ITINERARIES
Florence can be visited in a single day or over multiple days, and it can be experienced from various different perspectives, depending on tastes, passions, and interests.
The city preserves traces and works of great artists, from Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci to Dante. It lends itself, therefore, to historical and artistic itineraries with in-depth explorations of the medieval period or the Renaissance art, the Baroque or Romanticism.
This region also offers many opportunities for those who love the outdoors: there are plenty of naturalistic routes possible, including trekking and thermal springs immersed in nature. Another particularly enjoyable way to experience this area is through its flavors, by trying out food and wine itineraries that will lead you to the discovery of typical local dishes and wines.
Photo Credit: Comune di Firenze
ARTISTIC-HISTORICAL-CULTURAL TOURS
To visit the artistic and cultural heritage of Florence you can choose from a classic itinerary depending on the days you have available:
Alternatively, you can choose to follow a thematic itinerary. Here are some interesting examples:
MEDIEVAL TOUR: It is not easy to distinguish a path only medieval, for the presence of works from different periods in the same places. Definitely can not miss the complex of Santa Maria Novella, Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower, the Piazza della Signoria area, Ponte Vecchio, the Bargello and the Badia Fiorentina.
DANTE TOUR: Dante The historical center of Florence is also a kind of Dante’s district. Between Piazza della Signoria and Orsanmichele, the Torre della Castagna, the oratory of Buonomini of San Martino and the Badia Fiorentina is the House of Dante, now building a museum that does not match the old house but which was built in the area where they stood the houses of the Alighieri. Authentic is instead the church of Dante, or the church of Santa Margherita de ‘Cerchi, where he celebrated the marriage of Dante Alighieri and Gemma Donati. Inside are the tombs of Donati of Portinari, Beatrice’s family, inspiring the poet’s muse, which perhaps meeting took place right here.
MICHELANGELO TOUR: the milestones are the Accademia Gallery, home to the David, St. Matthew and the Palestrina Pietà), the Medici Chapels with the New Sacristy, the Laurentian Library, the Museo dell’Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Bargello Museum, Casa Buonarroti and Basilica of Santa Croce where the tomb of Michelangelo.
The surroundings of Florence and in particular the towns of Chianti are rich in culture, art and history.
Click here to find out the various locations of Chianti.
NATURE TOURS
In the territory of Florence are 15 Protected Areas of Local Interest Natural (ANPIL). It is populated areas where they are stored and protected flora and fauna and fall within protected areas like the regional parks and nature reserves
The Anpil can be visited on foot, by bike or on horseback, with its network of trails and nature trails.
Here are some paths not to be missed:
Podere La Querciola: protected area in Sesto Fiorentino, covers 56 hectares, is home to 176 species of birds and an artificial lake, Lake Marsh.
Montececeri: hills north east of Florence, is an area famous for its pietra serena quarries. At the edge there is the Etruscan town of Fiesole. On the hill came the revolutionary test of the flying machine of Leonardo da Vinci.
Monti della Calvana: between Prato and Florence, is an area that grows in the mountains of Calvana (about 700 meters) that form the watershed between the river Bisenzio, Torrente Marina and streams that cross the Mugello Valley. Find shelter very rare birds and amphibians, between forests of oaks and hornbeams.
Other parks and green areas to visit in the province of Florence are: the Mondeggi park with historical tours to the countryside and forest, the village of Malmantile with Villa Caruso Bellosguardo hill, Mount Morello for a hike through the hills of old Roman aqueduct, and finally Poggio Valicaia which is reached by bike through its turns, its famous park-museum that houses rare animals, artwork, trails, a pond and a picnic area.
On the official website you will find more information about the nature trails of Florence.
FOOD AND WINE TOURS
Florence is the city of gastronomy of excellence. Here the good wine culture is combined with that of good food. The sandwich with the lamprey, bruschetta with Tuscan salami and cheese, Chianina beef, the Florentine, the garlic bread, chicken livers, ribollita, the lamprey, tripe, are some of the most famous Florentine specialties that you can taste.
Many wine shops, local and wineries that offer the chance to taste the prestigious wines D.O.C. – D.O.C.G. and I.G.T. Chianti, both in the historic center of Florence in the Chianti countryside same. You can also visit the Frantoni the discovery of oil production of high quality oil.
A great opportunity to taste typical local food and wines is to participate in the various enogastronomic festivals held in these areas, such as the “Prugnolo” Festival in Firenzuola (between the end of May and the beginning of June), the Truffle Festival in Borgo San Lorenzo (November), and the Dried Fig Festival in Vicchio (beginning of April). Additionally, there’s the Wild Boar Festival in Certaldo (between the end of April and the beginning of May), the Porcini Mushroom Festival in Incisa Valdarno (May), the Pea Festival in Montespertoli (beginning of May), the Frog Festival in Florence (end of May-beginning of June), and the Mugello Tortello Festival in Borgo San Lorenzo (August).
FUN TOURS
If the playful symbol of Siena is the Palio, that of Florence is the famous game of Calcio Storico Fiorentino, a highly anticipated game that is experienced in a really fierce. Is played with historical costumes by 4 teams furnishing evokes this old seventeenth century sport. It is held every year on various dates 14 to 24 June, to coincide with the feast of St. John the Baptist, patron saint of the city.
Photo Credit: Comune di Firenze
If you visit Florence in early summer or autumn you can enjoy both the food and wine that the playful aspect of the various festivals, which take place almost every month. One of all: the celebration of the harvest and the new wine, the Carro Matto in Florence.