Appreciating Art and Architecture: A City Break in Florence
Arran and Charlotte H are here to help give you the inside track.
Florence is known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance and is famous all over the world for housing masterpieces of art and architecture. This long weekend itinerary will encompass the finest cultural highlights, as well as a few off-the-beaten track spots so you feel like you're seeing the real city, and not just the tourist version.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Snap an iconic photograph of the Florence Cathedral's terracotta dome.
- Feast your eyes on an array of brilliant art in the Uffizi Gallery.
- Stroll through the botanic paradise of the Boboli Gardens.
Why Book with Original Travel?
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Day 1: Flight and Artistic Appreciation
Arrive into Florence on an early morning flight and meet your transfer driver at arrivals. You will then be whisked to your hotel to drop your bags and freshen up before heading out to eat lunch and explore.
You are utterly spoilt for choice when it comes to museums, palaces and churches in Florence. Start with the obvious and head to the deservedly iconic Florence Cathedral (Duomo) - if you're feeling up to it, you can climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome or the 414 steps to the top of the neighbouring Campanile for incredible views. Afterwards, spend the rest of the afternoon feasting your eyes on some of the most celebrated artistic masterpieces, Michelangelo's 'David' and Botticelli's 'The Birth of Venus' in the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries are the obvious ones, but there are many, many other options of course.
Day 2: Wander with Wonder
Today is all about soaking up the beauty of the city. In fact, we think the best way to really get a sense of Florence is to simply get a little lost along its winding streets.
When you do decide to look at a map, make your way to the busy Ponte Vecchio and then up the hill a little to the Piazzale Michelangelo for the best views in the city. Sit and enjoy the panorama for as long as you like, it is truly beautiful. Then, starting with an Aperol Spritz in the evening sun, spend another evening joyfully eating and drinking far too much. After all, you come to Italy as much for the food and wine as you do the sites and scenes.
Day 3: Beautiful Boboli
Start your last day in Florence with a lie in and a last Italian breakfast before heading out to the Boboli Gardens.
This is a real botanical paradise, filled with an exquisite collection of sculptures dating back to the 16th century, and is the perfect place to relax after a busy few days of sightseeing. After a late lunch, meet your transfer driver back at your hotel, get to the airport and make the journey back to the UK in time for bed.
Additional Activities
- Cooking Class Day trip to one of the surrounding villages, such as Fiesole and San Gimignano
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.
From
£1,275pp
Bare Necessities
If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.
From
£1,210pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special, we can discuss with you upgrading your accommodation, flights or activities.
From
£1,530pp
Arran and Charlotte H are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.