Highlights of Florence - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Florence, Italy's Renaissance Capital

Welcome to Florence, the Renaissance capital of Italy's Tuscany region! Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to the city center and check into your hotel. Once you've had time to rest and settle, step outside and begin exploring the elegant, pedestrian-friendly streets at your own pace.

Florence is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture, including the iconic Duomo, a terracotta-tiled dome that's impossible to miss, and the Galleria dell'Accademia, which displays Michelangelo's "David" sculpture. To start, you might consider heading to Studio Artemisia, located steps away from the Ponte Vecchio, to learn more about ancient fresco painting techniques. Alternatively, walk through the peaceful Boboli Gardens to see an oval-shaped island called Isolotto, surrounded by various sculptures and greenery.

In the evening, make your way around the historic L-shaped Piazza della Signoria, located in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, for some people-watching, followed by dinner and drinks in the hip Sant'Ambrogio neighborhood.

Day 2: Florence Self-Guided City Tour

Wake up refreshed and start the morning with breakfast at your hotel. You'll want plenty of energy before you spend the day strolling the streets of Florence on a self-guided tour. There's no rush, and you can take your time to enjoy the sites along the way. Start at the iconic Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, whose domed terracotta roof attracts visitors from all over the world.

From here, it's a short walk over to the Mercado di San Lorenzo, where you can grab a midmorning pastry and espresso and spend an hour or two soaking up the atmosphere and browsing the stalls. You'll discover plenty to catch your eye with the various artisanal leather goods the city is famed for, alongside pottery, beautiful notebooks, jewelry, and much more. When you're feeling peckish, head inside to the Mercado Centrale, where you'll find all the foodie stalls and plenty of options for a great lunch. 

In the afternoon, wander over to Piazza della Republica and pause for refreshments at one of the historic cafés that line the square. Continue on to Il Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge with an array of jewelry shops and beautiful views along the River Arno. As the sun starts to dip, end your day with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo. It's an uphill walk (or you can catch a cab or bus), but you'll be rewarded with splendid sunset views across the whole of Florence and the rolling Tuscan countryside.

Day 3: Day Trip to Siena & San Gimignano

In the morning, you'll head into the beautiful countryside to explore Tuscany on a full-day tour. Your first stop will be the medieval village of San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located an hour away from Florence. This quintessential Tuscan village is most famous for the 13th-century walls that encircle it, as well as its medieval plazas, churches, and stone towers dominating the skyline. Spend the morning exploring the streets before taking a break in a terraced café for lunch.

Afterward, your guide will transfer you to nearby Siena for a guided tour of this ancient walled city. See the magnificent Duomo di Siena, a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral known for its intricate marble floor and works by Bernini, Pisano, and Donatello. Stroll the narrow, cobbled back streets until you reach the vast Piazza del Campo and hear from your guide about the origins of the town square's annual Palio di Siena horserace. Finish your tour with a trip to the medieval Monteriggioni Fortress.

Your final stop is a winery in the Chianti Hills, where you'll tour the vineyards and cellars behind the region's eponymous wine. Made from a minimum of 80% sangiovese grapes, Chianti Classico is produced from vineyards within a distinct area that stretches between the cities of Florence and Siena. Learn about the centuries-old production process and then sit down to a tasting of various vintages accompanied by a selection of local dishes. You can relax knowing your driver will drop you back in Florence at the end of your tasting. 

Day 4: Local Cooking Class in Florence

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Florence with breakfast at your hotel, followed by a relaxed stroll through the historic center. Some highlights that you may not have had time to see yet include the sprawling 15th-century Pitti Palace and the world-famous Uffizi Gallery, which houses work by artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Be sure to purchase your tickets to the Uffizi online in advance to avoid being disappointed.

In the afternoon, you'll meet your host near the center of Florence for a traditional Italian cooking class. They'll first welcome you with a glass of prosecco as you begin the three-hour experience with an appetizer of Italian cheeses and other local products.

Next, you'll roll up your sleeves and learn to cook four regional Italian dishes from recipes passed down through generations. Observe the chef's different tricks and techniques involved in cooking Italian family recipes. In the summer months, you might be able to use the small vegetable and herb garden in the courtyard where zucchini, tomatoes, and herbs are grown. The best part comes at the end when you and your hosts will sit down and enjoy your freshly-made dinner together. Buon appetito!

Day 5: Depart Florence

Say goodbye, or ciao, to Italy for now! Take advantage of any free time this morning with one last walk through the streets of Florence. At the appointed hour, you'll transfer to the airport to catch your flight home or to your next destination. Safe travels!

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