Firenze, famously dubbed the “city of stone” by writer Mary McCarthy, regards itself as a living museum. And considering that it has counted among its residents the likes of Michelangelo, Raphael, Dante, Donatello, Brunelleschi and the entire Medici clan, it certainly has the cultural cachet—and monumental works of art—to substantiate that claim in Italy, and beyond.
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
Having a guide take you behind the scenes is key in Florence, and Indagare can arrange special experiences like cooking classes. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Get your bearings with a guided tour of Florence’s historic center. The action centers around the Duomo, which affords beautiful views of the city’s skyline. Continue your tour at Santa Maria Novella Church before breaking for lunch at an Indagare-recommended restaurant. Afterwards, head to the Medici Riccardi palazzo, and your guide can will take you straight to the tiny Cappella dei Magi. Next, have an aperitif on the rooftop of the Continentale Hotel, with prime views of the Ponte Vecchio. Enjoy dinner at a classic Florentine trattoria.
Begin your day with a tour of the Uffizi Gallery, home of Botticelli’s Venus, followed by lunch at an Indagare-recommended eatery. Then, take a culinary tour through the bustle of the Mercato Centrale di Firenze, one of Florence’s most beloved covered food markets with restaurants, shops, a cooking school, library and artisanal vendors (your guide can take you behind-the-scenes to sample some of the best local delicacies available). Kick off the evening with drinks in one of Indagare’s favorite spots, a place that boasts 360-degree views of Florence.
On your last day, you have several options. Art lovers should opt for a tour of the Galleria dell’Accademia (with a knowledgeable guide) to see the original David and other Renaissance works; while history lovers should visit Palazzo Pitti, a museum complex home to pieces by Raphael. Afterwards, take a guided walk through the Boboli gardens, which contain sculptures, fountains and grand allées, making them a fun place for kids. Alternative options include a workshop with a local craftsman, or a bike tour, stopping for wine and lunch.
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities, including upgrades, early check-in, breakfast, spa credits and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
Located on the Piazza Santa Novella, The Place Firenze is a sleek, boutique hotel with just twenty rooms that feels like a very stylish friend’s elegant European home.
Just steps from the Uffizzi, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signora overlooking the River Arno, the 37-suite Portrait Firenze is a larger and sleeker version of the debut Portrait in Rome.
Slightly removed from the city center, the Four Seasons Florence is a true resort-within-a-city experience with extensive gardens, a pool and gorgeous traditional interiors.
A converted monastery located in the hills 20 minutes above Florence, Villa San Michele is a beautiful oasis with a façade by Michelangelo.
Hotel Lungarno, the sophisticated sister of the Gallery Hotel Art, Continentale and Lungarno Suites, boasts chic décor, beautiful framed artwork from the Ferragamo family’s private collection and a friendly concierge.
Brunelleschi’s famous cupola is touristy and not for anyone with vertigo, but the view from this Florence icon gives a first-time visitor a wonderful introduction to the city’s skyline. The steep stairs take you first to a narrow balcony, from...
The Uffizzi can be maddening, what with outdated galleries, uninspired audio guides, disgruntled staff, dimly lit halls and an insane timed-ticket system that puts you on a line no matter how savvy your planning. And who thought that the array...
This massive palazzo (assumed to have been designed by Brunelleschi but also attributed to his student Fancelli) is surrounded by the sprawling Boboli Gardens and is the largest museum complex in Florence. The offerings include the Galleria Palatina, which contains...
These mid-sixteenth-century terraced gardens, behind the Palazzo Pitti, are a nice escape from the crowds in the centro storico. The gardens contain lots of sculptures, fountains and grand allées, making them a fun place to take kids. (Make a list...
Riccardo Barthel's interior design shop in Florence was already a must-visit with a spectacular collection of antiques (mostly from the region) and custom pieces from entire kitchens to mosaic floors. Now the design guru has opened a terrific cooking school...
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A trip here can easily be combined with these amazing destinations and more. Contact our team to craft the perfect itinerary.
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