Florence 6 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Florence Airport (FLR) or take a train to Santa Maria Novella Station.
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in to your hotel (see below for recommendations).
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the iconic Duomo complex, which includes the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery of St. John.
  • Lunch: Head to Trattoria Sostanza, a cozy spot serving traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita and pappardelle.
  • Afternoon: Wander through the nearby Piazza della Signoria and admire the famous bronze statue of Hercules (c. 1528-1533).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Leggenda dei Frati, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative, farm-to-table cuisine.

Accommodations:

  • Hotel Brunelleschi: A luxurious, 5-star hotel located in the heart of Florence.
  • Hotel Regency: A 4-star hotel offering elegant rooms and a prime location near the Arno River.
  • B&B Il Guelfo Bianco: A charming, family-run B&B with comfortable rooms and a warm atmosphere.

Day 2: Art and History

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi), home to Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and other masterpieces.
  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at Caffè Rivoire, a historic café serving coffee, pastries, and panini.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Pitti Palace complex, which includes the Palatine Gallery (Galleria Palatina) and the Royal Apartments.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Cantina del Giusto, a cozy spot serving creative cocktails and small plates.

Day 3: Markets and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the bustling San Lorenzo Market, where you can find unique souvenirs, leather goods, and local handicrafts.
  • Lunch: Head to Mercato Centrale, a large food hall offering a variety of stalls serving everything from pizza to gelato.
  • Afternoon: Browse through the upscale boutiques on Via Tornabuoni or explore the charming streets of Oltrarno.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Giostra, a restaurant serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 4: Day Trip to Siena

  • 9:00 AM: Take a train from Florence to Siena (approximately 2 hours).
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the stunning Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Sienese cuisine at La Taverna di San Giuseppe.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic center, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Pubblico.
  • Evening: Return to Florence by train.

Day 5: Churches and Convents

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the charming Santa Croce, a beautiful Gothic church housing the tombs of famous Florentines like Michelangelo and Galileo.
  • Lunch: Head to Trattoria del Trebbio, a cozy spot serving traditional Tuscan dishes like ribollita and pappardelle.
  • Afternoon: Explore the peaceful San Marco Convent, which houses some of the most important artworks in Florence.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Leggenda dei Frati, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative, farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 6: Relaxation and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning relaxing in your hotel or exploring the nearby streets of Florence.
  • Lunch: Grab some lunch at Caffè Rivoire, a historic café serving coffee, pastries, and panini.
  • Afternoon: Visit the charming Oltrarno neighborhood and explore its narrow streets, boutiques, and local eateries.
  • Evening: Depart from Florence or continue your Italian adventure.

Transportation:

  • Florence Airport (FLR) is approximately 4 km from the city center. Take a taxi or bus (Vola in Bus) to reach your accommodation.
  • Santa Maria Novella Train Station is located near the city center and offers frequent connections to other Italian cities.
  • Walking and Public Transportation: Florence has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and trams. Walking is also a great way to explore the city.

Tips:

  • Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions when visiting churches and historical sites.
  • Dress Modestly: Dress modestly when visiting places of worship or taking part in cultural events.
  • Beware of Scams: Be aware of potential scams, such as overly aggressive street vendors or pickpocketing.
  • Learn Some Italian: Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.

Other Interesting Things:

  • Florence’s Many Fountains: Explore the city’s many beautiful fountains, including the famous Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno).
  • The Oldest Pharmacy in Florence: Visit the oldest pharmacy in Florence, Pomarance, which has been in operation since 1175.
  • Florence’s Botanical Garden: Explore the peaceful Botanical Garden of Florence, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city.

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be tailored to your interests and preferences. Be sure to research and book any reservations or tickets in advance, especially for popular attractions like the Uffizi Gallery.