Arrive at Florence Peretola (FLR). If international flights to FLR are limited, fly into Pisa (PSA) and take the Pisa–Florence regional train (about 1h).
Taxi or Tramvia T2 from FLR to central Florence (Stazione/Novoli/Alamanni Stazione) and check into a centrally located hotel (Duomo/Santa Maria Novella area) to stay all 8 nights for convenience.
Classic Florentine trattoria near Mercato Centrale offering Tuscan home cooking; popular for quick, authentic meals — expect a queue at lunch. Check opening times (typically 12:00–14:30).
First impressions: see Florence Cathedral exterior, Baptistery doors and the open-air sculpture gallery at Piazza della Signoria — great orientation walk and photos. Note: interior visits require timed tickets.
Romantic, well-regarded restaurant in the historic center serving Tuscan specialities; reservations recommended for the evening. Great first-night experience.
Start early with a cappuccino and cornetto; Caffè Gilli offers classic pastries and a central location. Check café opening times (many open by 7:30–8:00).
Reserve a timed-entry ticket to see Botticelli’s 'Birth of Venus' and other Renaissance masterpieces; book weeks ahead in high season. Typical hours: ~8:15am–6:30pm, closed Mondays (confirm current hours).
Mercato Centrale offers many stalls for quick tastes (open roughly 10:00–24:00 for the upper food hall), while an Osteria near the Uffizi offers a sit-down Tuscan meal.
Cross the Arno via the historic Ponte Vecchio; explore Oltrarno’s artisan workshops and the Pitti Palace gardens (Boboli Gardens typically open 8:15–18:30; check exact hours).
Collect a combined Duomo complex ticket to visit the Cathedral, Baptistery, Bell Tower and climb the Dome (requires a timed slot). Hours often ~10:00–5:00; ascending the Dome has narrow stairs and a strict entry window — reserve early.
Have breakfast then take a direct bus from Florence (SITA bus ~1h15–1h40) or train+bus combination to Siena (train to Chiusi/Montepulciano + bus is longer). Bus often departs from Florence bus station (Piazzale Montelungo).
Explore Siena’s famous shell-shaped square and climb Torre del Mangia for views over the hill town (tower opening times vary — usually mid-morning to late afternoon).
Take a fast regional train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to La Spezia (about 2h) and change for the Cinque Terre villages (Monterosso/Vernazza). Trains run frequently but depart early for a full day there.
Visit the beach in Monterosso or the photogenic harbor in Vernazza; both have restaurants and viewpoints. Check local trail (Sentiero Azzurro) status — some sections may be closed for repairs.
If the coastal trail is open, hike between villages (easier between some towns); alternatively take a local ferry (seasonal) for perspective from the sea. Ferry schedules vary by season—check the day before.
Pre-book a timed ticket to climb the Leaning Tower and visit the Cathedral/Baptistery; climb tickets are limited and assigned to a slot (tower open usually 9:00–20:00 in summer — verify hours).
Train from Pisa to Lucca is about 20–30 minutes; Lucca is famous for its intact Renaissance walls — rent a bike to ride the tree-lined promenade on the walls.
Option A: Take the regional train to Poggibonsi/Greve area and connect by local bus or taxi; Option B: Book a guided minivan wine tour (recommended for convenience). Guided tours typically include transport and 2–3 winery visits.
EUR12-40 (public transport) or EUR70-120 (guided tour), 1h30m
Stroll the lovely main squares, cellar doors and artisan shops in these Chianti hill towns and enjoy vineyard views; hours for small shops and cellars vary, so check ahead.
Check out of your hotel and take a taxi or tram to Florence Airport (allow 30–60 minutes depending on luggage). If returning via Pisa, take the regional train (allow 1–1.5 hours to Pisa + transfer time). Aim to arrive at least 2 hours before European flights, 3 hours for longer-haul.
Depart Florence (FLR) or Pisa (PSA) for home. Adjust this departure slot to your booked flight time — always confirm the airline check-in and baggage deadlines.