Don’t get me wrong; I love being in Florence. As a volunteer archivist at one of Florence’s libraries, I am used to spending long weekends in this captivating city. Just walking around and drinking in the beauty of its architecture, art, and even shop windows have always given me great pleasure.

But… deep down I’m a country girl also ready to escape the city crowds, traffic, and noise, even if it means leaving the Cradle of the Renaissance and home of Dante. Here are five of my favorite day trips from Florence, all of which promise to offer you more Tuscan beauty.