One of the best parts of being a flight attendant is how easy it is to slip away on a day trip when my schedule allows. Rome is a hub of history and culture on its own, but Florence, just under two hours away by high-speed train, always tempts me. Whenever I land in Rome with a long layover, I find myself grabbing my camera, hopping on the Frecciarossa, and letting Tuscany’s Renaissance beauty unfold before me.

Florence is a city that feels like an open-air museum, but it’s also the gateway to rolling Tuscan hills, dotted with vineyards and timeless villages. A day here can give you just enough of both, the chance to marvel at Botticelli’s Birth of Venus inside the Uffizi, sip Chianti in the very land it was born, and wander streets where history and wine are woven into everyday life.

Getting There: Rome to Florence by Train

The high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) whisk you from Rome Termini to Florence Santa Maria Novella in as little as 1 hour 30 minutes. It’s effortless, you can sip a coffee onboard and watch the Lazio countryside give way to Tuscany’s patchwork hills. Trains run frequently, so even a spontaneous decision can turn into an unforgettable day trip.

For me, there’s nothing better than starting early in Rome, reaching Florence mid-morning, and diving straight into the heart of the city. From there, you can walk everywhere—this is a city built for wandering, and every corner offers something new to photograph.

Morning in Florence: Renaissance Splendour

Start your morning at the Uffizi Gallery, home to some of the world’s greatest treasures of Renaissance art. Seeing Botticelli’s Birth of Venus is a moment that never fails to take my breath away. There’s something magical about standing before a painting that has shaped the history of art. The gallery also houses works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael, making it a feast for any art lover.

Step outside and the Piazza della Signoria opens before you, a stage set with sculptures like a copy of Michelangelo’s David. From here, it’s a short walk to the Duomo, Florence’s magnificent cathedral with its iconic red dome designed by Brunelleschi. I love climbing up to the dome or the bell tower for sweeping views of the city, terracotta rooftops against a Tuscan backdrop that always begs to be photographed.

Midday: Wine, Food, and Secret Wine Doors

Florence has its own delicious quirks, one of my favourites being the wine doors—tiny openings built into Renaissance palaces, once used for selling wine directly to passersby. Many of these “buchette del vino” have been restored and even reopened, letting you sip a glass the way Florentines did centuries ago. It’s like stepping back in time, with a modern pour.

Florence’s hidden wine windows, or buchette del vino, are charming relics of the Renaissance era that have recently experienced a revival. These small, arched openings in building facades were originally used by noble families to sell wine directly to passersby, bypassing taxes and middlemen. Today, some of these windows have been reopened to serve wine, gelato, and more, offering a unique glimpse into Florence’s rich history.

Here are some notable wine windows in Florence:

1. Osteria Belle Donne

Located near Santa Maria Novella, this wine window is one of the most photographed in the city, often adorned with vibrant flowers. It’s a popular spot, so be prepared for a short wait.

2. Palazzo Gondi

Situated near Piazza della Signoria, this historic palace features a wine window that dates back to the Gondi family’s involvement in the wine trade.

3. Via Delle Belle Donne

This street, close to the train station, is home to several wine windows, including one at number 2, offering a convenient stop for travellers.

4. Palazzo Viviani

Located in the city centre, this wine window is associated with the Viviani family, known for their wine production.

5. Babae

In the Oltrarno district, Babae has reopened its wine window, allowing patrons to experience this historic method of purchasing wine.

For a more comprehensive exploration, consider taking a guided tour, such as the Florence Wine Windows Experience, which delves into the history and significance of these unique features.

Remember to check the operating hours and availability of these wine windows before planning your visit, as some may have limited hours or seasonal operations.Florence’s hidden wine windows, or buchette del vino, are charming relics of the Renaissance era that have recently experienced a revival. These small, arched openings in building facades were originally used by noble families to sell wine directly to passersby, bypassing taxes and middlemen. Today, some of these windows have been reopened to serve wine, gelato, and more, offering a unique glimpse into Florence’s rich history.

For lunch, I recommend pairing a plate of fresh pasta or a classic Florentine steak with a glass of Chianti. But if time allows, this is also where Florence truly shines, its role as the gateway to Tuscany’s wine country.

Afternoon: Wine Tours into the Tuscan Hills

If you’ve got the entire day, I suggest joining a half-day wine tour from Florence. Many tours leave right from the city centre and whisk you into the Tuscan countryside, where rolling vineyards, olive groves, and cypress-lined roads await. The Chianti region is just 30–40 minutes away, making it easy to fit into a day trip.

I’ve wandered vineyards where Sangiovese grapes bask in the sun, tasting Chianti Classico poured by the winemakers themselves. There’s always a sense of tradition here. Families who’ve cultivated the land for generations, bottles labeled with the black rooster that marks true Chianti Classico, and rustic cellars where the scent of oak and aging wine fills the air.

Another option is heading toward Montepulciano or Montalcino, famous for Vino Nobile and Brunello wines. These tours often include medieval towns, making it more than just a tasting—it’s history, landscape, and flavour all rolled into one.

Evening: Back in Florence Before Returning to Rome

Before catching your train back to Rome, wander Florence’s riverfront and cross the Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge lined with jewellers’ shops. As the sun sets, the light over the Arno River turns golden, making it one of the most beautiful moments to capture on camera.

I love finishing with an aperitivo, perhaps a glass of local wine or a Negroni, which was born in Florence, before heading back to the train station. By the time you’re on the train, you’ll be sipping water and scrolling through photos of a day that feels like it could have stretched across centuries.

Why Florence is the Perfect Day Trip from Rome

For me, Florence is more than a quick trip, it’s a blend of art, history, and the kind of wine culture that makes Tuscany world-renowned. In one day, you can stand before masterpieces that changed the course of art, sip Chianti among vineyards, and discover quirky traditions like wine doors.

It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, the most unforgettable experiences are just a train ride away.

Want to know more about wine? See our comprehensive Beginners Guide to Wine.