Florence is a fantastic base for exploring beyond the city limits. Its central location means you’re just a short drive from some of Italy’s most stunning landscapes and historic towns. Whether you’re into medieval castles, charming villages, or scenic coastlines, Florence’s full-day tours make it easy to enjoy these sights without the hassle of planning transportation. We’re especially fond of the private Siena, San Gimignano, and Chianti tour for its personalized experience, and the Cinque Terre day trip, which offers a taste of Italy’s rugged coastline. These tours give you a chance to see Italy’s countryside and coast with expert guides handling all the logistics—so you can focus on the views, the food, and the stories.
If you’re after a taste of local wine and rustic charm, the Chianti wine tasting tour is perfect. For history and architecture lovers, the guided visits to Pisa and Siena on the comprehensive Tuscany tour deliver in spades. And if you want a seaside adventure, the private Portofino and San Fruttuoso trip combines luxury and natural beauty. Keep reading to find the full scoop on each of these top-rated full-day tours in Florence.
1. PRIVATE Full-Day Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti from Florence
At number one, this private tour offers a personalized way to explore the iconic towns of Siena, San Gimignano, and a Chianti farm or winery. For around $377 per person, you get a dedicated guide and driver in a luxury Mercedes minivan, with plenty of room and comfort. The itinerary is thoughtfully curated to balance sightseeing, food, and wine tastings, all with flexible timing. You’ll start in Siena, famous for its Piazza del Campo—a shell-shaped square that’s perfect for photos—and stroll through its medieval streets. The Siena Cathedral, a stunning example of Italian Gothic architecture, is a highlight you can admire from outside or explore if you choose to buy tickets.
Next, the tour takes you to San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval towers that seem to scrape the sky. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy local gelato and wander through narrow alleys. The day wraps up with an optional private lunch at a Chianti farm or winery, where you’ll taste local wines and regional dishes. Reviewers gush about Alessandro’s friendly service and his knowledge of Tuscan wines—many say he made the day special. This tour is best for travelers who want an intimate experience with flexible stops and want to skip the hassle of driving or booking separate tickets.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those craving a personalized, relaxed day with expert guidance, great scenery, and excellent food and wine.
2. The Best of Tuscany: Private Full Day Tour From Florence
Number two offers a rundown of Tuscany’s highlights in about nine hours. Starting from Florence, your private guide and driver will whisk you to Pisa, for a visit to the famous Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli. Here, you’ll marvel at the intricate black-and-white marble cathedral and snap photos of the iconic leaner—an engineering marvel. The tour then heads into the countryside, stopping at San Gimignano, with its medieval towers and quaint streets, and finally gives you sweeping views of vineyards and olive groves in Chianti.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of history, scenic landscapes, and cultural landmarks without the stress of planning. The round-trip transport from your hotel in Florence is hassle-free, with a driver-guide ensuring you see the best spots efficiently. Guests frequently comment on the professionalism of the guides and the flexibility of the itinerary, often altering the stops based on interests. It’s a good choice if you want a full but manageable day exploring Italy’s most famous regions.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, hassle-free tour suited for those who want to see key Tuscan sights comfortably in one day.
3. Florence: Full day Tour to Cinque Terre and Pisa
For around 12 hours, this full-day adventure takes you from Florence to the Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most photogenic coastlines, and to Pisa’s Leaning Tower. The trip includes a visit to Manarola, with its colorful houses perched above the sea, and some free time to relax on Monterosso’s beaches. You’ll also enjoy a boat ride (or similar scenic cruise) that offers fantastic views of the coastline, and end with a visit to Pisa, where you can see the famous Leaning Tower and explore the Piazza dei Miracoli.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to experience both Italy’s coastal beauty and its architecture in one day. Federico, the guide, earns praise for his ability to keep the pace lively and to give just enough information without overload. This tour is best for travelers who don’t mind long days and want to see both the coast and Pisa in a single trip. Keep in mind, it’s a tight schedule, so comfortable shoes and a good camera are essentials.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those eager to combine Italy’s coastlines with historic landmarks in one comprehensive day.
4. Florence: Portofino & San Fruttoso Full Day Private Tour
Number four on our list is a luxurious private day trip to Portofino and San Fruttuoso, ideal for travelers craving a mix of seaside charm and exclusivity. The tour starts with a scenic drive from Florence to Santa Margherita Ligure, where you’ll take a ferry to Portofino. This colorful fishing village is famous for its luxury boutiques and harbor views—a perfect spot for a seaside lunch or a quick shopping spree.
After exploring Portofino, the day continues with a boat cruise to San Fruttuoso, famous for its Cristo degli Abissi, a submerged statue visible from the water. You can swim or snorkel in the clear waters, making it great for water lovers. The return trip includes a ferry ride back to Santa Margherita and then a transfer to Florence. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, boat rides, and seaside scenery, and it’s perfect if you want a more relaxed, luxurious experience.
Reviewers often mention the smooth logistics and the stunning coastal views. Just note, this is a full day with some early starts, so it’s best for those comfortable with a busy schedule.
Bottom Line: A superb choice for travelers seeking an elegant coastal experience with personalized private service.
5. Full Day Private Wine Tasting in Chianti from Florence
Finally, for those passionate about wine and rustic charm, this full-day Chianti wine tour offers an authentic taste of Tuscany’s most famous wine region. Starting from Piazza della Repubblica, you’ll drive through rolling hills to Greve in Chianti, where you can browse local shops and enjoy the village atmosphere. The highlight is visiting Castello di Verrazzano, a historic castle where you’ll sample a variety of wines and learn about tradition.
The tour includes visits to two wineries—each offering tastings and insights into Chianti’s winemaking process. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch paired with local wines, making this a sensory-rich experience. Reviewers often mention the knowledgeable guides and the genuine experience of tasting wines in historical settings. It’s a great pick for wine lovers wanting an immersive experience without the price of a multi-day winery tour.
Value-wise, it offers a lot—wines, food, and picturesque scenery—at around 8 hours of engaging activity. It’s best suited for those who enjoy wine, history, and rural landscapes. Just be aware that some walking and standing are involved.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine enthusiasts looking for an authentic, relaxed day immersed in Tuscan viticulture and scenery.
How to Choose
When selecting your perfect full-day tour from Florence, consider your interests and travel style. If you want a personalized experience with flexibility, the PRIVATE Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti is hard to beat. For a broad overview of Tuscany’s key sights, the Best of Tuscany covers Pisa, Siena, and Chianti efficiently.
If coastal scenery appeals, the Portofino & San Fruttoso is perfect, especially if you love boat rides and seaside villages. For those focused on wine, the Chianti wine tasting offers immersion into Tuscany’s winemaking tradition. Lastly, if you’re eager to see both Italy’s coast and Pisa in one day, the Cinque Terre and Pisa makes for a long but rewarding trip.
Consider your budget, energy level, and what kind of experience excites you most—whether it’s medieval towns, stunning coastlines, or wine tastings. Booking early is advised, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Florence’s location makes it an excellent hub for full-day excursions that showcase Italy’s diverse sights. From the medieval towers of San Gimignano to the stunning beaches of Cinque Terre and the vineyards of Chianti, there’s a tour for every interest and pace. For travelers looking for a personalized touch, the private Siena and Chianti tours stand out. Those eager to combine coast, architecture, and culture will find the Cinque Terre and Pisa trip perfect.
No matter which tour you pick, early booking ensures a smooth experience. With so many compelling options at your fingertips, there’s no excuse not to venture out and see a side of Italy that’s as varied as it is beautiful.