Advice

Let’s take a short break to introduce you to some other points of interest that couldn’t be included in our itinerary. To see the largest green space in Florence, head to the Boboli Gardens – one of the most beautiful spaces in all of Italy. They sit just behind the Pitti Palace, also worth your time! Built in the second half of the 15th century, this vast complex houses several museums with collections of sculptures, paintings, costumes, and porcelain. The Palace’s grounds also contain the city’s most-visited historical park. The San Miniato al Monte is another iconic basilica in Florence. Perched high up in the Oltrarno district, it’s steeped in historic and pays tribute to the city’s first martyr. Given its altitude, it also offers one of the most stunning views over the historic city centre. If you’re a true art lover, you have to visit the Galleria dell’Accademia. Home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures, this gallery showcases one of Michelangelo's most influential masterpieces: the David. There’s no shortage of museums in Florence! You can visit the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest museums in the city; the Galileo Museum, retracing the history of science; the interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum; and Florence’s many more palaces and gardens. If you’ve got some spare time, consider visiting the town of Fiesole. It’s about 10 kilometres north of Florence, and the views over the city are spectacular. As the capital of Tuscany, Florence is well-connected to its surrounding region, so it’s a great starting place for day trips! Pisa is one of the most visited cities in Italy. Go for a day or a weekend to discover its iconic leaning tower – renowned worldwide– along with its beautiful historic centre. You’ll see Pisa’s remarkable cathedral, fascinating museums, and palaces with unique architecture. Another highly popular destination just an hour and fifteen minutes away is Siena, Florence’s old-time rival. The town’s medieval centre reflects its rich heritage, with beautifully preserved architecture and impressive landmarks. Between Florence and Siena lies the Chianti Valley, a scenic area with amazing landscapes. You can explore San Gimignano, known as the "Town of a Thousand Towers". In reality, it’s more of a village than a town. Full of charming medieval architecture, it has 14 incredibly well-preserved towers and winding streets, right in the heart of Tuscany. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s also the Tuscan village of Monteriggioni. Although small, it’s surrounded by its original medieval walls, which have been remarkably well-preserved. Another town that has retained its medieval character is Lucca, a hidden gem in Tuscany, and truly worth visiting if you have time. Last but not least,the stunning Cinque Terre National Park is also a popular day trip from Florence. Located on the Ligurian coast, the park includes five breathtaking seaside villages, each perched dramatically along cliffs above the Mediterranean.Now, if you decide to stay in the region a little longer, you’ll have plenty of things to see and do.