Hello cappuccini readers!
We’re back this time with a new itinerary in Italy. Sit back with a warm cup of coffee while we dive right into the planning of a a new exciting trip! The itinerary we are covering today is a 4 day journey that sees as the protagonist Florence and the beautiful region of Tuscany. This itinerary serves as the perfect addition to a longer stay in Italy, either before or after exploring Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples. So tag along to see how you can make the most of your time in the beautiful region of Tuscany, Italy!
Tips
Here are some recommendations before arriving to Florence:
- Make sure to check the opening and closing times for each attraction, as they may vary throughout the year. Also, be aware that many attractions, such as the Galleria dell’Accademia and Dante’s House, are closed on Mondays. Additionally, most attractions tend to close around 5 PM, so be sure to confirm the last access time.
- In Florence you will find a variety of combined tickets to visit the city, like:
- the PassePartout 5 Days: This single ticket grants access to the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, and the Boboli Gardens for 5 consecutive days.
- Firenze Card: This card has a duration of 72 hours and gives you access to over 60 museums in the city. This may be the best option if you would like to visit more than just the Uffizi complex and the best part is that you can extend the card if needed by 48 hours.
Day 1: the City Center of Florence
Starting from Santa Maria Novella station, here’s a list of places to visit on your way to the city center. All these places are approximately a 15-minute walk away (except for Piazzale Michelangelo, which is a 36-minute walk from the station but can also be reached by bus).
- Basilica e Museo Santa Maria Novella
- Central Market in Piazza S. Lorenzo
- Cathedral Square: Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, Brunelleschi’s dome, the Baptistery,
- Piazza della Signoria: replica of David statue and Neptune Fountain.
- Palazzo Vecchio
- Basilica di Santa Croce
- Minuto di Bauli Shop
- Ponte Vecchio, Porcellino Fountain, Porcellino Market
- Piazzale Michelangelo (best during sunset!)
Day 2: Guided tour of Tuscany
Today is all about exploring the outskirts of Florence and getting a deeper taste of Tuscany! I highly recommend dedicating this day to a guided tour of Tuscany with Sightseeing Experience. You’ll get to visit:
- Pisa
- Siena
- San Gimignano
You can purchase this tour at the Sightseeing Experience counter in Santa Maria Novella Station or online through Get Your Guide. Remember to arrive 20 minutes before the tour starts. The tour includes a light lunch with wine tasting in Chianti. Compared to similar tours organized by other companies, I found this one to be cheaper. Since the tour lasts about 12 hours, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. I personally counted around 20,000 steps that day on my smartwatch! It’s a bit intense if you are not used to walking, but totally worth the trip. I highly recommended this tour if you have little time in Italy and wish to see the surroundings of Florence too.
Day 3: Florence Museums
Day 3 is dedicated to the discovery of Florence’s cultural treasures and museums:
- Uffizi Gallery: famous for the works of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli and many more artists.
- Lunch at the Antico Vinaio: popular spot with a wide selection of local sandwiches near the Uffizi.
- Accademia Gallery: this is where the real statue of David by Michelangelo is located. The visit takes aproximately 30 – 90 minutes.
- Dante’s house: former residence of the renowned poet Dante Alighieri. The visit should take aproximately 30 – 60 minutes visit.
Day 4: Renaissance Walk
Today, we’ll explore the sights of Renaissance constructions beyond the Arno river and take a relaxing stroll through the:
- Boboli Garden
- Palazzo Pitti
In the afternoon I suggest visiting the Odeon in the city center. You’ll be amazed to discover that the Odeon is a cinema AND a library where to watch movies, relax and even study!
Restaurants
Below are some restaurant suggestions:
- Osteria Santo Spirito
- Zazà
- Simbiosi
- Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827 (the oldest restaurant in Florence!)
Here’s a sneak peek of my journey! If you like this video don’t forget to follow my page.
Conclusions
Thank you everyone for taking the time to read through this post. I hope you enjoyed this itinery in Tuscany. I look forward to telling you about the next big trip, all while sipping a warm and relaxing cappuccino!
Check out the previous posts from One Cappuccino, Please!