Florence Travel Guide

Happy Saturday! Today I am posting my travel guide for Tuscany/Florence! 

After our 4 nights in Rome, we spent the next 2 nights in the Chianti region of Tuscany! Our train took us to Florence and we got a rental car so we could drive around to the different villages throughout the countryside. It was SO beautiful I’m glad we rented a car it made it much easier to get around for this part of the trip. 

Tuscany

Where We Stayed

Castello Vicchiomaggio: This is where we stayed for 2 nights before going to Florence and it was AMAZING! Our suite looked like it was straight out of a fairytale. Apparently Leonardo Da Vinci also stayed at this castle while he was starting to make the Mona Lisa! The entire property is very romantic and charming. There are gardens filled with roses everywhere you turn, and an infinity pool overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany. We ate a lunch and dinner here one night and it was great. We also went on a wine tour that they have here at Castello Vicchiomaggio. 

What Else to Do

• One evening we drove to Greve and explored the little village there. There are a lot of local restaurants and shops. We ate dinner at Ristorante La Castellana  it was delicious and had such a pretty view! You must go to this castle and just walk around. Everything is made of stone and just so old and pretty! 
• There are other cute villages nearby that you can drive to and explore! It’s nice because there are usually not very many tourists, more of a chill atmosphere and just fun to see a different side of Italy compared to the hustle and bustle of Rome and Florence.

Florence

Where We Stayed  

Air Bnb – House with Terrace Ponte Vecchio– Allen found the most perfect Air Bnb ever for Florence! We stayed here 4 nights and it was so nice! It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room and a kitchen but the best part by far is the terrace with a little sun room! You are right in the middle of Florence and just steps from the Ponte Vecchio bridge. This was a great location and such a neat place we would love to stay here again. It was also nice to be able to do some laundry while we were there too! 

Where to Eat

• Mangia Pizza– THE BEST PIZZA EVER! We came here twice for lunch because we loved the pesto pizza so much. Please go here if you visit Florence and send me a pic of your pizza haha! It was amazing! 

• Trattoria Zaza– Very cute place for dinner! Everything we had was very good! I loved the fillet with cream sauce! 
• Tijuana Mexican Grill– If you’re like me and are craving your Mexican food because it’s been a week since you’ve had any, this is your spot haha! We came for lunch and it was pretty good! They had a huge menu with a lot of Tex-mex style things to choose from! 
• Il Berretto– This is a fancier place but was very good! We wanted a Florentine style steak and we found a great one here! 
• La Terrazzo Continentale– This is a great rooftop bar in Florence that is fun and has great views! Definitely check it out one night either before or after dinner! 

What to Do

Again we booked ALL of our tours in each city through the company called Viator.

• Academia – Museum where the real statue of David is located 

• Uffizi Gallery – houses tons of famous artwork and paintings 
• Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore– The most famous cathedral in Florence  

• Ponte Vecchio Bridge- the oldest bridge in Florence, the only bridge that was not blown up during World War II

• Palazzo Vecchio- the town hall of Florence.

• Boboli Gardens- a beautiful garden in Florence with sculptures and roman artifacts. 
• Pitti Palace 
• Shopping- there are so many markets and areas in Florence that sell Italian leather goods! There’s even a leather making school in Florence! There are tons of designer shops everywhere as well! 

If you are heading there and have any questions at all, feel free to email me!  I am no expert, but I would love to help you out in any way I can! Don’t forget to check out my Rome, Venice, and Positano guides too if you’re going to any of those areas!