Florence
Seven Elegant Days of Florence: Art, Wine, Hills, and Hidden Lanes
Renaissance masterpieces, Tuscan flavors, and gentle adventures done well
This 7-day Florence itinerary blends the city’s greatest Renaissance landmarks with food-forward experiences, boutique shopping, and a few easy adventure moments in the Tuscan hills. It is designed for a comfort-seeking couple who want polished, walkable days with reliable bookings, balanced pacing, and a mix of iconic sights and lesser-known neighborhoods.
Highlights
Start with Florence’s most essential historic and architectural icons, then continue into the city’s artistic heart with skip-the-line convenience.
Taste Florence through Mercato Centrale, a hands-on cooking class, and neighborhood trattorie that showcase local Tuscan dishes.
Cross the river for artisan workshops, relaxed shopping, and a more local-feeling Florence with excellent cafes and boutiques.
Spend a premium half-day or full-day in the Tuscan countryside for wine tasting, gentle outdoor time, and scenic views.
Enjoy an easy hike to a panoramic church above the city for a memorable sunset without needing a full trekking day.
Where to Stay
Hotel Savoy, Florence
A polished central luxury stay with a prime location for walking to the Duomo, Uffizi, and shopping streets.
$550-900/night
Portrait Firenze
Riverside suites with beautiful views and immediate access to the bridge, luxury shopping, and Oltrarno.
$700-1,200/night
The St. Regis Florence
A grand historic hotel with refined interiors and easy transit access from the train station.
$600-1,000/nightGood to Know
Skip-the-line strategy
For Florence’s biggest draws, prioritize prebooked timed tickets for the Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo complex. It saves time, reduces stress, and is especially worth it on a premium trip.
Walkability and rest breaks
Florence is compact, but stone streets and crowds can make it feel more tiring than the map suggests. Build in coffee breaks, sit-down lunches, and 30-60 minutes of buffer between major stops.
Market etiquette
At food and street markets, it is normal to queue, order directly, and eat at shared counters or nearby seating. Keep cash or a card handy, and avoid blocking narrow aisles while deciding.
Dress for churches
When visiting religious sites, cover shoulders and avoid very short shorts or skirts. A light scarf is useful because it works in both warm weather and more formal interiors.
Transit for hills
For hilltop viewpoints like San Miniato al Monte, the return is easier by bus or taxi if you are tired. Save the walking effort for the outbound climb when energy is higher.
Wine tour pacing
On Chianti days, do not overpack the evening afterward. Tastings are more enjoyable when the rest of the day is relaxed and you have an easy dinner plan back in Florence.
Evening reservations
For premium dinners, reserve ahead and ask for indoor seating if the weather is uncertain. Florence evenings can be breezy near the river and open squares.
Connectivity planning
If your connectivity is occasional, download offline maps, restaurant reservations, tickets, and transit directions before heading out each morning.
Your Week Itinerary
Caffè Gilli
Classic Florentine breakfast stop for cappuccino, pastry, and a low-effort elegant start before sightseeing.
1h · $10-20 per person
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo)
Visit Florence’s defining religious and architectural landmark; admire the façade, dome, and surrounding piazza. If you want more effort, book the dome climb separately; otherwise keep it easy and focus on the complex from ground level.
1h 30m · $20-35
Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze
See Michelangelo’s David and keep the rest of the visit focused and efficient with a skip-the-line reservation.
1h 15m · $25-40
Mercato Centrale Firenze
Choose from several stalls for ribollita, lampredotto, fresh pasta, or seasonal Tuscan dishes in a comfortable market hall.
1h 15m · $15-30 per personMercato di San Lorenzo
Browse leather goods, small souvenirs, and market-style shopping around the San Lorenzo area after lunch.
45m · Free
Trattoria ZaZa
Order Tuscan classics such as bistecca, pappardelle al ragù, or truffle pasta in a lively but comfortable setting.
1h 30m · $35-60 per person
La Ménagère
Brunch-style breakfast with excellent coffee, pastry, and a relaxed design-forward atmosphere.
1h · $15-25 per person
Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
Explore one of Florence’s key religious and architectural sites, with a calm interior and important frescoes.
1h · $8-12
Florence Cooking Class at Tuscany Cooking Studio
Join a well-reviewed hands-on class focused on Tuscan pasta, sauce, or tiramisu, with wine included in many sessions.
3h · $110-180 per person
Osteria Pastella
A reliable upscale-casual dinner for handmade pasta and Tuscan mains, best reserved ahead.
1h 30m · $40-70 per person33 activities across 7 days
Map
