Country Directory Country Directory

Excursion to Florence by train from Rome

Italy • Rome / Florence • Day trip

Florence in a Day from Rome: the Cradle of the Renaissance, with an evening return

Staying in Rome but craving a change of scenery? Hop on a train to Florence and enjoy a full-day walking tour through iconic squares, cathedrals, and the legendary Ponte Vecchio.

While in Rome, you can take advantage of our offer, which includes an exciting excursion to Florence.

What is this excursion about, and why might it be interesting for you? You’ve surely heard of Florence – a city praised by world-famous poets, called the cradle of the Renaissance, a place that can always boast exquisite and delicious cuisine, as well as the art of winemaking.

Florence is a city of narrow streets where, back in the day, the great Dante and Raphael once wandered, along with many other people of art – painters, sculptors, poets. And now you have a real opportunity to visit it too!

This excursion lasts a full day. Price – 130 euros.

Top highlights

Format: train ride Rome ↔ Florence + city-center walking tour.

Duration: a full day.

Price: €130.

Key stops: Santa Croce, Cathedral Square, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria.

Finish: Piazza della Signoria, then back to Rome Termini by train.

How it works: Rome → Florence → Rome

In Rome, the excursion starts from the Roma Termini railway station. You arrive at Firenze SMN railway station, and then, in Florence, the main journey begins from Piazza Santa Maria Novella, at the entrance to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. In other words, this is a walking tour, but with an initial train transfer to Florence.

A day in Florence: squares, landmarks, and the oldest bridge

The journey through Florence starts at the Square of the Holy Cross, surrounded by palazzi of Florentine nobility, and dominated by one of Italy’s most famous churches – the Basilica of Santa Croce. This is where Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and many other great figures are buried.

After visiting Cathedral Square, you will see Florence Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery.

As part of the excursion, you will also visit Florence’s oldest bridge – Ponte Vecchio, and stroll through Piazza della Signoria, where you will see the Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, the statue of David, and the Fountain of Neptune.

The Florence tour ends at Piazza della Signoria. By train from Florence, you will return to Rome, to the Roma Termini railway station.

What to do on a one-day Florence trip

Focus on enjoying the historic center on foot: narrow streets, iconic squares, and the unmistakable Renaissance atmosphere described in the tour. Along the way, you’ll cover the key sights – Santa Croce, Cathedral Square, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria.

Florence is also highlighted for its refined cuisine and winemaking traditions – even a short break can become a memorable part of the day.

1-day itinerary (aligned with this tour)

Morning: depart from Rome (Roma Termini) → arrive at Firenze SMN → meet at Piazza Santa Maria Novella (at the entrance to Santa Maria Novella Basilica).

Midday: Santa Croce Square and Santa Croce Basilica → Cathedral Square (Florence Cathedral, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery).

Afternoon: Ponte Vecchio → Piazza della Signoria (Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, David statue, Neptune Fountain).

Evening: finish at Piazza della Signoria → train back → Roma Termini.

2-day itinerary (if you decide to stay longer)

Although the excursion is designed for one day, you might want to extend the experience to enjoy Florence at a calmer pace – especially considering its art-filled streets, cuisine, and winemaking traditions mentioned in the description.

Day 1: follow the core route of the tour: Santa Croce → Cathedral Square → Ponte Vecchio → Piazza della Signoria.

Day 2: keep it flexible: revisit your favorite streets and squares, and dedicate time to local food and wine traditions in a relaxed way.

How to get there: departure, meeting point, return

The tour starts at Roma Termini station in Rome. You travel by train to Florence, arriving at Firenze SMN. In Florence, the walking tour begins at Piazza Santa Maria Novella, at the entrance to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The excursion ends at Piazza della Signoria, and then you return by train to Roma Termini in Rome.

Ion Admiral

Author on Instagram

Head Manager & Lead Travel Blogger
Admiral.Travel — practical experience, not just pretty photos.

FAQ: Rome to Florence day tour

How long does the excursion last?

It lasts a full day, with an evening return to Rome.

What is the price?

The stated price is €130.

Where does it start in Rome?

The start point is Roma Termini railway station.

Which station do we arrive at in Florence?

You arrive at Firenze SMN railway station.

Where does the walking tour begin?

At Piazza Santa Maria Novella, at the entrance to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.

Is it a walking tour?

Yes. The main part is on foot, with a train transfer Rome–Florence–Rome.

What are the key sights on the route?

Santa Croce (Square and Basilica), Cathedral Square, Ponte Vecchio, and Piazza della Signoria.

Where does the tour end in Florence?

It ends at Piazza della Signoria.

Where do we return to in Rome?

You return by train to Roma Termini railway station.

Why is Florence called the cradle of the Renaissance?

In the description, Florence is presented as the city known as the cradle of the Renaissance era.

Who is buried in Santa Croce?

The text mentions Galileo, Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and other great figures.

What can I expect to see at Piazza della Signoria?

Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Vecchio, the statue of David, and the Fountain of Neptune.