On a personal 72 hours guide to Florence, we’ve taken the advice and recommendations of some of the greatest of people that live in Florence for generations. The stories on Florentine culture and art and how we should live a full life.
A life full of beautiful stories.
Your Mini Guide to Florence
Where To Stay
Four Seasons Firenze
The beautiful, historic, photogenic, overlooking the Giardino Della Gherardesca, this luxurious, palatial hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Florence Cathedral and 3.4 km from Renaissance art at Uffizi gallery. Four Seasons Firenze reminds us all on how a beautiful palace once was standing in the historical city of Florence.
The hotel today is a living museum of art with the works of Bertoldo di Giovanni (Who is Donatello’s assistant and Michelangelo’s master), Volterrano and Gian Domenico Ferretti. A history of residents that included a pope, an order of nuns, five centuries of Florentine nobility and a Viceroy of Egypt, (Who sold it when his harem was barred from moving in).
The palace was first inhabited by Bartolomeo Scala – The Chancellor of Lorenzo the magnificent. The Giardano della Gheradesca at Four Seasons Firenze is one of the largest Florentine gardens measuring 11 acres, this walled park has been kept private and unseen for hundreds of years and was originally planted as a Renaissance garden in the 15th century.
Things to do
When in florence
1. Watch the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo
The most beautiful views of Florence you can possibly see! From the piazza, a five minute walk up past the church of San Salvatore will take you to the unique and beautiful monastery of San Miniato al Mont. Make sure you’re ready for leg work going up!
2. Dine in Buca Dell Orafo
Buca dell’Orafo in Italian means goldsmith’s cave, a small underground traditional tuscan restaurant on a back street of the Uffiz. One of the greatest and oldest place to eat in Florence!
3. Watch a typical Italian theatre
To understand the culture a bit more, watching a traditional theatre needs to be on the list! Maria Cassi performs in her own Teatro Del Sal at Cibreo Citta Aperta and is highly recommended, even if you do not understand Italian, we guarantee tears of laughter!
Take a cycling tour in Tuscany
Take a cooking class at a farm house
A full day experience!! Search for fresh ingredients at a Florentine market before venturing to a Tuscan farmhouse in the countryside to a 4 hour cooking class and getting tips from the master chef! Best part of course, enjoy your lunch and wine in the country side!
Go on a day trip to Cinque Terre
Deja Reve – Experiencing something in reality that you’ve dreamed about in the past! A drive from Florence to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre in one day if you must, and discover the five idyllic fishing villages of old-world Italy! A dream come true!
Take a Vespa Tour
Being a Vespa addict, trying this was inevitable! A 3 hour tour in the medieval streets of Florence, the best panoramic views in and around the city, including romantic Piazzale Michelangelo, the convent of San Miniato and the ancient Roman hill town of Fiesole.
Tuscany Hot Air Baloon Flight
2,000 feet above breathtaking views of Tuscany’s olive groves and vineyards spread out below, as well as quaint villages and stunning castles with a 1 hour flight with an experienced captain.
Take a river cruise
Take a river cruise in Florence by Ponte Vecchio bridge and across the Arno River on a 1-hour Florence river cruise. Hop aboard your barchetto, a small traditional boat that is one of only four still operating in the city.
