Florence, Italy 6 Day Itinerary

Florence, Italy: 6-Day Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrival: Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) is the main gateway. Consider booking a taxi or prearrange a private transfer for convenience.
  • Check-in: Check into your hotel. Recommended: Hotel Brunelleschi for its historic charm and central location.
  • Lunch: Head to Trattoria Sabatino, a local favorite for traditional Tuscan cuisine.
  • City Orientation: Spend the afternoon exploring the city center, visit the iconic Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and Giotto’s Bell Tower.
  • Dinner & Nightlife: Dine at Osteria dell’Orsa, try their famous bistecca alla fiorentina, followed by drinks at Gilli Bar in Piazza della Signoria.

Day 2: Art & History

  • Breakfast: Start the day at Caffè Gilli, a historic café overlooking Piazza della Repubblica.
  • Morning: Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo. Book tickets in advance to skip the lines.
  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at All’Antico Vinaio for a classic Tuscan sandwich (trombolone).
  • Afternoon: Explore the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens and the adjacent Ponte Vecchio bridge.
  • Dinner: Savor authentic Florentine cuisine at Trattoria Mario.

Day 3: Day Trip to Pisa & Lucca

  • Morning: Take a day trip to nearby Pisa and Lucca, approximately 1 hour by train from Florence (Pisa Centrale station).
  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal in Lucca’s historic center, known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral and the Baptistery in Pisa, then explore Lucca’s charming streets and gardens.
  • Return to Florence: Take the evening train back to Florence.
  • Dinner: Relax at La Giostra for a taste of Florentine steak and local wines.

Day 4: Medici’s Legacy & Market Exploration

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Mascarpone, an artisanal pastry shop nearby your hotel.
  • Morning: Visit the Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, then explore the Medici Chapels in San Lorenzo Church.
  • Lunch: Dine at Mercato Centrale for a wide variety of local food options.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the beautiful Oltrarno neighborhood and visit the Santa Croce Basilica, where many famous Italians are buried.
  • Dinner: Savor dinner at La Cantina di San Pier Maggiore in Oltrarno.

Day 5: Day Trip to Siena & Chianti Region

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the medieval city of Siena and explore its historic center, Piazza del Campo and the Duomo di Siena.
  • Lunch: Savor a wine tasting experience in the Chianti region’s vineyards or dine at a local osteria (traditional tavern).
  • Afternoon: Visit a winery for a tour, tasting and lunch. Some popular options include Castello di Ama and Fattoria dei Barbi.
  • Return to Florence: Take the evening train back to Florence.
  • Dinner: Savor your last dinner in Florence at Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo, overlooking the Ponte Vecchio.

Day 6: Last Minutes & Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel or a local café of your choice.
  • Shopping & Sightseeing: Spend your last few hours exploring the markets and shops for souvenirs, then visit any remaining attractions you haven’t seen yet.
  • Lunch: Grab a final lunch at Trattoria La Casalinga or Trattoria Nerbone before heading to the airport.
  • Departure: Take a taxi or shuttle service to Amerigo Vespucci Airport for your departure. Arrive at least 2 hours prior to your flight time.

Tips & Things to Know:

  • Florence is walkable, but consider purchasing a Firenze Card for free entry to many museums and attractions.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Tipping in restaurants is not mandatory but appreciated around 10%.
  • Italians enjoy their coffee standing at the bar rather than seated, though some cafés offer both options.
  • Learn a few basic Italian phrases to make your experience more enjoyable.
  • Enjoy your time in Florence! Ciao!