Off the Beaten Path Florence
Description:
Although Florence is full of some of the world's best known art and landmarks, there are also plenty of incredible things to do and see that are off the tourist track.
Author: JennyMM
Day 1 - Florence
The Botticelli Hotel is perfect for exploring the city on foot, but also blends right into the historic surroundings as it is situated in a beautiful 16th century villa. Request one of the charming top-floor rooms. Take a morning walk around the Mercato Centrale, where you can see restaurant proprietors and other locals busily shopping among the vast array of delectables for sale. For the rest of the day, enjoy walking around the city to see some of the historical landmarks. Of particular note in the area is the Piazza Indipendenza, surrounded by palazzos, and the Museo Botanico, with its ancient vegetable garden. Have lunch at Da Mario, quick and authentic. Journey across the river to explore the Giardino di Boboli, full of statues and fountains, the Museo Bardini, a personal collection now on display in the owner's palace. There are also plenty of interesting sights, stores, and cafes along the way. For dinner, try to track down a sagra, where you'll be able to eat Tuscan food in true local Florentine style.
1
Location:
view in google maps
Piazza del Mercato Centrale
50123 Florence, Italy
2
Location:
view in google maps
Piazza Indipendenza
Florence, Italy
3
Location:
view in google maps
Via Rosina 2r
At the north corner of Piazza Mercato Centrale
50123 Florence, Italy
Phone:
055-218-550
4
Location:
view in google maps
Via La Pira, 4
50121 Florence, Italy
Phone:
+39 0552757471
5
Location:
view in google maps
Piazza Pitti, 1
50125 Florence, Italy
Phone:
+39 55 265 1838
6
Location:
view in google maps
Piazza de' Mozzi, 1
50125 Florence, Italy
Phone:
+39 55 234 2427
7
Location:
view in google maps
APT tourist office
Via Cavour 1-red
50129 Florence, Italy
Phone:
0039-055-290832
8
Location:
view in google maps
Via Taddea 8
50123 Florence, Italy
Phone:
39 055290905
Day 2 - Florence
Rent a car for two days, and spend the first day visiting the various villas and villages north of the city. The Villa Medicea di Cafaggiolo and the Villa Medicea di Castello are two particular Medici villas of note. The Parco di Villa Demidoff is the site of a former Medici villa, but still has beautiful grounds and a sculpture collection. Stop at the Parco Territorialie di Monte Morello for a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding countryside, especially if you hike up to the top of the Monte Morello. This is the perfect place for a picnic lunch, or eat in a cafe or restaurant in any of the little towns along the trip. Also stop to take a walk around the Olmo park, and then continue to Fiesole, which has lots of interesting Roman ruins, churches, and villas. Stop on your way back into the city at Zibibbo for a rustic and charming dinner.
1
Location:
view in google maps
Strada dei Colli Alti
50019 Florence, Italy
2
Location:
view in google maps
Località Cafaggiolo
50030 Florence, Italy
Phone:
+39 055 849 8103
3
Location:
view in google maps
Via di Castello, 47
50141 Florence, Italy
Phone:
+39 055 45 2691
4
Location:
view in google maps
Località Olmo
50100 Florence, Italy
Phone:
+39 055 23 320
6
Location:
view in google maps
Via Bolognese
50036 Florence, Italy
7
Location:
view in google maps
Via di Terzollina, 3r
50138 Florence, Italy
Phone:
39 55 43 3383
Day 3 - Florence
Today, explore Chianti country south of the city. Take a horseback riding trip if that's your cup of tea, then go wine-tasting, or just take a day-long car tour of the small wineries and towns scattered around the countryside with stops in Greve and Castellina. There are delicious restaurants in the little towns along the way, as well as within many of the vineyards and wineries.
1
Location:
Florence, Italy
Day 4 - Florence
Take a morning walking tour to discover some of the secret spots you wouldn't accidentally happen upon. After, stop for a homemade lunch at Piccola Italia, then continue to explore the city on your own. Spend some time learning about Florence's rich history in the Museo di Firenze Com'Era. Nearby, visit the Badia Fiorentina, a Benedictine abbey with a prominent campanile, famous for being the place where Dante fell in love. Also nearby is the Tempio Israelitico di Firenze, a synagogue with turquoise domes and interesting intersections of Florentine and Moorish architecture. There's an attached Jewish Museum, too. For dinner, have a great time learning how to cook Tuscan-style, and enjoy your efforts afterwards with a glass of Chianti.
1
Location:
Florence, Italy
2
Location:
view in google maps
Viale Mazzini, 25r
50136 Florence, Italy
Phone:
39 55 24 4140
3
Location:
view in google maps
Via dell'Oriuolo, 24
50122 Florence, Italy
Phone:
+39 55 261 6545
4
Location:
view in google maps
Via del Proconsolo 3
Via Dante Alighieri and Via del Proconsolo
50122 Florence, Italy
Phone:
+39 055 264403
5
Location:
view in google maps
Via Farini, 4
50121 Florence, Italy
Phone:
+39 055 245 252
6
Location:
Florence, Italy
Day 5 - Florence
Take a day trip to Perugia and Assisi. Perugia is noted for its art tradition and its chocolate. The cobblestone streets are made to explore on foot, and there are plenty of churches and piazzas to see on your tour. The birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi is full of beautiful churches and has a rich religious history. There are plenty of small cafes and restaurants in both places to stop for lunch or a snack. Have a final great classic regional meal at Ciao Bella, known for its soup and seafood.
1
Location:
Florence, Italy
2
Location:
view in google maps
Piazza del Tiratoio, 1r
50124 Florence, Italy
Phone:
39 55 21 8477