A Taste of Florence

Provisional Itinerary

Arrive in Florence on Friday and check in to your hotel near the train station. Once you’ve settled in, head out for a gentle walk to get your bearings. Stroll to the heart of the city where you’ll find the magnificent Florence Cathedral and the bustling Piazza della Repubblica. Wander across the famous Ponte Vecchio and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the riverside. In the evening, find a traditional trattoria for your first taste of Tuscan cooking and a glass of local wine — the streets around the train station and into the old town offer plenty of great options.

On Saturday, why not join our optional excursion Best of Florence Walking Tour With David & The Duomo or start exploring independently with a visit to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David. It’s a popular spot, so it’s a good idea to book tickets in advance if possible. From there, make your way to Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo, and if you’re feeling energetic, climb to the top of the dome or the bell tower for spectacular views across the city. Stop for lunch at one of the many cafés or the Mercato Centrale food hall, where you’ll find everything from fresh pasta to wood-fired pizza. In the afternoon, you might choose to visit the world-famous Uffizi Gallery to see works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio, or simply enjoy wandering the city’s streets, stopping for gelato or a coffee along the way. As evening approaches, head up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the classic sunset view over Florence’s rooftops and river. It’s a lovely spot to relax with an aperitivo before finding a local restaurant for dinner.

Sunday is perfect for either a trip out into the Tuscan countryside or more time exploring Florence at your own pace. Visit Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, browse the San Lorenzo Market for souvenirs and local produce, or explore the quieter streets of the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan shops and laid-back cafés. Spend your final evening enjoying a leisurely dinner and a final stroll through Florence’s atmospheric squares.

With a midday flight home on Monday, there's time for breakfast and a quick morning stroll before making your way to the airport and saying farewell to this beautiful city.

Optional Tour - Best of Florence Walking Tour With David & The Duomo ( approx 3 hours) £99

On this group Florence walking tour, you'll cover all the top attractions. From the halls of the Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo's David) and the stunning Florence Duomo, to the open-air sculpture gallery at Piazza della Signoria and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, no other Florence walking tour covers this much ground. With skip-the-line tickets to help you get ahead of the crowds and a knowledgeable guide to captivate you with the hidden stories behind each attraction, there's no better way to experience the Tuscan capital in all its glory.

Highlights

• Enjoy special skip-the-line access to Brunelleschi's masterpiece, the Florence Duomo, and stop by the Baptistery for a peek at Ghiberti’s golden "Gates of Paradise."
• Skip the line into the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David with an expert local guide.

Hotel Delle Nazioni

Discover the magic of Florence with a stay at Hotel Delle Nazioni. Centrally located near Santa Maria Novella station, it’s a great base for sightseeing, shopping, and soaking up the city’s Renaissance charm. With modern, comfortable rooms and a hearty breakfast served daily, it’s everything you need for a relaxed and memorable break in Tuscany’s capital.

Each room comes fully equipped with satellite television, a safety deposit box and a hairdryer as standard, and many enjoy the added luxury of a view of the Duomo itself.

Provisional Flight Information

08/05/26 London Heathrow to Florence Dep: 0810 Arr: 1130

11/05/26 Florence to London Heathrow Dep: 1245 Arr: 1410

Included luggage allowance

 1 small handbag/laptop bag (Up to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm/16in x 12in x 6in.) plus 1 cabin bag max 23kg (Up to 56cm x 45cm x 25cm/22in x 18in x 10in.)

Option to add 23kg hold luggage £45

Unfortunately flights from London Heathrow are the only available direct option from the UK. Flights into Pisa are available from other airports and it is approx 1 hour train transfer to Florence, For this trip this is not an option we are offering but if you would like to book the own flight option you are more than welcome to.

Passport validity

For UK passport holders your passport must be:

• Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

The rules of travel to most European countries have changed. Starting in the first half of 2025 UK citizens are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay.

ETIAS travel authorisation is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to a number of European countries. It is linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorisation.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorisation, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport (and other documents if required) and verify that you meet the entry conditions.

NB - There is no official date for the ETIAS currently confirmed but when it is introduced it will be your responsibility to ensure that you have arranged this. We will update everyone when the ETIAS is required with information on how to apply for this online.

Travel Insurance

Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel.

Global Health Insurance Card

A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) are still valid and offer the same cover as GHICs in the EU.

Once your EHIC has expired, you’ll be able to replace it with a GHIC.

NB – A GHIC/EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance!

The latest FCO travel guidance for Italy

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy