3 Days in Florence, Italy

Ciao, and welcome to Florence! As a lover of all things Italian, I am delighted to share with you my insider tips for experiencing the undiscovered side of this magnificent city.

First and foremost, let me say that 72 hours is hardly enough time to fully explore all that Florence has to offer. But with careful planning and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, you will be left inspired to return to this enchanting city again and again.

Florence is a city that rewards those who take the time to dig a little deeper. Beyond the crowds and the tourist traps, you’ll find a wealth of hidden gems that will leave you feeling like a true insider. And with the help of a private guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time and discover the city’s best-kept secrets. So let’s get started on our 72-hour adventure, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Florence!

Day 1: Florence…Let’s do this thing!
Buongiorno! Today, we’ll be exploring the hidden gems of Florence with the help of a private guide.

Our first stop is L’Accademia, where you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the world’s most iconic masterpieces up close. From Michelangelo’s David to Botticelli’s Madonna and Child, the art here is truly breathtaking. And with the help of a knowledgeable guide, you’ll be able to appreciate the rich history and context behind each piece.

After L’Accademia, we’ll head to some of Florence’s lesser-known attractions, such as the Bardini Gardens and the Stibbert Museum. If time allows, trek up to Piazza Michelangelo for a breathtaking view of the city, and a chance to admire of of the replicas of the famous David. These off-the-beaten-path destinations offer a chance to escape the crowds and experience a more intimate side of Florence.

Before we move on to lunch, a quick word of advice: it’s always a good idea to buy tickets in advance for major attractions like the Duomo. This can save you time and hassle, and ensure that you’re able to make the most of your limited time in the city.

Now, let’s move on to lunch. One of my favorite spots in Florence is the Trattoria Sostanza, a local institution that’s been serving up traditional Tuscan cuisine since 1869. The butter chicken and artichoke omelet are must-tries, and the cozy atmosphere is the perfect way to recharge for the rest of the day’s adventures. My personal favorite is the Florentine Steak. Someone in your group must try it during your time in Florence.

With our stomachs full, we’ll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring more of Florence’s hidden treasures. From the Bargello Museum to the Church of Santa Croce, there’s no shortage of amazing art and architecture to discover in this city. And with the help of our private guide, you’ll be able to make the most of every moment. So let’s get started, and prepare to be dazzled by the magic of Florence!

Day 2: Florence
Buongiorno! Today, we’re taking a break from the crowds and exploring Florence’s more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. Our first stop is the Oltrarno, an area on the south side of the river that’s known for its artisanal shops and local markets. Here, you’ll find a wealth of unique souvenirs, from handcrafted leather goods to handmade jewelry.

After exploring the Oltrarno, we’ll head to some of Florence’s lesser-known attractions, such as the Brancacci Chapel and the Boboli Gardens. These peaceful, lush spaces offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center and soak in the natural beauty of Florence.

For lunch, we’ll head to the Trattoria Sabatino, a local favorite that’s been serving up delicious, home-style Tuscan fare since 1956. The homemade pasta dishes are a standout, and the cozy, rustic atmosphere is the perfect place to unwind after a morning of exploring. If you skipped the Florentine Steak on day one, the time is now. Buon Appetito.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue our exploration of Florence’s hidden gems. From the Church of San Miniato al Monte to the Vasari Corridor, there’s no shortage of amazing art and architecture to discover in this city. And with the help of our private guide, you’ll be able to make the most of every moment.

Of course, if you’re looking for a change of pace, there are plenty of day-trip options from Florence as well. You might consider taking the train to Lucca, a charming town known for its well-preserved medieval walls and Renaissance architecture. Or, if you’re in the mood for a day at the beach, the seaside town of Viareggio is just a short train ride away. And for wine lovers, a visit to the Chianti region offers a chance to explore some of Tuscany’s best vineyards and taste some of the region’s most delicious wines. Whatever your interests, there’s no shortage of amazing experiences to be had in and around Florence.

Day 3: Where did the time go?
Buongiorno! Today, we’re diving into Florence’s rich cultural scene and exploring some of the city’s lesser-known museums, galleries, and theaters. Our first stop is the Marino Marini Museum, a hidden gem that’s dedicated to the work of one of Italy’s most celebrated sculptors. The minimalist, modernist space offers a stunning contrast to the ornate, historic architecture of much of Florence.

Next, we’ll head to the Palazzo Pitti, a grand Renaissance palace that’s home to a number of museums and galleries. From the Costume Gallery to the Modern Art Museum, there’s something here for every art lover. The palace itself is a work of art, with ornate frescoes, intricate tapestries, and stunning views of the Boboli Gardens. And don’t miss the Silver Museum, where you can admire a dazzling collection of silverwork from the Medici family’s private collection.

For lunch, we’ll head to the La Grotta Guelfa, a cozy restaurant that’s tucked away in a medieval tower in the heart of the city. The tagliatelle with truffle sauce is a standout, and the romantic atmosphere is the perfect way to cap off our three days in Florence.

In the afternoon, we’ll wrap up our Florence adventure by immersing ourselves in the city’s vibrant cultural scene. From local concerts and theater performances to street art and graffiti tours, there’s no shortage of unique experiences to be had in Florence. And with our newfound knowledge of the city’s hidden gems, you’ll be able to explore with confidence and curiosity.

As our time in Florence comes to a close, don’t forget that there are plenty of day-trip options from the city as well. Whether you’re in the mood for wine-tasting in the Chianti region or a day of exploring the medieval hill town of San Gimignano, or an afternoon traing trip to the walled-city of Lucca, there’s no shortage of amazing experiences to be had in Tuscany. So take some time to relax and explore, and let the magic of Florence leave you feeling inspired and enchanted. Buona fortuna!

Say it isn’t over…
And that, my friends, brings us to the end of our 72-hour adventure in Florence. We hope that our insider tips and recommendations have inspired you to explore the city’s hidden gems and discover the magic of undiscovered Italy.

As always, I firmly believe that the besting things in Italy are not on any list. To really experience Italy spend an hour or two in a small coffee shop, or at a family winery. Whether it is day one or day three, throw the itinerary into the trash at least one day, put the phone away and wander.

But our journey doesn’t have to end here. We want to hear from you! Leave a comment below and tell us about your favorite undiscovered parts of Florence. What hidden gems did you discover on your travels? We’d love to hear about your own adventures in this enchanting city.

And if you’re planning a trip to Florence in the near future, be sure to keep an eye out for the “wine windows” that Stanley Tucci mentioned in his recent documentary series. These tiny, centuries-old openings in the city’s buildings were once used to sell wine during the Plague, and are a fascinating reminder of the city’s rich history and resilience.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through undiscovered Italy, and we hope to see you back in Florence again soon. Arrivederci!