Curator’s statement
Florence, or Firenze as it’s known in Italian, is one of my absolute favorite cities in Italy. Steeped in history, culture and incredible cuisine, it offers something for everyone. Unlike Rome, Florence’s compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot, allowing you to soak in its charm at a leisurely pace. There’s something truly magical about wandering its picturesque streets, stumbling upon hidden gems and indulging in world-class food and wine along the way. Plus, if you're searching for authentic handcrafted leather, ceramics or even Florentine paper, Florence is home to artisans who have honed their craft over generations.
The Fora Difference
Book with Alexander to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Alexander to book your trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Firenze
After your flight, settle into your accommodation and get acquainted with the city center. Perhaps take a walk along the famous Arno River at sunset and enjoy the beautiful colors and charm of the city.
Firenze has one of the best food and wine scenes in Italy – why not start exploring it on day 1! Check out Vini e Vecchi Sapori for a livelier osteria atmosphere, or if you’re looking for a more intimate local spot, just ask me!
Day 2: Exploring Firenze
Morning: After breakfast, head over to the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and Brunelleschi’s Dome. One of Firenze’s most famous landmarks and for good reason.
Afternoon: After you’ve marveled at the intricate beauty of the Cathedral, head over to Il Mercato Centrale (one of my favorite places in the city). A food lover's paradise, with vendors serving both individual food products and food cooked to order, this is a great place to pick up food-related souvenirs. Just a note, the bottom floor where the food vendors are located usually closes around 2 pm, but the upper floor with the restaurants stays open later.
Evening: To round out your perfect day, head over to Manifattura, one of my favorite cocktail bars in town. They only stock Italian-made products, so you’re bound to enjoy a new and explicitly Italian twist on the cocktails you know and love.
Day 3: Artisanal Firenze
Morning: After breakfast, head over to the Academia Gallery and see the famous David by Michelangelo. After you’ve marveled at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, continue on to the Uffizi Gallery to admire some of the most priceless art pieces from the Renaissance.
Afternoon: After lunch, explore the Oltrarno neighborhood on the other side of the river walking over the famous Ponte Vecchio on the way. Wander through the narrow streets and visit some of the authentic local artisans who have been perfecting their craft for generations.
Evening: Stay over on the "other side" of the river for a more authentic Florentine dining experience. There are so many great restaurants I love in the area.
Bonus: Day trip into Tuscany
Although you could easily spend a week in Florence, perhaps you’d like to get out of the city for a day and explore a bit of the countryside. Tuscany awaits!
Go on a day trip to the authentic side of the Tuscan Countryside via the Val d’Orcia, visiting places like Pienza, Montalcino and the Abbey of Sant’Antimo — tasting the fresh Pecorino cheese, locally cured meats and famous Brunello wine along the way.
Need to know
Italy is one of my favorite countries to visit. I’ve been several times and I still feel like I’m discovering new things each time. One piece of advice that I give to all my clients: plan to go back. You won’t be able to do everything in 10 to 14 days, so it’s better to focus on a particular region or two in order to explore them properly and authentically. Only then can you really experience La Dolce Vita!
Ready to experience the magic of Florence? Contact me today and let’s start planning your perfect Italian getaway!
Travel Advisor
Alexander Avigdor
Get in touch with Alexander
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Alexander within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Florence page.