Florence-7-day-itinerary

Florence, Italy: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimation

Places to Visit:

  • Santa Maria Novella Station: Arrive at the Santa Maria Novella train station and pick up your luggage.
  • Piazza della Repubblica: Start your day by exploring this vibrant square, surrounded by cafes and shops.

Activities:

  • Walking Tour: Take a leisurely walk around the city to get a feel for its layout and history.
  • Visit a Local Cafe: Stop at a local cafe, like Caffè Rivoire, to grab a coffee and people-watch.

Where to Eat:

  • Trattoria Sostanza: Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch at this cozy trattoria.
  • Gelateria della Passera: Try some delicious gelato for dessert!

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Brunelleschi: Stay in this 4-star hotel, located in the heart of Florence.

Transportation:

  • Walking: Florence is a walkable city, and you’ll want to explore on foot.
  • Public Transportation: Use buses or trams if you need to travel longer distances.

Things to Know:

  • Opening Hours: Check the opening hours for each attraction before heading out.
  • Crowds: Be prepared for crowds at popular sites like the Duomo and Uffizi Gallery.

Day 2: Art and Architecture

Places to Visit:

  • Uffizi Gallery (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM): Spend the morning exploring this world-renowned art museum.
  • Piazza della Signoria: Stop by this iconic square, surrounded by statues and fountains.
  • Duomo Complex (8:30 AM - 7:00 PM): Visit the stunning Duomo Cathedral and climb to the top for breathtaking views.

Activities:

  • Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery or Duomo Complex to get more out of your visit.
  • Shopping: Explore the streets around Piazza della Signoria for unique shopping experiences.

Where to Eat:

  • La Leggenda dei Frati: Enjoy lunch at this charming restaurant, serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.
  • Panino con la Frittata: Try a delicious sandwich or panino for a quick snack!

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Brunelleschi (same as Day 1)

Transportation:

  • Walking (same as Day 1)
  • Public Transportation (same as Day 1)

Tips and Other Interests:

  • Botticelli’s Primavera: Don’t miss the opportunity to see Botticelli’s famous painting at the Uffizi Gallery.
  • Food Markets: Visit the local food markets, like Mercato Centrale, for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.

Day 3: Renaissance History

Places to Visit:

  • Ponte Vecchio (8:30 AM - 7:00 PM): Explore this iconic bridge and its surrounding shops.
  • Palazzo Pitti: Visit the former palace of the Medici family, now a museum.
  • Boboli Gardens (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM): Stroll through these beautiful gardens, designed in the 16th century.

Activities:

  • Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of Palazzo Pitti and its gardens to learn more about Florence’s Renaissance history.
  • Shopping: Browse the shops on Ponte Vecchio for unique souvenirs or gifts.

Where to Eat:

  • La Cantina del Ghibu: Enjoy lunch at this cozy wine bar, serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.
  • Caffè dei Giardini: Relax with a coffee or snack in these beautiful gardens.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Brunelleschi (same as Day 1)

Transportation:

  • Walking (same as Day 1)
  • Public Transportation (same as Day 1)

Things to Know:

  • Opening Hours: Check the opening hours for each attraction before heading out.
  • Crowds: Be prepared for crowds at popular sites like Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti.

Day 4: More Art and Architecture

Places to Visit:

  • Accademia Gallery (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM): Visit the museum that houses Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, David.
  • San Lorenzo Church: Explore this beautiful church, designed by Brunelleschi.
  • Oltrarno Neighborhood: Wander through this charming neighborhood, known for its art galleries and local eateries.

Activities:

  • Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of the Accademia Gallery or San Lorenzo Church to get more out of your visit.
  • Shopping: Browse the art galleries and shops in Oltrarno for unique souvenirs or gifts.

Where to Eat:

  • Il Contatto: Enjoy lunch at this cozy restaurant, serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.
  • Gelateria di San Giorgio: Try some delicious gelato for dessert!

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Brunelleschi (same as Day 1)

Transportation:

  • Walking (same as Day 1)
  • Public Transportation (same as Day 1)

Tips and Other Interests:

  • Michelangelo’s David: Don’t miss the opportunity to see Michelangelo’s famous sculpture at the Accademia Gallery.
  • Local Markets: Visit the local markets, like Mercato di San Lorenzo, for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.

Day 5: Wine and Relaxation

Places to Visit:

  • Chianti Wine Region (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM): Take a day trip to the Chianti wine region and sample some local wines.
  • Piazza Santa Croce (8:30 AM - 7:00 PM): Explore this charming square, surrounded by shops and cafes.

Activities:

  • Wine Tasting: Visit a local winery or wine bar to taste some of the best Chianti wines.
  • Relaxation: Take a break from sightseeing and relax at your hotel or in a local park.

Where to Eat:

  • La Cantina del Ghibu (same as Day 3)
  • Trattoria Sostanza (same as Day 1)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Brunelleschi (same as Day 1)

Transportation:

  • Wine Region Tour: Use a guided tour to visit the Chianti wine region.
  • Public Transportation (same as Day 1)

Things to Know:

  • Opening Hours: Check the opening hours for each attraction before heading out.
  • Crowds: Be prepared for crowds at popular sites like Piazza Santa Croce and Accademia Gallery.

Day 6: More History and Culture

Places to Visit:

  • Palazzo Davanzati (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM): Explore this museum, showcasing Renaissance art and history.
  • Ponte alle Grazie: Take a stroll across this charming bridge, offering beautiful views of the Arno River.

Activities:

  • Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of Palazzo Davanzati to learn more about Florence’s history and culture.
  • Shopping: Browse the local shops and markets for unique souvenirs or gifts.

Where to Eat:

  • Il Contatto (same as Day 4)
  • Gelateria di San Giorgio (same as Day 4)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Brunelleschi (same as Day 1)

Transportation:

  • Walking (same as Day 1)
  • Public Transportation (same as Day 1)

Tips and Other Interests:

  • Local Markets: Visit the local markets, like Mercato di San Lorenzo, for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.
  • Wine Tasting: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste some of the best Chianti wines.

Day 7: Departure

Places to Visit:

  • Santa Maria Novella Station (same as Day 1): Return to the train station for your departure.
  • Piazza della Repubblica (same as Day 1): Stop by this vibrant square one last time before heading out.

Activities:

  • Last-Minute Shopping: Browse the local shops and markets for any last-minute souvenirs or gifts.
  • Relaxation: Take some time to relax at your hotel or in a local park before departing.

Where to Eat:

  • La Leggenda dei Frati (same as Day 2)
  • Caffè Rivoire (same as Day 1)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Brunelleschi (same as Day 1)

Transportation:

  • Walking (same as Day 1)
  • Public Transportation (same as Day 1)