The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is a shining gem of a city, steeped in rich history and romantic charm, surrounded by the rolling green hills and bucolic countryside of Tuscany, in north central Italy.
Florence is home to a buzzing food scene and a thriving shopping districts filled with treasures from local artisans. With narrow, cobblestoned streets leading to picturesque piazzas, laidback trattorias, and exquisite riverside gardens, it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable European getaway.
Locals say late fall and winter are the perfect time to visit Florence to avoid long lines and crowds. Christmas Markets run from late November through early January, and they are incredibly charming as is the city itself, which is decorated with beautiful holiday lights and Christmas trees. The Uffizi, Accademia, Bargello, Pitti Palace, Galileo, and other museums are open throughout the winter and offer less crowded browsing of some of the world’s finest art. The leather markets and couture shops are wonderful places to purchase one-of-a-kind Holiday gifts for loved ones.
We recently asked Dani, the Destination Manager for our Florence home, to create the perfect three–day vacation itinerary for this stunning Italian city. Enjoy!
DAY 1: See the Sights
Florence is often referred to as an “open-air museum,” and when you visit, you’ll realize how true that is. With incredible architecture, historic landmarks, and a network of museums showcasing over a million pieces of Renaissance art, you’ll find yourself immersed in the history and grandeur of Florence as soon as you step outside your door.
For the first full day of your vacation, we recommend getting out and exploring the city. Wake early and grab a cappuccino at Caffè Rondinelli, just downstairs from the apartment. From there, head to il Duomo—a short walk away—and climb the steps for unforgettable panoramic views of Florence at sunrise.
Mid-morning, enjoy the popular Taste Florence Food Tour, walking the city’s medieval streets as your English-speaking guide introduces you to some of the best food the city has to offer—fresh pastries, local street food, and delicious pasta—finishing the four-hour excursion with a special wine and cheese tasting.
Enjoy a few quiet hours back at the apartment, reading or relaxing in the luxurious space before walking over to the Uffizi Gallery, next to the Piazza della Signoria, for a guided afternoon tour of one of the world’s premier collections of Renaissance art.
In the evening, let us make reservations for you at the elegant Cantinetta Antinori, just steps away from your apartment, where you’ll enjoy a multi-course fine dining experience of regional Tuscan cuisine, Marchesi Antinori wines, and excellent service in the vaulted former cellars of a beautifully restored Renaissance mansion.
DAY 2: Tuscan Adventure
For day two, we will arrange a private driver to take you an hour south of the city. Explore the gorgeous Chianti region of the Tuscan countryside for a full day of food and wine at the 14th century Querceto di Castellina vineyard estate.
Surrounded by lush vineyards and olive groves, you can start with a private, hands-on cooking class with Laura di Battista in the winery’s kitchen, learning to create traditional Tuscan dishes such as Pollo alla Cacciatora and Cinghiale alla Chiantigiana. Beginning with a trip to the local butcher and market for ingredients, you will be guided through the cooking process, step-by-step, and can then enjoy the fruits of your labor on the terrace, accompanied by a glass of one of Querceto’s classic wines.
Afterwards, take a tour of the winery to learn more about the history of the estate and the winemaking process, and taste four of their current wine releases. Then spend time outdoors exploring the estate gardens, walking along the hand-worked Livia vineyard, and soaking in the breathtaking scenery before heading back to the city.
In the evening, a second dinner out at one of Florence’s many excellent restaurants will be arranged, or you may still be stuffed but want a nightcap at one of the dozens of cafes just outside your door. Many of the restaurants around your Palazzo Ginori home offer delivery or easy ordering and pickup if you prefer a quiet night at home.
DAY 3: Fine Art and Chic Shopping
Wrap up your stay in Florence with a day of shopping and museum-hopping.
Start early with a short trip to the other side of the Arno River to visit the four museums located within the magnificent Pitti Palace and explore the beautiful Boboli Gardens directly behind it. Stroll along pathways through greenspace and grottos, taking in the ornate fountains, famous sculptures, and the 18th century Rococo-style Kaffeehaus pavilion, then travel east to the Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy copies of the artist’s most famous sculptures as well as the best panoramic view of the city.
In the middle of the day, stop for a leisurely lunch at Ciro & Sons, a lovely, family-run trattoria known for their fresh, seasonal ingredients and authentic Napoletana pizzas. But save room for fresh gelato from La Gelatiera, located a few blocks away.
In the afternoon, it’s time to shop. For Italian leather, consider taking a short drive up to the popular Florence Leather Market about 15 minutes away. Or focus your shopping on areas closer to the apartment. Florence’s main shopping hub around Via Roma, Via Calimala, and Via dei Calzauiuoli is where you’ll find high end boutiques and department stores offering everything from clothes, home goods, jewelry, and specialty items. For Gucci, Prada, and other designer labels, visit the pedestrian-friendly Via de’Tornabuoni, making time to check out the cool Salvatore Ferragamo Museum while you’re there.
At the end of the day, we will make reservations for you at the hip Il Santo Bevitore, where you’ll enjoy handmade pastas, fresh vegetables, and classic Tuscan cuisine in a cozy neighborhood space featuring vaulted ceilings, wood beams, bare brick walls, and rows of wine shelves.
At Home in Florence with Equity Estates
Your luxurious Florence residence is a spacious, beautifully renovated four-bedroom apartment on the third floor of the historic 16th century Palazzo Ginori. Perfectly situated between the city’s fashion and historic districts, with modern amenities and traditional Florentine touches, this stunning vacation home is a short walk to many of Florence’s incredible restaurants, shops, museums, and landmarks, but so comfortable, you may never want to leave.
Your personal travel concierge will work with you to plan your itinerary before you arrive and make sure your stay is effortless by arranging reservations for activities, transportation, and dining. Leave the details to us, and arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice from the local market. With Equity Estates, comfort and luxury are yours.
Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call. Your incredible Florence getaway awaits!
