If we’re talking about the most beautiful places in the world, it’s a practically endless list. However, we all know that Tuscany will always land somewhere near the top of the list.
Known for its dramatic landscapes, peaceful countryside, historic cities, delicious local dishes, and much more, it’s easy to see why. However, many people book their trips to stay in Rome which makes sense as it’s simply more convenient for longer trips.
With that being said, you really can’t go to Italy without seeing Tuscany. We’re here to bring you the top Tuscany day trips from Rome, ensuring your time and money is well-spent.
Best Day Trips To Tuscany From Rome
Tuscany Countryside Day Trip from Rome w/ 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting | Tuscany Taster Tour: Day Trip from Rome w/ Lunch & Wine | Small-Group Tuscany Day Trip from Rome w/ Hill Towns & Castles | |
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Best Budget Tour | Best Full Day Tour | Best Small Group Tour | |
Departure: | Piazza del Popolo, Rome | Center of Rome's Piazza del Popolo | Piazzale Flaminio n. 5/6 Rome |
Start: | 7:30 am | 7:30 am | 7:15 am |
Duration: | 12 hours | 13 hours | 13 hours |
Includes: | Transportation, 3-course lunch, wine tasting at an authentic Tuscan winery, guide, dedicated audio headsets, visit to St. Biagio Church & hill town of Pienza | Transportation, guided tour of Montepulciano (max 25 people), Guide, headsets, 3-course gourmet lunch & wine tasting at a Tuscan farm, visit to St. Biagio Church & hill town of Pienza | Transport from Rome, Tour guide, lunch at an organic farm, wine tastings at Montalcino vineyard, cheese tasting, max group of 18 |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Tuscany Day Trips from Rome for 2023
- Best Budget Tour: Tuscany Countryside Day Trip from Rome including 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting
- Best Full Day Tour: Tuscany Taster Tour: Day Trip from Rome with Lunch & Wine
- Best Small Group Tour: Small-Group Tuscany Day Trip from Rome with Hill Towns and Castles
- Best Private Tour: Best of Tuscany Countryside and Wine Tasting – Private Day Trip from Rome
- Best Luxury Tour: Private Tuscany Wine Country Day Trip from Rome with Lunch
Tuscany Day Trip From Rome Reviews
1. Best Budget Tour: Tuscany Countryside Day Trip including 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting
- Duration: 12 hours
- Departure: Piazza del Popolo , Piazza del Popolo, Roma RM
- Departure Time: 7:30 am
- Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle 3-course lunch, wine tasting at an authentic Tuscan winery, professional guide, dedicated audio headsets, visit to St. Biagio Church and hill town of Pienza
Let’s start things off on the right foot with the Tuscany Countryside Day Trip from Rome including 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting.
Be prepared for a day full of exploring the Italian countryside, hear incredible historical accounts, take great photos, and try local wine and food. Lasting 12 hours, make sure you lace up your best walking shoes and bring along a sense of adventure!
Your tour will start off with your luxury coach picking you up at your hotel. With spacious, padded seats, climate control, and large windows perfect for viewing, you’ll surely enjoy the ride just as much as the tour itself.
Your guide is an expert on the subject, telling you all about the area as you see it. Stop first at Montepulciano, which is known around the world for its supreme wines and stunning views.
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Sitting on top of a medieval hilltop, the Renaissance town has quite the history and captivating architecture. As it is so well-known for its red wine, you’ll have to explore their wine cellars along with the local cathedral and old town walls.
Your guide will allow you plenty of time for photo ops before you head further into Tuscany. Once you get to Montalcino, you’ll explore Sant’Antimo Abbey which is a former Benedictine monastery that’s frankly one of the most beautiful areas we’ve ever seen.
By this time, you’re sure to have walked up quite a storm so take a break for a 3-course lunch at a local farm and try a glass of the famous Brunello di Montepulciano wine.
After fueling up, head to Pienza, which is a stunning UNESCO site. You’ll have plenty of time to explore at your own pace. The historic center is a crowd favorite, which was designed by Pope Pius II. The architecture, the shopping, the delicious snacks all around – you’re going to love it!
Tour Information & Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. Best Full Day Tour: Tuscany Taster Tour: Day Trip from Rome with Lunch & Wine
- Duration: 13 hours
- Departure: Center of Rome’s Piazza del Popolo
- Departure Time: 7:30 am
- Includes: Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach, guided tour of Montepulciano (groups no larger than 25 people), English-speaking tour guide, headsets (where necessary), 3-course gourmet lunch and wine tasting at a Tuscan farm, visit to St. Biagio Church and hill town of Pienza
Starting off at 7:15 in the morning, you’re going to have a day full of adventure in Tuscany! The Tuscany Taster Tour: Day Trip from Rome with Lunch & Wine is 13 hours long but really packs it full of delicious food, wine, and history lessons.
Meet your guide and the rest of your group at the center of Rome’s Piazza del Popolo which is a pretty central location and easy to get to.
You’ll board your comfortable coach that has a ton of room. This tour is limited to 25 people so it isn’t the smallest tour out there but still makes sure you have a great time and allows you to meet some new people.
As you drive over the rolling hills, the guide will tell you and your group all about the history behind the area and answer any questions you may have. They’ll also lay out the plan for the day so you know what to expect.
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Your first stop is Montepulciano, located on a hilltop and known for its incredible wine cellar, wine, and old ruins that were around long before Rome was built. Next up, see San Biagio, which is a church that’s been around since Renaissance times and has a notable travertine façade that looks incredible both from the inside and out.
This is quite a bit of sightseeing and walking, so board your coach again to head to a delicious Tuscan lunch consisting of 3 courses and perfect wine pairings made in-house. We highly recommend grabbing a bottle or two of your preferred Tuscan wine here or wait until you get to Pienza.
At Pienza, your guide will tell you the history of the town but will offer you free time to walk around, shop for some local cheese, balsamic vinegar, wines, and other local treats.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Other Experiences You May Enjoy:
3. Best Small Group Tour: Small-Group Tuscany Day Trip from Rome with Hill Towns and Castles
- Duration: 13 hours
- Departure: CAFFÈ VERGNANO 1882 , Piazzale Flaminio, 5, 6, 00196 Roma RM
- Departure Time: 7:15 am
- Includes: Round-trip transport from Rome, English-speaking tour leader, lunch at an organic farm, wine tastings at Montalcino vineyard, cheese tasting, small groups of max 18 people
If you’re looking for a smaller group tour around Tuscany that will allow you more of a personalized experience, check out our next tour.
The Small-Group Tuscany Day Trip from Rome with Hill Towns and Castles tour has raving reviews due to the undivided attention from the guide and the overall comprehensive experience. World-class wine, cheese, architecture, and more await you so what are you waiting for?
This tour does not include free hotel pickup and drop-off, but you will meet at the central Piazza della Repubblica at 7 am to make sure you have as much time as possible. Hope aboard your comfortable transportation and drive north to Tuscany.
The entire drive is very interesting, with intriguing commentary by your guide as you pass by each area. Stop first at Pienza, which is a UNESCO heritage site located on a hilltop.
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The charming, gorgeous village includes interesting ceramics shops filled with gems that you’re sure to want to take home.
Grab some lunch at a local deli for some mouthwatering treats and Tuscan dishes like pecorino. Don’t eat too much though, as your next stop is at a family-owned farm in Val d’Orcia. Specialists in the “farm-to-table” setup, you’ll get to try their delicious sheep cheese and goat cheese, with homemade honey and jam.
It’s simple, yet fulfilling and you’re sure to become addicted like we did! Wash it down with a perfectly-paired local wine while hanging out with the farm owners and taking in the fantastic views.
Then, head over to Montalcino which has a beautiful lookout tower. Hear all about its origins and have plenty of time for photo ops. After, travel to a world-class winery and explore the vineyards and old cellars.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Best Private Tour: Best of Tuscany Countryside and Wine Tasting – Private Day Trip from Rome
- Duration: 11 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off offered
- Departure Time: 7:30 am
- Includes: Transportations, expert driver/guide, fuel surcharge, parking fees
Our next to is a little bit different from the others, as you’ll travel to less places but will spend more time at each. This is great for those who don’t want to walk a lot and rather just sit back, relax, and settle into the experience.
The Best of Tuscany Countryside and Wine Tasting – Private Day Trip from Rome is an 11-hour tour that will take you through various medieval towns and give you plenty of time to enjoy incredible local wines.
While this tour is slightly shorter than the others, we felt that it evened out considering that they do include a hotel pickup and drop-off. That way, you don’t have to spend extra time traveling to a different pickup location.
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A deluxe van will be your mode of transportation, and your first stop is in the lovely city of Siena. This city is known for its medieval brick buildings, Gothic town hall, and Torre del Mangia which was constructed all the way back in the 14th century!
Take in the stunning panoramas of the city and enjoy a couple of hours of free time to stroll around the well-preserved area.
Next, you’ll drive over to San Gimignano which is a short drive from Siena so you won’t waste any time. Here lies one of the best wineries in the entire country. Luigi, the owner, will greet you as if you were family – offering a light yet delicious lunch accompanied by a flavorful wine tasting produced right there on their property.
You’ll then get to further explore San Gimignano, which as a UNESCO World Heritage site definitely has quite the history and beauty behind it.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Best Luxury Tour: Private Tuscany Wine Country Day Trip from Rome with Lunch
- Duration: 12 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off offered
- Departure Time: 7:00 am
- Includes: Expert driver-tour guide, transport by air-conditioned minivan, wine tasting in a selected winery in Montalcino area, traditional Tuscan lunch with cold cuts, cheeses and bruschettas
Our Tuscany guide wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t include our next guide. The Private Tuscany Wine Country Day Trip from Rome with Lunch is a 12-hour tour which will take you on a fairytale journey through various hilltop towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites, wineries, and more.
If you’re up for adventure and are looking for a small group tour configuration, this should be at the top of your list!
Start off by getting picked up at your Rome hotel by an air-conditioned, luxe minivan. We found them to be very comfortable and have more than enough leg room. Travel over rolling hills while enjoying the Italian countryside from your large windows.
As you go through the different areas, your guide will tell you relevant stories and histories about it so you learn as you go.
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Your first stop will be at Montepulciano, which we’ve discussed a bit already. This medieval town lies on top of a hill and is renowned for its famed Vino di Nobile and Rosso di Montepulciano wines. Stroll over the cobblestone streets, following your guide as they show you hidden gems and large tourist attractions.
Then, head down into a wine cellar to try these incredible wines! Oh, and the cellar has a history of its own which is a bit eerie!
Next up, head to Bagno Vignoni which is a charming little village that dates back to medieval times. Surrounded by a river, the land is rich and has attracted communities for many hundreds of years.
In fact, the village is built around a massive thermal pool! As you can imagine, it’s a very picturesque place so spend some time walking around here as well and take some photos.
Next, head on to Montalcino wine area which is less than an hour away. The views here are simply incomparable and you’ll be able to take them in while you enjoy delicious wines, cheeses from a local cheese factory, and relax.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Travel Guide for Rome and Tuscany
As you learn more about vacationing in Rome,you may want to plan for a few extra days to truly get the most out of your time in this ancient city. What attractions are you looking forward to the most when you visit Rome?
After you have seen all the major attractions in Rome it’s time to check out the surrounding areas. Tuscany is the perfect place to go to see hilltop towns, wineries and beautiful countryside!
Where do you plan on staying? We’d love to hear about your plans! If you’ve already visited Rome, let us know what you enjoyed the most.
Airports & Entry
When headed to Rome, you’ll most likely land at the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. This airport is the largest in Italy. Most foreign tourists, no matter their final destination in Italy, land in Rome. This means the airport is usually very crowded. However, this airport is also fairly easy to navigate.
To visit Italy, you must have a valid passport that has at least six months remaining before expiration. You can stay up to 90 days in the country for business or tourist reasons without a visa so long as your passport is valid.
Planning Tips
Before you start packing your bags, you’ll want to know how to make your trip easier and how to get the most out of your time in Rome. These top 5 planning tips can help you do just that.
Even standing outside the monstrous architectural wonder that is the Colosseum, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed at the technology and hard work necessary to build it. When visiting it, you will want to make sure you get the most out of the opportunity.
Tip #1: Wear Comfortable Shoes
It might be safe to say that you will want to wear comfortable shoes when touring many areas of Rome. However, there is no place in the city that requires comfortable walking shoes (can you link to a buying guide for shoes to this guide?) than the Colosseum.
This is a very large structure and many tours will take you up into the stands, onto the arena floor, or even into the underground tunnels and rooms where gladiators prepared for battle. With so much to see, you may spend hours here, and most of it spent walking.
Your best bet is to bring a comfortable pair of shoes from home, so you know they won’t hurt your feet with constant walking.
Tip #2: Take a Tour of the Colosseum
When standing in line to purchase a general admission ticket to the Colosseum, you may be waiting for quite a while. Plus, the general admission price doesn’t include priority access or access to other areas of the Colosseum.
When you purchase a ticket for a guided tour of the Colosseum, you will usually also receive skip-the-line access. This means that you will enter the Colosseum with your guide without having to stand in line. Many of these tours also offer access to areas of the structure that most people aren’t able to see.
One of the best reasons to invest in a tour of the Colosseum is that your guide will also be able to explain the different areas of the structure that you visit. Learning not just the history but also the time-true stories and legends can make your trip to the Colosseum a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Tip #3: Arrive Early, Stay Late
The Colosseum opens for visitors at 8:30 AM. Many guided tours will start between 8 and 9:30 AM. Those that start before the day’s official opening can provide a wonderful experience, seeing the Colosseum and its marvels without crowds.
If you are also going to be visiting the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, be sure to stay in the area until after sunset. Seeing the Colosseum lit up at night is a view not to be missed.
Tip #4: The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Even many of the general admissions tickets to the Colosseum will provide access, or a discounted rate, for entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well. With a guided tour, you can also see all three locations. This is a great way to spend a day and you will be able to experience some of the most popular attractions in Rome all in one day.
Tip #5: Choose Nearby Accommodations
If the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are on your list of must-visit attractions in Rome, you may want to choose accommodations that are close by. Not only does this make it easier for you to visit these places, but it is also a wonderful area of Rome to stay. Transportation is conveniently located nearby and many tours of other areas of the city have pickup locations in this area as well.
Restaurants & Eating Out
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Right? There is no better time to follow this rule then when it comes to dining. Eating out in Rome is probably much more affordable than you would’ve thought. Of course, you’ll want to savor a true Italian pizza.
The best place for this is La Gatta Mangiona. This casual restaurant is well known for its thin crust pizzas and may very well have been the start of the pizza craze in Rome.
If you’re looking for lighter fare, stop by Il Forno Campo de’ Fiori. The restaurant serves up delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, and light snacks. The bakery next door produces delicious biscuits, pastries, and more. Both the restaurant and the bakery offer take out so you can avoid the long lines.
While there are many places to get your fill of gelato in Rome, the Gelateria del Teatro is one of the most popular. You’ll find all the traditional flavors and occasionally come across an experiment or two. Have you ever tried raspberry and sage gelato?
NOTE: When it comes to leaving a tip at a restaurant, it’s important not to be too generous. Tipping more than 10% is often frowned upon. Also, you’ll rarely have an opportunity to leave a tip when using a debit or credit card. You’ll want to have a few euros on hand for tips as well as small purchases.
Nightlife & Entertainment
The nightlife in Rome is just as mixed as the combination of both ancient and modern seen all over the city. The Antica Enoteca has one of the most extensive wine lists in Rome and offers a rustic and casual atmosphere. If you’re looking for a traditional bar, you’ll want to stop by the American Bar at the Hotel Forum.
When it comes to cocktails, Rome offers ingenuity and imagination. Take the Carbonara Sour at Co.So Cocktail & Social, for example. This delicious cocktail might be a little different, containing black pepper and egg whites along with other ingredients, but is one of their most popular drinks.
If cocktails aren’t your thing and you’d rather sit down with a craft beer, stop by Brasserie 4:20. This small pub is warm and welcoming, and so is their list of craft beers on tap, plus a selection of whiskeys, bourbons, and other fine drinks.
Getting Around
While there is a great public transportation system in place, it’s often easier to get around in Rome by walking. You can get nearly everywhere you need to go by lacing up your tennis shoes and going for a stroll. If you’re going a longer distance, you might want to take a bus. A 100-minute bus ticket is quite affordable, as is the day pass.
Renting a car in Rome isn’t a good idea. Those unfamiliar with the city can have a difficult time maneuvering. If car travel is best, you’ll want to take a taxi. You can only grab a taxi in designated areas. Hailing for a cab outside of these areas is frowned upon.
Taxis can be on the expensive side but if you’re going a fair distance and you’d rather not take a bus, a taxi can be quite effective.
Accommodations
When it comes to accommodations in Rome, you’ll see inexpensive hotels and luxury resorts. The cheaper places to stay are often farther away, very small, or offer very few amenities. Most of these hotels aren’t recommended for tourists.
There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Rome, however. The G-Rough is located inside a 16th-century palazzo and epitomizes the history and art that Rome is famous for.
While staying at a luxury resort is ideal, it may not always be feasible. A great mid-range hotel that offers many of the benefits of a luxury resort without the price tag, is the Nerva Boutique Hotel. With just 19 rooms, guests can enjoy modern design, great food, as well as a great location.
Weather
July and August are the hottest months in Rome. The average temperature is somewhere around 78°F. For many, the 48°F average temperature in Rome in January is very mild. However, if you want to enjoy Rome with better chances of great weather, you’ll want to visit in the spring or the fall.
Attractions
Rome is full of attractions you can visit around your tour of the Vatican. The National Roman Museum is family-friendly and houses many interesting artifacts. The Basilica of San Clemente is not just a church, but also an archaeological site.
The newer building at the entry level dates back to the 12th-century while you can head downstairs to the original basilica built in the 4th-century AD.
If you’d like to see some of the more ancient attractions around Rome, you have several options. The Roman Forum is the location where Romulus made the founding of the city of Rome official. It was once the epicenter of Roman life.
Ostia Antica is just 25-minutes away by train. This location was once a thriving center of commerce. Today, you can explore over 100 acres of ancient shops, baths, temples, and even apartment buildings and houses.
Catacombs
A tour of the catacombs is a must if you’re planning a vacation to Rome. The architecture, and history contained in the catacombs simply can’t be experienced anywhere else. Whether you choose a short, 3-hour tour to see the basics or you opt for the VIP Experience, it’s guaranteed this is a trip you’ll never forget.
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The Countryside Day Trip from Rome including 3-Course Lunch & Wine Tasting is our Editors Choice for the best Tuscany day trips from Rome