Arrive at Florence Airport (or Pisa Airport with transfer) and travel to your hotel in the city centre. After settling in, explore the stunning Piazza del Duomo, dominated by the magnificent Florence Cathedral (Duomo) with Brunelleschi’s revolutionary dome, Giotto’s Campanile bell tower, and the Baptistery with its famous golden Gates of Paradise bronze doors. Wander through the surrounding medieval streets discovering artisan shops, leather goods markets, and charming cafés. Climb Giotto’s Campanile or the Duomo dome for panoramic views (book in advance). Enjoy dinner at a traditional trattoria sampling ribollita soup, bistecca alla fiorentina, and Chianti wine.

Start early at the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery (book skip-the-line tickets in advance) to explore one of the finest art museums, housing masterpieces by Botticelli (Birth of Venus, Primavera), Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, and countless Renaissance treasures. Allow 3-4 hours to appreciate the chronological journey through art history. Walk to the beautiful Piazza della Signoria with its outdoor sculpture gallery and imposing Palazzo Vecchio. Cross the iconic Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops spanning the Arno River. Explore the charming Oltrarno district with artisan workshops and authentic atmosphere.

Visit the Accademia Gallery (book in advance) to stand before Michelangelo’s magnificent David, the iconic 17-foot marble sculpture representing artistic perfection. See other Michelangelo works including unfinished Prisoners emerging from stone. Explore the San Lorenzo area with its Medici Chapels showcasing Michelangelo’s architectural and sculptural genius, and the bustling Mercato Centrale food hall upstairs for lunch. Visit the Medici Riccardi Palace or climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset views over Florence’s terracotta rooftops and Renaissance skyline.

Journey through the stunning Tuscan countryside on a wine tour to the Chianti region, visiting family-owned wineries for tastings of Chianti Classico wines, touring vineyards and historic cellars, and enjoying lunch with panoramic views. Alternatively, visit the UNESCO World Heritage hill towns of San Gimignano with its medieval towers creating a “Medieval Manhattan” skyline, and Siena with its fan-shaped Piazza del Campo and magnificent Gothic cathedral. Both options include opportunities to taste local products, explore medieval streets, and experience authentic Tuscany beyond Florence.

Cross the Arno to visit the magnificent Pitti Palace, the grand Renaissance residence of the Medici and later Italian royalty, housing multiple museums including the Palatine Gallery with works by Raphael and Titian. Stroll through the beautiful Boboli Gardens with their sculptures, fountains, and panoramic views. Explore the bohemian Oltrarno neighborhood further, visiting artisan workshops practicing traditional crafts (leather working, gold beating, marbling). Shop at the Mercato Nuovo, rub the Porcellino bronze boar’s snout for good luck, or visit Santa Croce Basilica where Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are buried. Enjoy a farewell aperitivo and dinner celebrating Florentine cuisine.