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...
Everything we recommend is sourced first-hand by our well-traveled team and incredible network of insiders and resources around the world. Here are some the latest articles, interviews, and book and film recommendations not to be missed.
Indagare is always scouting for the newest best restaurants, classic spots and neighborhood gems that feel like a special find. Though the restaurant scene changes often, here is our current list of top tables in Florence, for any occasion.
“As a Roman native, I am privileged to reside and work in Florence, a timeless metropolis with a unique character, where connections are formed in every corner of the city,” says Gaia Leonori Pratesi, the wife of Federico Pratesi. She...
Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley shares some of her favorite new finds in Florence.
I was inspired to launch our first Insider Journey to Florence this year by Laudomia Pucci, daughter of designer Emilio Pucci and a true ambassador of the city. She has transformed a section of the family’s palazzo in the heart...
At Indagare, we chart our personal growth by journeys taken, borders crossed and people met along the way. One of the best ways to experience the transformative power of travel is to step outside of your comfort zone by venturing...
A trip here can easily be combined with these amazing destinations and more. Contact our team to craft the perfect itinerary.
Centered around Florence and encompassing such storied towns as Siena, Montepulciano and Arezzo, Tuscany is one of Italy’s most fabled regions, known for its gorgeous countryside, vineyards, old-world charm and coastline.
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Rome is a place where ancient history and contemporary life breezily coexist, where you can sip cocktails at a trendy bar while gazing upon a temple colonnade from the year 145 (that would be at Salotto 42, on Piazza della...
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