Florence
Follow us on an unforgettable journey through Florence, where every cobblestone street tells a story, every meal is a masterpiece, and every sunset feels like a painting. We marveled at the grandeur of the Duomo, strolled across the timeless Ponte Vecchio, and traced the powerful legacy of the Medici family. From rolling out fresh pasta in a hands-on Tuscan cooking class to basking in the seaside beauty of Cinque Terre, we immersed ourselves in the very best of this enchanting destination.
To see a longer itinerary that includes Florence check out: Tuscany.
Day 1
We first checked into The Westin Excelsior, and the moment we stepped into our top-floor suite—with a patio overlooking the Arno—we knew we were in for something special. Hungry from our long flight, we made our way to the famous All' Antico Vinaio—because if it’s good enough for Giada De Laurentiis, it’s good enough for us. The line was long but moved quickly, and before we knew it, we were sinking our teeth into a sandwich so packed with fresh prosciutto and creamy stracciatella that it felt like a rite of passage.
With no set agenda, we let the city guide us. Florence is a dream for wandering—every turn revealed something breathtaking, from the towering Duomo to hidden piazzas where locals lingered over espresso. As the sun dipped low, we made our way to Nugolo, featured in Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy, where we feasted on some of the most unforgettable Italian cuisine we’d ever had—each dish a perfect balance of tradition and creativity.
Itinerary:
Hotel: The Westin Excelsior, Florence
Reviews: Trip Advisor
Grabbed a sandwich at All' Antico Vinaio (a Giada De Laurentiis favorite)
Strolled the streets, explored the city, enjoyed a gelato...
Dinner: Nugolo (a Stanley Tucci recommendation)
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 2
We kicked off the day with a walking tour. There’s something magical about strolling the same streets once walked by Michelangelo and da Vinci. The highlights? The grandeur of Pitti Palace and the sprawling Boboli Gardens, where we lingered longer than planned, soaking up the sun and the views.
As the day wound down, we made our way up to Piazzale Michelangelo, the best panoramic viewpoint in the city. The climb was worth every step—when we reached the top, Florence unfolded beneath us, its terracotta rooftops glowing in the golden light. The Arno snaked through the city, the Duomo stood tall in the skyline, and for a moment, it felt like we were inside a postcard. It was one of those moments where time stood still—just us, Florence, and a sky that looked like a Renaissance painting.
Still basking in the afterglow of that breathtaking view, we headed to Ristorante Gilò for dinner. The intimate, stylish atmosphere set the perfect tone for the evening, with soft lighting and elegant décor. We started with delicate burrata and fresh seasonal vegetables, followed by handmade pasta that was nothing short of perfection. Each bite was rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Paired with a bold Tuscan red, it was the kind of meal that lingered in our memories.
Itinerary:
Tour Pitti Palace and its beautiful Boboli Gardens.
Go to Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset.
Dinner: Ristorante Gilò
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 3
The highlight of our trip? Hands down, a cooking class at a villa overlooking the Tuscan countryside. We started the day at a bustling local market, handpicking the freshest ingredients—sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy ricotta—before heading to a charming countryside villa. There, we rolled out fresh pasta, mastered the art of the perfect tiramisu, and sipped wine as the rolling hills stretched out before us. It truly felt like we had stepped into a scene from a classic Italian film.
Back in Florence, the magic continued with an Italian opera concert at Santa Monaca Church—a hauntingly beautiful performance in an intimate, candlelit setting that left us completely entranced. The perfect nightcap? A slice of pizza from Gustarium Firenze, where each bite was a crispy, cheesy masterpiece.
Itinerary:
Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour
Take in an Italian Opera Concert in Santa Monaca Church
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Grab Pizza at Gustarium Firenze
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 4
Day 4 took us out of the city to the enchanting seaside villages of Cinque Terre. With its pastel-hued buildings clinging to the cliffs and the deep blue Ligurian Sea stretching endlessly before us, it felt like stepping into a postcard. We spent the day hiking between the villages, taking in sweeping coastal views, and hopping on the train when our legs needed a break. Along the way, we indulged in the freshest seafood—briny anchovies, tender calamari, and just-caught mussels paired with crisp local white wine. At one stop, I couldn’t resist kicking off my shoes and dipping my toes into the cool, salty water, a perfect little moment of bliss.
After an exhausting but unforgettable day, we made our way back to Florence, ready to savor our final night in the city. Il Barretto was the perfect sendoff—an elegant yet cozy spot where classic Italian flavors took center stage. We toasted to an incredible trip with glasses of velvety Brunello, then dove into a feast of handmade pasta, rich truffle-infused dishes, and perfectly grilled Florentine steak. Every bite was indulgent, every sip celebratory. It was the kind of meal you never want to end—just like our time in Florence.
Itinerary:
Dinner: Il Barretto
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 5
On to the next adventure...
