CIS Abroad Blog

Top 10 Day Trips from Florence

Yael sits in a green hoodie on a stool next to his painting in a small studio space with various other pieces of art on the walls.

My name is Eliza Morris and I'm a student at the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga. I studied abroad with CIS Abroad's Semester in Florence program. During my time abroad, I never thought I would get the chance to travel to so many places. When starting to plan, I was super worried that I would not have enough time or money to do everything I wanted to. Upon further research, I realized just how close places were to me. I loved Florence, but being able to go somewhere else for a day was so nice. Here are my top ten picks for day trips from Florence!

Pisa, Leaning Tower1. Pisa

Pisa has to be number one because of how close it is to Florence. I went on a solo trip and it was mesmerizing to see the Leaning Tower in person. It was even funnier to see people posing for the classic leaning picture.

2. San Gimignano

San Gimignano was one of my favorite small excursions. Getting to walk down historic streets with very few tourists was amazing. After learning about this region and it’s grapes in class, it was so neat to see it in person.

Venice Gondola ride

3. Venice

Venice was probably one of my all time favorite places I visited. The train ride was only two hours and the tickets were not expensive at all. I can not explain the overwhelming feeling when you first step into the city.

4. Arezzo

Arezzo was one of the first excursions with CIS Abroad and it was one to remember. The train ride was only an hour by train. I will always remember this trip because we got to see how the huge clock worked and was up close when the bells played.

5. Prato

Prato was our second trip with CIS Abroad and the food was the best part! Prato has a large Asian population which is reflected in their grocery stores and restaurants. We got to indulge in authentic meals that I would have never branched out by myself to try.

Manarola - Cinque Terre

6. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is also a great option for a day trip. It is only two and a half hours by train and is so worth it. There are trains that take you to each of the villages. The views are unbeatable.

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7. Verona

Juliet’s Balcony from Romeo and Juliet is in Verona, which is only two hours by train. For anyone who wants to see this up close and in person, this is the perfect little day trip.

8. Livorno 

Livorno is a great option if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Florence. It is known for its canals and seafood and is only an hour and a half train ride!

Portovenere

9. Porto Venere

Porto Venere is two and a half hours by train and is absolutely worth it. It is a hidden gem near Cinque Terre and has some of the best seafood I have ever tasted. The small shops are also so fun to walk around.

10. Parma

Lastly, for any cheese lovers, Parma is only two hours by train. They are famous for Parmesan cheese and Prosciutto di Parma. What better place to do a food tasting!! Florence has so many special places surrounding it that give many different options. There are so many different options from riding a gondola to attending a cheese tasting. There is something for everyone who is seeking a little time away from the busy life of Florence. 

 

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While studying in Tokyo for a semester, I aimed to live by the quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." Because of that, I have gotten to experience incredibly fascinating things and meet amazing people. Tokyo almost feels like a second home to me now. I am immensely thankful for the opportunity to have experienced the beauty of Japan and its rich culture.
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Based on personal experience from my home university, Australia does not tend to be a popular destination for study abroad, likely due to its distance. However, I am extremely grateful I made the decision to come here. The geographical diversity, numerous cultural representations, and major cities so close to nature make Australia a truly unique and unforgettable country. Spending three and a half months here will be an experience I treasure for the rest of my life.

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CIS provided a brilliant network of people so I never felt alone, and everyday was a new adventure. I got to explore a place completely different from anything I could have imagined. It was challenging navigating a new culture, a language I didn't know completely, and a new environment, but that was the beauty of it all. No one goes abroad searching for comfort, but you learn that comfort can be found anywhere, if you know how to look.
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Studying abroad in London has been an experience I will never forget. Living in a new country is something I think everyone should experience in their life. I've made so many new life long friendships I never would have unless I came here. I've also grown so much as a person and become more independent. The CIS team has been so supportive during the whole process. From applying to my program to arriving on campus in London. My site directors have been so helpful and supportive answering any questions I have. The social program activities were amazing and helped me see a different side of London than I would have without it. I will never forget this experience; it really has changed me for the better.
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The CIS program was truly a one of a kind experience. I was able to meet many students from all across America, attend several events (such as food tours or a trip to Kyoto), and make many friends. I would not trade it for anything. I am thankful I decided to study with CIS Abroad. Before this, I was thinking about just plowing through my degree, getting my master's and PhD, and immediately entering society. However, this experience changed my life. Through meeting many people from many places, and living in a new area for an extended period of time, my view of my own philosophies, culture and place of living, changed. This would not have happened if I stayed in the States. I would say if you are able to go, you should go. There is no time like the present.
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