Pisa: Just over an hour’s drive from Florence, Pisa is a great place to head for a day trip. Of course, Pisa’s ‘must-see’ attraction is the famous Leaning Tower — but away from the iconic landmark, you will find Gothic churches, Romanesque architecture and beautiful, café-lined piazzas.
Lucca: The ideal excursion for anyone with an interest in history, the city of Lucca is also just over an hour from Florence. Lucca’s centre is surrounded by well-preserved Renaissance walls, which feature tree-lined pathways that provide a great walking trail around the city. For magnificent views across Lucca, visit Guinigi Tower — climb to the top and enjoy the panoramic views under the shade of the oak trees on the roof.
Arezzo: Around 80km south-east of Florence, the charming city of Arezzo is well worth a visit. The city’s centrepiece is the Piazza Grande, lined with stone-fronted houses and ornate churches. The square has a very traditional feel, and is much less tourist-oriented than the piazzas in some of Italy’s bigger cities. Arezzo is also home to numerous museums, including ones dedicated to art, communications and archaeology.