Yes, Florence is a highly viable and popular day trip from Rome in 2026, thanks to the high-speed rail network. The journey from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes on the Frecciarossa or Italo trains. With departures starting as early as 5:30 AM and returning as late as 10:00 PM, you can easily spend 10 to 12 hours exploring the "Cradle of the Renaissance." However, because Florence is so dense with art and history, a day trip requires a strict itinerary—focusing on the Duomo, the Accademia (for the Statue of David), and a quick walk across the Ponte Vecchio. Travelers should avoid the "Regional" (slow) trains, which take nearly 4 hours each way, making them impractical for a single day. Booking high-speed tickets 3-4 months in advance is essential to secure the best 2026 pricing.