fascinating relics. The site is laid out as though the family still frequents the rooms which provides a more life-like experience.

The palace is open to visitors between 10:30 AM and 5:30 PM daily, and it costs €5 to enter.

When is the best time to plan a visit to Volterra?

Most landmarks in the town are open between April and November, meaning you should rule out the winter months.

The weather is most pleasant in June and September when the temperature sits at a warm and sunny 25 degrees Celsius. For some, this is preferable for a day trip to Volterra than the  30 degree Celsius heat in July and August.

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

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

• Day trips to Volterra from Siena

Travel tips

• Remember to check out local artisans creating alabaster sculptures while in Volterra.
• There are many absorbing sites to be seen on a day trip to Volterra, so bring your camera.
• Although Volterra doesn’t get as hot as the south of Italy, you can still get sunburned during the height of summer. Make sure you’re prepared with a sunhat, sunscreen and water.