How To Plan An Enchanting Florence Vacation, According To Hotel Insiders
Florence never ceases to amaze as a beloved city-break destination – overflowing with culture, beautiful architecture, style, and delicious Tuscan delicacies. Here, KATIE BERRINGTON asks three insiders from exquisite hotels in and around the city to share their expert recommendations for an itinerary like no other
Soak up the city atmosphere
“My favorite place in Florence is undoubtedly the Ponte Vecchio,” says Elisa Peroli of Villa La Massa, a 13th-century property on the banks of the Arno river. “The old bridge is a magical place with timeless charm. Walking amongst the opulent store windows that belong to Florentine jewelers always fills me with incredible pride to live in such a beautiful city. At sunset, it feels like stepping into an impressionist painting – the Arno river takes on a rosy hue and the sky becomes a watercolor masterpiece. For me, it really is the eighth wonder of the world.”
“When you live in a historical city like Florence, it’s hard to pick a favorite spot,” says Rafael Carrieri, of Portrait Firenze, an all-suite hotel in the heart of the city. “I personally very much enjoy the rose gardens, il Giardino delle Rose”. Located close to Piazzale Michelangelo, it’s a place where you can sit on a bench overlooking the city and enjoy a different perspective, every month of the year.”
“When I want to breathe the atmosphere of the city while window shopping, I love sitting right under the obelisk in via Tornabuoni, in the Florentine fashion district. It’s a great place to sit and people-watch – and to admire the beauty of the surrounding buildings,” says Barbara Chiucini, who curates Beyond Florence on Instagram, and is an arts-and-culture advisor for Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, in the Florentine hills.
Once-in-a-lifetime experiences
“For a first-time visitor, I must suggest the classic tour of the Duomo and the Uffizi and Accademia galleries. And you must not leave Florence without having a Florentine steak and a glass of Chianti wine,” says Carrieri. “Also, don’t miss a visit to the Santa Croce neighborhood, historically famous for its leather goods. From there, you can walk to the Ponte Vecchio, which for me is still one of the most curious shopping streets in Florence – and then on to Via Tornabuoni, the luxury-fashion district.”
“Embark on a bespoke itinerary to get to know the authentic, local handcrafted products, and the people behind them – the true ‘characters’ of the true Florence, away from the crowds,” says Chiucini. “There are so many interesting hidden workshops, laboratories, boutiques, ateliers and art galleries to discover. At Villa San Michele, the Art of Making tour is a signature experience that allows discerning guests to ‘meet the makers’ of everything from bespoke eyewear and accessories to traditional leather goods, artisanal fragrances and crystal.”
The delicacies to try
“For something savory, there’s nothing better than a truffle panino with a glass of bubbles at Procacci,” says Chiucini. “For something sweet, grab a stylish bag of cantucci from the Antonio Mattei boutique. Their almond biscuits are a must, and it’s a nice opportunity to visit a little museum that tells the story of the family’s artisanal-food heritage. Then, for drinks, enjoy a stylish cocktail at Gucci Giardino 25.”
Peroli insists that “bistecca alla Fiorentina, pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup), panzanella salad, and the peposo (Tuscan beef stew) cannot be missed. At Villa la Massa, one of Florence’s most romantic restaurants, Il Verrocchio, deserves a special mention due to its elegant ambiance and spellbinding views over the river Arno and the Tuscan hills.”
“Everyone who visits Florence must try the famous lampredotto, a typical Florentine street-food panino, with a glass of Chianti classico wine,” says Carrieri. “The combination is unique – like you are absorbing hundreds of years of Florentine culture and gastronomy. You can get these from any of the vendors around the city. But if you prefer table seating, you should stop by Osteria Tripperia il Magazzino in Piazza della Passera. I also recommend Ristorante del Fagioli, where you can order authentic Tuscan dishes, such as ribollita, papa al pomodoro and, my favorite, crostini di fegatini (chicken-liver paté). This is a very special place, where you can just sit back and soak in the city. For an immersive experience, I would suggest a cooking class at Desinare, inside interior designer Riccardo Barthel’s fascinating workshop and showroom.”
The best views
“Thanks to its privileged location, Florence has many spots where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city,” says Carrieri. “I like to go to Villa Bardini during the spring because of the blooming wisteria flowers. The atmosphere in the garden is something unique, with the Duomo as a protagonist in the landscape. Another lovely view of Florence that not many people know about is from Villa di Rusciano, a historical villa in the south of the city.”
“The Bardini gardens are smaller than the more famous Boboli – and there is a romantic walk inside the former private villa,” says Chiucini. “On the hills of Fiesole, I recommend the gardens and restaurant at Villa San Michele, which is also open to non-residents. It’s one of the best locations for a breathtaking view of the entire city and its surroundings.”
“Piazzale Michelangelo is the best place to see the city’s magnificent skyline,” says Peroli, “from Forte di Belvedere to the Basilica of Santa Croce, taking in the riverside avenues (known as lungarni), the bridges (especially the Ponte Vecchio), the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Bargello, and the Badia Fiorentina – without forgetting the hilltop villages of Settignano and Fiesole to the north of the city. And there’s more… For utterly breathtaking views, don’t miss a visit to the San Miniato al Monte – a church and monastery that stands at one of the highest points of the city.”
The height of relaxation
To leave the city bustle behind, “visit the Arno Spa at Villa La Massa,” recommends Peroli. “The hotel sits on the banks of the river, in the heart of the Chianti wine region, just 15 minutes by car from Florence city center. It is an oasis of peace and serenity, immersed in a 25-acre park. The Tuscan countryside extends all around, as far as the eye can see: olive trees, vineyards and cypress trees. The spa comprises a wet area with a Turkish bath, sauna, Roman bath with hydromassage and sensorial showers, and a Beauté area with two suites – including one for couples – for treatments wrapped in the scents of Tuscany.”
The most unique way of seeing Florence
“Discovering Florence with the Renaioli (rowers) is something utterly unique,” says Carrieri. “The Florentine rowing association organizes small boat trips along the Arno from May to September. The Association of Renaioli in Florence has given new life to this job, restoring the small old boats. This is a great way to see the city – especially for locals and regular visitors, who get the chance to admire the city from a different viewpoint.” Indeed, Chiucini concludes that “Florence’s best locations – and its most interesting stories – are mostly not accessible at first sight.”