Private car transfer from La Spezia to Florence

Your wanderlust is fueled from the beginning as you draw in one last breath of the Mediterranean Sea's salty air before stepping into your vehicle. The glimmering blue waters of La Spezia’s port will guide you along the green coastline until you turn into the winding hills of the iconic Tuscany terrain.

As you twist and bend like a plate of pasta, the clear blue skies create a balmy feeling that will put you in the vacation spirit. The hilltop villages in the distance will make you feel lost in the wilderness. But the towering cypress trees will ensure you're on the right path until Florence's majestic Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower peaks above the cityscape from afar.

This road trip is the definition of la dolce vita. So, the last thing you want to encounter on the voyage is stress, problems, and noise. As a result, we made this in-depth guide to ensure you make the most of your adventure from La Spezia to Florence in 2024!

Historic Florence

Originally a Celtic settlement, the Romans conquered the region in 59 BC. Julius Caesar acknowledged the city's potential with its outstanding natural defense barriers, river for trade, and stopping point for his army when traveling north. Therefore, he renamed the region "Florentia," meaning flourishing.

The area saw significant growth in the Middle Ages. The Medici family created the largest and most respected bank worldwide. Florence's financial security allowed the city to prosper until its most well-known period, the Renaissance.

Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli all resided here and developed the city into a melting pot of culture, earning Florence the title "The Jewel of the Renaissance." The popularity it received from wealthy bureaucrats led to the development of stunning landmarks, including the Dome of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the masterpiece of the Battle of Anghiari in the Palazzo della Signoria.

Modern Florence

Sometimes, it's hard to believe Florence is in the 21st century. Its streets are still paved with cobbled bricks from previous centuries. The rustic yet beautiful baroque-style buildings house traditional eateries sticking to family recipes and making handmade pasta the old-fashioned way. Even its abundance of museums serves as a reminder of its proud heritage.

The lively energy, safe setting, and luxury brand stores are just a handful of reminders that you're still living in 2024!

• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Time Zone: GMT+1
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Plug types: C, F, and L
• Peak tourist season: July–September

Cash is king

Although Italy is modern with 21st-century technology, many smaller establishments avoid card machines to keep costs down. Countless attractions line the road from La Spezia’s port to Florence, whether it's local galleries or cozy eateries, and many only accept cash.

Don't worry if you don't spend your cash along the way. You'll need some for the small souvenir stores in Florence!

Stop for sightseeing

Make sure you can stop to experience some of the nation’s most fascinating attractions before booking your mode of transportation. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, a travel symbol of Italy, and the postcard-walled city of Lucca sit between La Spezia and Florence.

Take a private car with Daytrip, and you can easily visit these sights and more on your way to Florence!

Pack the essentials

Bring a small bag outside of your primary luggage for easy access to all the essentials for the journey. In the summer, you need plenty of water, sunscreen, and sunglasses to admire the views that unfold before you.

But you should also bring leisurely goods, including a camera, entertainment outlets (board games, headphones), or top travel guides to read up on Florence.

Train from La Spezia to Florence

The train is by far the most popular way to travel from La Spezia to Florence. Trenitalia offers a quick, easy, and cheap way to travel between cities. However, there are a few things to note.

Firstly, three types of services are available: a direct regional, an indirect regional, and a high-speed train. The Frecciarossa runs the latter, which is the most expensive of all. The indirect service is the cheapest and lets you explore cities like Lucca and Pisa (you'll just have to store your luggage somewhere).

Then, consider the train stations. Some carriages leave La Spezia Migliarina, whereas others depart from La Spezia Centrale. Find out which is more convenient for you before booking your ticket.

• Fastest train journey: 1 hour, 32 minutes
• Average train journey: 2 hours, 24 minutes
• Lowest ticket price: €9.90
• Average ticket price: €15
• Earliest train departure: 4:43 AM
• Last train departure: 11:53 PM

Bus from La Spezia to Florence

Due to the train's low fare and quick service, travelers often overlook the bus from La Spezia to Florence. However, it does have advantages, depending on your needs and preferences.

The coach has plenty of luggage storage space, so you don't need to worry about finding a place. Also, you'll put them beneath the carriage, so you don't have to drag them onboard. Finally, it's the cheapest mode of transportation, with Flixbus offering seats for as low as €6 one way.

• Average bus journey: 2 hours, 50 minutes
• Lowest ticket price: €6
• Average ticket price: €14
• Earliest bus departure: 3:35 AM
• Last bus departure: 7:35 PM

Daytrip private car from La Spezia to Florence

If you want to indulge in the La Dolce Vita lifestyle, Daytrip's private door-to-door car service is for you. A ride in your comfortable car with a professional driver is the easiest and most convenient way to get from La Spezia to Florence. In only 2 hours, you'll go from sandy beaches to the towering mountains surrounding Florence in style and comfort.

You also have the option to enrich your trip. Our X factor is letting you add sightseeing stops. Your driver watches your luggage while you explore so you can relax on your adventure. If you really want to unwind, head to Montecatini Alto, and immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters of one of Europe's best spa towns!

• Seats from: €73
• Flexible schedule
• Optional tours and excursions
• Help with your suitcases.
• Equipped for children or those with limited mobility
• English-speaking driver
• 24/7 customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Walk across Ponte Vecchio

Spanning the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio is one of Florence's most recognizable landmarks. The foundations of this medieval bridge were first laid by the Roman Empire. Today, quaint shops, jewelers, and goldsmiths line its span.

As you wander the Ponte Vecchio, you can soak up the breathtaking river views. And keep an eye out for the Vasari Corridor, an elevated passage connecting the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace.

Visit the Uffizi Gallery

The Louvre is Europe’s most well-known museum, but the Uffizi Gallery arguably has more historically significant and beautiful works of art.

Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, and Caravaggio all have their works of art on display here. Some of the most notable pieces are The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, Coronation of the Virgin by Fra Angelico, and Madonna with the Long Neck by Parmigianino.

Climb the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

It's impossible to travel from La Spezia to Florence and not witness the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The jaw-dropping structure dating back to the 1400s still dominates the city in 2024.

You can admire the combination of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture from the outside. But when you step inside, the Last Judgment mural takes center stage until you climb up to its dome and admire the sweeping views overlooking the city.

Relax in Boboli Gardens

Museums, galleries, and attractions stand on every street of Florence's historical paths. So, there'll come a time when you need to sit back and recharge in a tranquil environment.

Boboli Gardens is the ideal place to do so. The famous Medici family designed the park and created one of the best examples of Italian flair. Stylish water features litter throughout the pretty walkways, and mountainous views stand in the background of the Pitti Palace.

You can lay on the freshly cut grass or sit on a bench and watch the world go by at a slow pace.

In spring, the average daily high temperature is 78° F, perfect for walking tours or nature excursions, and the warm weather continues throughout the evening. So you can enjoy the mouth-watering Italian cuisine al fresco style.

The fewer tourists, blooming gardens, and cultural festivals are all other reasons to visit between March and May. Hotels are more affordable during this period, so you can use that saved cash on even more experiences.