Tuscany is not just a region in Italy; it is a state of being. The landscape rolls along the horizon. Unforgettable wine accompanies even more memorable cuisines. Restaurants fill historic cellars, and castles decorate the skyline with bell towers. Treasured artwork fills churches. Designer stores fill ancient buildings. The true essence of Tuscany is captured and expressed along the Renaissance streets of Florence. On this 8-day in-depth tour of Florence, you will settle in like a local and find...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Florence – Immersion into the Renaissance
The splendor of Florence is more than art and artifacts but a living, breathing museum inside an energetic city proudly showing its history on its sleeve. Florence housed the inspiring artists of Michelangelo and Dante, along with the brilliant minds of Machiavelli and Galileo. Enchanting sculptures decorate public squares. Hidden passageways wind around historic buildings circumventing streets. Medieval walls encircle the edges of the city, a reminder of Florence’s rich past and preserved culture.
When you arrive at the Florence International Airport, your private transfer is waiting and eager to escort you into the city. Your luxurious hotel is situated in the heart of the historic center, looking out onto the height of the famed Florence Duomo. The city brims with life, from locals enjoying the day’s warmth, sitting at tables along the cobbled walkways and chatting with exuberant hand motions, to the gold plated doors of the Gates of Paradise on the baptistery glinting in the afternoon light.
Take your time getting to know the city with a visit to Piazza della Signoria. The Palazzo Vecchio borders the edge of the square, dating back to late 13th-century, with a crowning bell tower standing more than 308 feet tall. Marble statues decorate the southwest corner of the square inside the Loggia. The grace and elegance of each movement is carved in stone and preserved for future generations. It is the perfect introduction to a city draped in beauty and cast in enchanting history.
What's Included:
Day 2
Florence – Finding Florentine Treasures
Day 3
Florence – Following the Artisans
Day 4
Florence – Across the River
Day 5
Florence – Hidden Beauty of Florence
Day 6
Florence – Emissaries of the Past
Day 7
Florence – Creating a Tuscan Delicacy
Day 8
Florence – Whispers of the City
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy Florence with a guided tour to experience the city like a local
- Experience the artistic wonders of the Renaissance at your own pace, skipping the lines and discovering the cultural relevance of each art piece
- Stroll through the historic hidden passageway of the Vasari Corridor, connecting the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace
- Savor the traditional flavors of Tuscany during a private cooking class with a celebrated chef
- Revel in the elegance of the Medici family with a private guided visit to their exquisite villa located outside of Prato
- Visit the Opera del Duomo Museum to view the golden doors known as the “Gates of Paradise”
- Witness the tremendous detail and breathtaking design of Michelangelo’s David with an intimate tour of the Accademia
- Listen to the soothing hymns of monks performing Gregorian chants with a visit to the San Miniato Church
Detailed Description
Frescoes decorate the Medici family chapel inside the Church of San Lorenzo. The golden doors known as the Gates of Paradise decorate the courtyard of a hidden museum. The enticing aroma of a secret bakery fills the nearby cobblestone streets. Your custom tailored in-depth tour of Florence is designed to show you the city like a local, giving you enough time to savor the art, indulge in the cuisine, and embrace the wonders of the city. Eat gelato in the company of treasured sculptures. Dine in restaurants that have earned Michelin stars. Stroll through immaculate gardens near both quaint and lavish artisan shops.
When you arrive at Florence International Airport, your private transfer is waiting to greet you. Once in the city, you find the pleasures of the Renaissance displayed along the streets. Signs commemorate Dante, and the famed dome of the Florence Cathedral stands tall in the historic city center. The following day, your guide meets you in the hotel lobby ready to introduce you to what so many people have found fascinating about the city. You begin with the Accademia, where your guide gives you an intimate look at the museum and Michelangelo’s David.
Enjoy the visceral and energetic sites of San Lorenzo Market, along with the Medici Chapels. Climb to the top of the Duomo for a view of the surrounding city and its charming red tiled roofs before strolling through the remaining wonders of the historic center. In the morning, your guide meets you once again with more of the city’s treasures to show you. Visit the Bargello to see Donatello’s jade colored David and journey through the Uffizi Gallery, surpassing the unparalleled artwork and passing through the Vasari Corridor.
Visit the enchanting Oltrarno to witness artisan shops owned and operated by families for generations. The following day, your guide leads you around the Duomo for a fabulous look at the Museo dell’Opera dell Duomo, filled with relics of the cathedral and hidden in plain sight. Enjoy a relaxed pace through the Galileo Museum before exploring the view at Piazzale Michelangelo and the Gregorian chants at nearby San Miniato Church.
The following day, your guide leads you outside of Florence and into the Tuscan countryside to explore the stunning Villa di Poggio a Caiano, which once belonged to the Medici family. Later in the day, you will meet with a private chef who will teach you the secrets of Tuscan cuisine. In the morning, your private transfer meets you at your hotel, and you can decide whether its time to return home or continue to Rome for another in-depth Italian experience. For trip extension ideas, browse the Italy travel reviews on Zicasso.
Starting Price
$3,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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