Florence
Sept. 5 - 7, 2010 (3D2N) & Aug. 11 - 14, 2025 (4D3N): 2010 Florence was the second leg of our week-long trip through Central Italy, right between Rome and Venice. I enjoyed it so much that I found myself drawn back for another visit fifteen years later during a road trip through Tuscany. Just imagine, sitting on the Ponte Santa Trinita, eating gelato while watching the sunset. The feeling is perfectly captured by the Italian phrase il dolce far niente, and it is a memory that defines the magic of this city for me.
*Highly Recommended Food & Accommodation
Day 1
Arrive @ Santa Maria Novella station from Rome or Park @ Garage Michelangelo if arriving by car (€30/day + €1 for TLZ permit)
Check-in @ Argentina Curatone (Hotel was chosen from Gate 1 Travel in 2010, skip) or B&B de' Biffi*
Basilica of San Lorenzo & Medici Chapels (Michelangelo’s masterpieces in sculpture and architecture)
Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze (Famous for the David statue; if not able to get in, you can see the replica at Signoria Square)
Lunch @ il Mercato Centrale Firenze (Head to the ground floor for an amazing, authentic market experience. Then, go upstairs to the food hall for a vast variety of high-quality food stalls)
The Boboli Gardens (I was able to see Grotta Buontalenti in 2010, but it is temporarily closed as of Aug. 2025)
Oltrarno Walk:
Sunset & Gelato by Ponte Santa Trinita
Dinner @ Cammillo* (reservation needed; order pappardelle with hare sauce) or Osteria dell'Enoteca or Il Santo Bevitore
Neptune Fountain
Replica of the David statue
Day 2
Church of Santa Maria Novella (Masaccio painting) and Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (old perfumery; free)
10:15 am - 12:30 pm: Free tour best of Florence: Medici, art, gastronomy
Medici Chapel (outside visit)
San Lorenzo Church (outside visit)
Medici Riccardi Palace (outside visit)
Duomo Cathedral (outside visit)
The Baptistery (outside visit)
Church & Museum of Orsanmichele (outside visit)
Uffizi (outside visit) & a view of Ponte Vecchio
Climb the Giotto's Tower (go during sunset and on the hour when the bell rings)
Sunset drinks @ La Terrazza Rooftop Bar (inside Hotel Continentale)
Dinner @ La Buchetta Food & Wine 2*
Cocktails @ Locale Firenze*
Day 3
Train to Venice
Other points of interest & food:
Sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo (best panoramic view of the city)
Sandwich @ All’Antico Vinaio
Dinner @ Trattoria Buzzino, Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Tips:
When planning, please be aware of the operating days. Most attractions are closed on Monday.
Book Major Museums in Advance!! The lines for the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell'Accademia are hours long.
The Firenze Card is a 72-hour pass that gets you into most major museums. Do the math before you buy! If your total is less than €85, then it is not worth it.
The ZTL is a restricted traffic zone covering the entire historic center of Florence. You can either park outside of the zone or park at my recommended garage above, as they will issue you a permit.
Water from the water fountains is fresh, cold, and perfectly safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it all day.
You will see a "coperto" (cover charge) on most restaurant bills. This is a per-person fee for the bread and sitting at the table. It is not a tip. Tipping is not expected in Italy, but it's appreciated to leave a euro or two for excellent service - we usually leave 10% on the credit card.
