I'm going to be in Florence at the end of of March (24-28 -- the other days prior will be spent in Rome).

What is the best day trip from Florence by train or another easy means of public transportation (I won't be renting a car there).

Most guidebooks will offer suggestions for day trips, as does the Destinations section on this site.

From Florence, my two favorite day trips are Lucca and Siena. I prefere to do both by bus, as the drop-off points are in the center, as opposed to the train stations, which are on the outskirts of both cities.

You can also go to Fiesole for a few hours via city bus. For those who like Pisa, that is a worth maybe a half-day via train.

Siena, by bus!

Either Siena by SITA bus or Lucca by train.

Remember to take the no 7 bus from the Florence SMN train station to Fiesole to watch the sun set over Florence.

Although I think Siena deserves way more than a day trip, it's a definate don't miss.

I don't recall the train station in Lucca being in the outskirts. Isn't it right next to the city wall and a short stroll to the center?

Lucca and Pisa can be done together in one day trip by train, if in Pisa you're only intrested in seeing the tower and the duomo.

Patrick - You're correct that the train station in Lucca is a short-ish stroll to the center, which is probably not an issue for a daytrip w/out luggage.

But the Lazzi bus drops you literally right next to the TI office! And I find the ride rather scenic....

Venice by train