**“Everything about Florence seems to be colored with a mild violet, like diluted wine.”**

-Henry James, writer, in a letter dated 1869

The birthplace of Italian fashion, Florence is one of the most picturesque places on the planet. From some of the world’s best pasta, gelato and wine, you won’t be disappointed while strolling through the cobblestone streets.

Florence is perfect for couples looking to get an authentic and romantic taste of Italy in an ancient city, families looking to experience history together, shoppers, lovers of art and of course, it’s the perfect place to over-indulge in incredible food.

What to Eat:

Osteria di Benci for drunkard noodles
Kikuya - Cute little pub where locals hang
All’ Antico Vinaio for infamous sandwiches - expect LINES
Trattoria ZaZa, we loved the carbonara here!
Gelateria Santa Trinita, Panna Cotta gelato was phenomenal
Caffe Dell’Oro | Ponte Vecchio views
L’Brindellone for Florentine steak
Antica Trattoria Da Tito for traditional Tuscan food | old school trattoria

Some Things to Do:

Of course, if we were planning together, we’d talk through your preferences to match you up with the perfect experiences, such as food tours, wine tastings, private early-entrance tours to avoid lines, etc. But here are some must-do’s:

Chianti Day Trip on an Original Vespa

Wine and cheese tasting in Tuscany, we spent a day in Chianti, but there are so many options
Enjoy piazzas at night with live music & performances
Experience Piazzale Michelangelo – drink wine and cheese and watch the sunset with an amazing view of Florence (You’ll need to drive or bike here)
Learn the secrets of chocolate making
Food tours and cooking classes
Ask me how to get private access to museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery
Private art class in Pitti Palace
Marvel at Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia
Learn how to carve a marble statue from the same marble that was used by Michelangelo
Cruise the Arno River
Have a romantic picnic in the Boboli gardens
Explore the Duomo
Archery lessons
Explore the churches, Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce
Shop at Piazza Santa Trinita

“

That’s Florence. It touches your very soul, stirs your senses, brings forth your creativity, and before you know it, you are on a threshold of your own personal Renaissance. It smacks you awake, and your life is changed forever.

Paola Vojnovic, Art Historian, 2019

”

Tips to be a pro in Florence

Many shops are closed on Sundays, and museums are closed on Mondays
Via De’Tornabouoni is the the 5th Avenue of Florence
Via Nazionale will be very packed with traffic, avoid if possible
I recommend to NOT keep all of your euros in one place in your purse, as pick pocketers are incredibly common. I always pack a zip lock bag with a days’ allotment of tips, and keep the remaining in my suitcase that I leave at the hotel
If you’re traveling with a backpack, be sure to get an anti-theft one
The best shops are found by turning off Via Della Vigna Nuova
There aren’t nonstop flights from the U.S to Florence, but you could look into flying to Rome and taking a 90-minute train into the city
You could also consider flying into Pisa’s airport
Tipping: Taxis and guides generally expect 5-10% of the fare
I suggest at least 3 nights, and you could pair with 3 nights in the rolling hills of Tuscany
Visit the monuments in the morning to avoid larger crowds
Pizza is not served in regular restaurants. It is served in a pizzeria
Cappuccinos are usually not served after 11am; if you want milk get a caffé macchiato which is an espresso with a touch of foam
Spaghetti is not an entrée
You need to make seat reservations for all trains!
Salad dressing to the Italians is olive oil