A Cultural Break in Florence: On the Banks of the Arno

The real dose of culture begins today, as you discover Florence’s many excellent museums with a local guide (and get to skip the queues). First up is the Uffizi Gallery, a world-renowned museum known for the breadth and quality of its Italian art collections, which extend from the Middle Ages to the Baroque era. Showcasing works by Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo (among many others), it’s no surprise that waiting times for entry can get lengthy. Luckily, your priority pass will allow you to skip the queues, so your guide can take you through the many exhibits at a leisurely pace. You'll also have a priority pass for the Grande Museo del Duomo, which offers access to the various sites of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, including the church, bell tower, baptistery and Opera del Duomo museum. Marvel at Michelangelo's The Deposition, Donatello's striking Penitent Magdalene and the bronze panels of Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. There's no better way to round off a morning of culture than by sampling some Tuscan wine, accompanied cheese and cold cuts.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please; Florence is home to numerous hidden gems worth visiting, such as the Torrigiani Garden, the San Marco Museum and Parco delle Cascine. Round off your culture-filled day with some more Tuscan fare at a restaurant recommended by our local Concierge.

Across the Arno River is Florence’s left bank, referred to as Oltrarno (meaning ‘beyond the Arno’). Accompanied by a private guide, you’ll get to explore this quirky neighbourhood and visit some of its bohemian botteghe (workshops), independent boutiques and authentic restaurants. Despite the gradual encroachment of gentrification, the area maintains its traditional yet trendy feel and this is the perfect place to experience daily Florentine life. The quarter contains part of Florence’s historic centre and during your tour, you’ll stop off at the Basilica di Santo Spirito, the opulent Palazzo Pitti, Piazzale Michelangelo and the Brancacci Chapel, with its impressively frescoed ceilings. Your guide will regale you with stories of Oltrarno’s past throughout the tour and there will, of course, be a gelato break along the way. For the final evening of your cultural break, you can either opt to head back to Florence, or try one of Oltrarno’s stellar food establishments – either way, we can guarantee that the food will be excellent.