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The Elsewhere Guide

Florence, Italy

The Renaissance in a single walkable city

Europe April–May, September–October $140–$280/day

Florence, a city where the whispers of the Medici echo through cobblestone streets, invites you to indulge in its unparalleled beauty and history. Here, the Duomo's majestic dome rises above a tapestry of terracotta rooftops, and the Arno River reflects the golden hues of Tuscan sunsets. Immerse yourself in a world of art, gastronomy, and luxury that only Florence can offer, where every corner reveals a masterpiece and every meal is a celebration.

Best time to go

Spring (April to June) is the ideal time to visit Florence. The city is alive with the fragrance of blooming gardens, and the weather is perfect for exploring its architectural wonders without the summer crowds.

Where to Stay

The Icon

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

San Marco

$1,500 /night

Set within a restored Renaissance palazzo, the Four Seasons offers a private park and opulent suites adorned with frescoes. It's a serene oasis in the heart of Florence.

Why we love it: The private 11-acre garden is a tranquil retreat, offering an exclusive escape from the bustling city.

The Hideaway

Belmond Villa San Michele

Fiesole

$1,200 /night

Nestled in the hills with breathtaking views of Florence, this former monastery combines Renaissance architecture with modern luxury, offering a secluded escape.

Why we love it: The panoramic view of Florence from the hilltop pool is simply unforgettable.

The Design Hotel

Il Salviatino

Fiesole

$1,000 /night

Housed in a restored 15th-century villa, Il Salviatino offers a blend of historical grandeur and contemporary style, with personalized service and exquisite gardens.

Why we love it: The bespoke service includes a dedicated 'service ambassador' for a truly personalized stay.

Seven Days in Florence

Day 1

A Renaissance Awakening

Breakfast 8:00 AM

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli, the city's oldest café

Via Roma

💡 Opt for a table by the window to people-watch as the city comes to life.

restaurant
Morning 10:00 AM

Private tour of the Uffizi Gallery

Piazzale degli Uffizi

💡 Request a guide who can provide insights into lesser-known masterpieces.

museum
🍽
Lunch 1:00 PM

Lunch at Enoteca Pinchiorri

Via Ghibellina

💡 Ask for a wine pairing from their legendary cellar.

restaurant
Afternoon 3:30 PM

Stroll across Ponte Vecchio and visit the artisan jewelers

Ponte Vecchio

💡 Look for unique bespoke pieces that capture Florentine artistry.

market
🌙
Evening 6:00 PM

Dinner at La Leggenda dei Frati

Costa San Giorgio

💡 Reserve a table on the terrace for stunning views of Florence at sunset.

restaurant

Begin your journey with the quintessential Florentine experience, diving into art and culinary delights.

Day 2

Artistic Encounters

Breakfast 8:30 AM

Breakfast at Ditta Artigianale

Via dei Neri

💡 Try their signature cappuccino for a perfect start.

restaurant
Morning 9:30 AM

Visit the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David

Via Ricasoli

💡 Book a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the crowds.

museum
🍽
Lunch 12:00 PM

Lunch at Osteria di Passignano

Via Passignano

💡 Explore the surrounding vineyards after your meal.

restaurant
Afternoon 3:00 PM

Private tour of Palazzo Vecchio

Piazza della Signoria

💡 Ask your guide about the secret passages within the palace.

museum
🌙
Evening 6:00 PM

Dinner at Il Palagio

Borgo Pinti

💡 Indulge in their seasonal tasting menu for a true culinary journey.

restaurant

Immerse yourself in Florence's rich artistic heritage, from iconic sculptures to hidden frescoes.

Day 3

Tuscan Countryside Retreat

Breakfast 8:00 AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

💡 Enjoy breakfast in the hotel's private garden for a serene start.

hotel
Morning 9:30 AM

Private drive to Chianti with a stop at Castello di Verrazzano

Chianti

💡 Arrange for a guided tour and wine tasting at the vineyard.

transport
🍽
Lunch 12:00 PM

Lunch at Ristorante Albergaccio di Castellina

Castellina in Chianti

💡 Savor the truffle dishes for a true taste of Tuscany.

restaurant
Afternoon 2:30 PM

Visit the medieval town of San Gimignano

San Gimignano

💡 Climb the Torre Grossa for panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape.

experience
🌙
Evening 7:00 PM

Return to Florence for a relaxing evening at the hotel spa

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

💡 Book a signature massage for the ultimate relaxation.

hotel

Escape the city for a day and immerse yourself in the charming Tuscan countryside, where rolling vineyards and medieval towns await.

Day 4

Florentine Flavors

Breakfast 8:30 AM

Breakfast at La Ménagère

Via de' Ginori

💡 Try their house-made pastries for a delightful treat.

restaurant
Morning 10:00 AM

Private cooking class with a local chef

Florence

💡 Learn to make traditional Tuscan dishes using fresh local ingredients.

culinary
🍽
Lunch 1:30 PM

Enjoy your creations from the cooking class

Florence

culinary
Afternoon 3:00 PM

Visit the Mercato Centrale to explore local produce and gourmet products

Piazza del Mercato Centrale

💡 Sample artisanal cheeses and cured meats at the market.

market
🌙
Evening 7:00 PM

Dinner at Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura

Piazza della Signoria

💡 Reserve well in advance for this exclusive dining experience.

restaurant

Dive into the culinary heart of Florence, from hands-on cooking experiences to gourmet dining.

Day 5

Hidden Gems and Masterpieces

Breakfast 8:00 AM

Breakfast at Rivoire

Piazza della Signoria

💡 Their hot chocolate is a must-try, especially on cooler mornings.

restaurant
Morning 9:30 AM

Explore the Boboli Gardens with a private guide

Piazza Pitti

💡 Discover the hidden sculptures and grottoes throughout the gardens.

experience
🍽
Lunch 12:00 PM

Lunch at Il Santo Bevitore

Via di Santo Spirito

💡 The charcuterie board is perfect for sharing.

restaurant
Afternoon 2:00 PM

Visit the Bargello Museum to see its collection of Renaissance sculptures

Via del Proconsolo

💡 Look for Donatello's David, a masterpiece often overshadowed by Michelangelo's.

museum
🌙
Evening 6:30 PM

Dinner at Borgo San Jacopo

Borgo San Jacopo

💡 Request a table by the window for views of the Ponte Vecchio.

restaurant

Discover Florence's lesser-known treasures, from serene gardens to intimate museums.

Day 6

Fashion and Craftsmanship

Breakfast 8:30 AM

Breakfast at Procacci

Via de' Tornabuoni

💡 Pair your breakfast with their renowned truffle sandwiches.

restaurant
Morning 10:00 AM

Private shopping tour of Via de' Tornabuoni

Florence

💡 Arrange appointments at top boutiques for a personalized experience.

experience
🍽
Lunch 1:00 PM

Lunch at Cantinetta Antinori

Piazza Antinori

💡 Enjoy their selection of Antinori wines, perfectly paired with Tuscan cuisine.

restaurant
Afternoon 3:00 PM

Visit the Gucci Garden to explore fashion and art exhibits

Piazza della Signoria

💡 Don't miss the boutique for exclusive Gucci items.

museum
🌙
Evening 7:00 PM

Dinner at Ora d'Aria

Via dei Georgofili

💡 The tasting menu is a journey through contemporary Florentine cuisine.

restaurant

Explore the intersection of fashion and craftsmanship in one of the world's style capitals.

Day 7

A Grand Farewell

Breakfast 8:00 AM

Breakfast at Caffè Concerto Paszkowski

Piazza della Repubblica

💡 Enjoy live piano music as you savor your morning coffee.

restaurant
Morning 9:30 AM

Private tour of Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy

Via della Scala

💡 Purchase their signature perfumes, made using centuries-old recipes.

experience
🍽
Lunch 12:00 PM

Lunch at Trattoria Cammillo

Borgo San Jacopo

💡 The artichoke pie is a local favorite.

restaurant
Afternoon 2:00 PM

Visit Basilica di Santa Croce and explore the resting places of Michelangelo and Galileo

Piazza di Santa Croce

💡 Admire the frescoes by Giotto inside the basilica.

museum
🌙
Evening 6:00 PM

Farewell dinner at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina

Piazza Pitti

💡 End your journey with a glass of Brunello di Montalcino, a perfect toast to Florence.

restaurant

Conclude your Florentine adventure with a day of cultural exploration and a grand culinary farewell.

The Table

Restaurants that define the destination.

Enoteca Pinchiorri

✦✦✦

A legendary three-star Michelin restaurant with an extraordinary wine list.

lunch $$$$

Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura

A unique dining experience combining fashion and haute cuisine.

dinner $$$$

La Leggenda dei Frati

Offers exceptional Tuscan cuisine with stunning views.

dinner $$$$

Il Palagio

Michelin-starred dining in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel.

dinner $$$$

Borgo San Jacopo

Elegant dining with a view of the Ponte Vecchio.

dinner $$$$

Ora d'Aria

A hidden gem offering a modern twist on traditional Florentine dishes.

dinner $$$$

Trattoria Cammillo

Beloved by locals for its authentic Tuscan flavors.

lunch $$$

Il Santo Bevitore

Charming osteria with a modern take on Tuscan classics.

lunch $$$

Make It Extraordinary

Experiences beyond the obvious.

private tour

Private Tour of the Uffizi Gallery

Explore the world's greatest collection of Renaissance art with a private guide.

culinary

Cooking Class with a Local Chef

Learn to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes in an intimate, hands-on setting.

private tour

Shopping Tour of Via de' Tornabuoni

Discover Florence's fashion scene with bespoke appointments at top boutiques.

cultural

Visit to the Boboli Gardens

Wander through one of Italy's most beautiful gardens, filled with sculptures and grottoes.

cultural

Tour of Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy

Step back in time at this historic pharmacy, famous for its perfumes and herbal remedies.

cultural

Visit to San Gimignano

Experience the charm of this medieval town, renowned for its towers and panoramic views.

Florence is a city that beckons with the promise of discovery and indulgence. From its historic streets to its world-class gastronomy, every moment is an invitation to explore deeper. As you leave, carry with you the spirit of the Renaissance, the taste of Tuscan wine, and the memory of a city that forever changes those who visit.

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