For travelers looking to experience the charm of Tuscany, nothing beats a day in Siena. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most common day trip destinations from Florence, and for good reason. The hub of the town is the Piazza del Campo, with the looming Torre de Mangia — which provides magnificent views for those who dare make the climb to the top. Other popular activities include visiting the marble Siena Cathedral and simply wandering the enchanting streets of the city.

However you travel, the 80 kilometer (49 mile) journey from Florence to Siena usually takes around 90 minutes. Depending on which train you take, the trip can take up to an hour and 45 minutes by rail.

The unofficial food capital of Italy, Bologna — or “la grassa" (“the fat") is a gourmet’s dream. As the home to the oldest university in the world, a trip to Bologna is much more than just a chance to fill up on fine foods. Travelers can check out the Piazza Maggiore, wonder at the strange yet fascinating 17th-century anatomical theater, and eat to their heart’s content in the massive FICO World Eataly. Of course, make sure to taste the local specialties of ragu, prosciutto, and parmigiano reggiano.

Just over 100 kilometers north of Florence, Bologna is an easy day trip from Florence. By train, the journey only takes 35 minutes, while by car it takes around 80 minutes. Allow for a little more time if traveling by bus, as the trip takes around two hours.

As home to one of the most famous landmarks in the world, a day trip to Pisa is on almost everyone’s travel radar. Legend has it that the Leaning Tower of Pisa — actually the belltower of the Pisa Cathedral — was once the site of some experiments by none other than Galileo himself. There is much more to this city than just the famous tower, however. Counted among Pisa’s other attractions are the Piazza dei Cavaliere, the Campo Santo, and the Palazzo della Carovana.

Only 85 kilometers (52 miles) away, the trip from Pisa to Florence is an easy one. By car, the trip is only around an hour and 15 minutes, while the train will get you there a bit quicker, at just one hour. Bus service takes around one hour and 35 minutes.