Highlights of Florence - 7 Days

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

Welcome to Florence, the 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 charming, 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 Artesia, 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: Historic Walking Tour of Florence

Today's exploration of Florence begins with a half-day walking tour. First, meet your guide and then stroll through the picturesque historic center, where you'll find the most important squares and monuments, from the Piazza della Repubblica to the Palazzo Vecchio. You'll then make a stop at the iconic Duomo, followed by visits to Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery, with its bronze doors. Along the way, your guide will share stories of the famous Renaissance artists who called Florence home.

After your tour, continue exploring on your own. Consider taking a short walk over to the Mercato Centrale on the second floor of the Mercado di San Lorenzo, where you'll be able to meander through the stalls of local goods. If you're up for an uphill climb, cross over the River Arno to visit Piazzale Michelangelo (or take a taxi). This spectacular viewpoint offers an incredible view of all of Florence and is the perfect place to watch the sunset before you head over to Piazza Santo Spirito for predinner aperitivo. 

Day 3: Visit the Uffizi & Galleria dell'Accademia

Spend a day exploring Florence and discovering its famous museums at your own pace. Start with the Uffizi to see masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Donatello, and others. Give yourself at least three to four hours for your visit to this expansive art gallery. Audio guides are provided with your tickets and are helpful when navigating this large museum. Booking tickets online ahead of time lets you skip the line, and you'll be given an entry time slot so you can plan your day accordingly.

When you're hungry, head to the top floor of the Uffizi for a stop at the cafeteria. Offering beautiful panoramic views of the Florence city center, have lunch and recharge your batteries before continuing on to your next stop: Galleria dell'Accademia. The museum dates back to 1784 when the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Pietro Leopoldo, reorganized the Academy of Arts of Design in Florence into the modern Academy of Fine Arts. The structure was specifically designed to house valuable works of art, and its spectacular architecture is impressive in its own right.

Among other draws, the museum is home to one of the Renaissance's most iconic masterpieces, Michelangelo's "David." This incredible 14-foot (4 m) tall Renaissance sculpture, which depicts the Biblical hero, was created between 1501 and 1504 and became a symbol of the Florentine republic's strength during a time of massive political change. Give yourself an hour to explore and admire the great works of art inside this gallery. Like the Uffizi, booking online ahead of time is always suggested.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Medieval Towns of Siena & San Gimignano

Today 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 from Florence. This quintessential 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. 

In the afternoon, you'll visit nearby Siena, a medieval city with important historical sites. You can't miss the great main square, Piazza del Campo, which the Gothic Pubblico Palace surrounds, the Tower of Mangia, and the Gaia Fountain. From here, walk over to the 13th-century cathedral, Duomo di Siena, which dominates the city's skyline. The town comes alive with festivities in the summer months, as the Palio takes place in July and August. This exciting horse race, held twice a year in the main square of Siena, ignites the town in fervor. 

Finish the day with a visit to the medieval fortress of Monteriggioni. The intact castle walls surrounding this town perched on a hillside are a sight to behold. Then continue to the Chianti Classico wine region to visit a typical Tuscan winery (with tastings!) before returning to Florence for the evening.

Day 5: Explore the Villages of the Cinque Terre

Today you'll embark on another beautiful day trip—this time to the Cinque Terre, a section of the Ligurian coast famous for its five medieval villages situated on dramatic cliffs over the Mediterranean Sea. If that's not enticing enough, the villages are strung together via beautiful hiking trails, so be sure to wear some good walking shoes. 

Start in Riomaggiore, where you'll walk along the beautiful Via dell' Amore (Lover's Pathway) to enjoy exhilarating views of the coastline and sea. From here, continue to the town of Monterosso al Mare for some free time. The city's medieval center remains nearly perfectly preserved, with its ancient tower houses and network of carrugi (narrow alleyways that lead from the sea to the cliffs above the town). Monterosso is also renowned for having the best gelato in the Cinque Terre (make sure to try some!), as well as breathtaking views of the sea. 

Next is Vernazza, a small resort town located at the mouth of a river and naturally protected from wild sea swells by a rocky promontory. This natural wave break protects the harbor, making it the only major docking point in the Cinque Terre. Enjoy lunch on your own time as you explore the local seafood and savor regional delicacies. After the day's sightseeing, follow your nose to the neighborhood bakery to taste the local focaccia with pesto for a delicious Ligurian snack. In the afternoon, transfer back to Florence.

Day 6: Italian Cooking Masterclass, Free Afternoon

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Florence with breakfast at your hotel and a relaxed stroll through the historic center. Perhaps you want to see the sprawling 15th-century Pitti Palace for a range of exhibits like the Porcelain Museum, Treasury of the Grand Dukes, and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. You can also visit the San Marco Museum to see the largest collection of sacred art in Florence, with a grandiose fresco by Giovanni Antonio Sogliani.

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.

Then it's time to 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 preparing these 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 7: 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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