If you’re booking this as cheaply as possible from Omaha, the best-value route is usually an overnight long-haul with one connection through Chicago O’Hare or another big hub like Atlanta or New York, landing in Naples the next day. Plan on about 13–16 hours door-to-door once you add the layover, and if prices are close, the late-morning or afternoon departure from Omaha Eppley is worth it because it gets you onto the transatlantic leg without an extra hotel night in the U.S. On arrival, take the Alibus or a taxi from Naples International Airport into the center; with luggage, a cab is the least annoying option after a long flight, and it should get you to the waterfront in roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Drop bags, freshen up, and keep the first day loose — Naples rewards people who don’t try to conquer it immediately.
Start gently with Piazza del Plebiscito, which gives you that “I’m really in Naples” moment without demanding much energy. It’s an easy place to orient yourself near the waterfront, and it’s especially nice in the late afternoon when the light softens and the square feels alive but not chaotic. From there, wander a few minutes into Galleria Umberto I for the elegant iron-and-glass architecture; it’s a quick stop, but it’s one of those classic Naples interiors that still feels grand in person. If you want a reset after travel, sit down at Gran Caffè Gambrinus for an espresso and a sfogliatella or small pastry — yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also a genuine old-school Naples ritual, and a coffee break here costs far less than the atmosphere suggests.
For the best first-night walk, head to Castel dell’Ovo in Santa Lucia as the sun starts dropping. It’s one of the easiest places in the city to feel the bay, with views back toward Vesuvius and the waterfront promenade, and you don’t need to over-plan it — just wander, sit by the water, and let the city introduce itself. If you have enough energy after the flight, stay in the Santa Lucia area for dinner at Aromi or another casual seafood trattoria on the waterfront: keep it simple with grilled fish, a pasta with clams, or fried mixed seafood, and expect around €25–40 per person with wine. After a long travel day, the win is not a packed schedule — it’s an easy meal, a sea breeze, and an early night so you’re ready for Naples tomorrow.
From where you’re staying in Naples, make an early start and head into the Decumani on foot or by taxi/metro so you can be at Napoli Sotterranea right when morning tours are running. The underground route is one of the best ways to feel Naples’ layers in your bones: Greek foundations, Roman cisterns, WWII history, and the city’s habit of building one life on top of another. Tours usually take about 1.5 hours and cost roughly €15–€20; book ahead if you can, because the early slots are the easiest to enjoy without a crush of groups. After you come back to street level, wander a few minutes along Via San Gregorio Armeno, the famous lane of nativity workshops. Even outside the Christmas season it’s worth it for the carved figures, tiny humor, and the constant hum of local life.
From San Gregorio Armeno, it’s a short walk to Cappella Sansevero, but this is the one stop on the day where pre-booking really matters. The Veiled Christ alone is worth the ticket, and the whole chapel is a knockout if you like art that feels almost unnervingly precise. Tickets are usually around €10–€12, and timed entry keeps the experience manageable. When you’re done, continue toward Forcella for lunch at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. Keep it simple here: margherita or marinara, a drink, maybe a fried starter if you’re hungry, and expect around €10–€18 per person. It’s casual, fast-moving, and very much about the pizza rather than the setting, so don’t overthink it.
After lunch, walk off the pizza with a quieter cultural stop at the Complesso Monumentale di Santa Chiara. The cloister is the real prize: tiled benches, citrus-colored majolica, and a rare pocket of calm right in the historic center. It usually costs about €7–€8 and takes about an hour if you linger. As the day cools, make your way to Piazza Bellini and settle in at one of the nearby aperitivo bars; this is where Naples shifts from sightseeing into lived-in evening energy, with students, musicians, and locals spilling between tables. A spritz, wine, or beer will run about €8–€14, and it’s the perfect low-key finish. If you’re still hungry later, this is also a good area to wander for a second pizza, a slice of sfogliatella, or just an unhurried walk back through the old streets.
Since you’re already in the historic core, start with a simple walk or a short taxi ride to Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli as soon as it opens; it’s usually the best use of a Naples morning before the city gets loud and warm. Give yourself about 2 hours here, and focus on the floors with the Farnese Collection, the mosaics from Pompeii, and the small, strange secret cabinet of erotic and domestic finds that tells you more about Roman life than any textbook. Tickets are generally around €20, and if you want a calmer visit, aim to be inside in the first hour of opening. From there, continue on foot into Spaccanapoli, the narrow straight line that slices through the old city; it’s not one attraction so much as the city’s living spine, so just let the rhythm carry you past churches, laundry lines, tiny workshops, and little altars tucked into doorways.
Keep walking to Duomo di Napoli, where the mood turns more local and devotional, especially if Mass is on or people are stopping in briefly to pray. It’s a good place to pause for about 45 minutes and notice how Naples blends grandeur and everyday faith without making a big fuss about either. Then make your way to Pignasecca Market for a budget-friendly, very Neapolitan lunch wander: look for fried snacks, fresh produce stalls, and simple counters where you can get a quick sandwich or pizza al taglio without spending much. If you’re hungry for a proper sit-down meal, a trattoria in the Quartieri Spagnoli is the right call—think pasta alla genovese, parmigiana di melanzane, or a plate of ragù with a glass of house wine for about €20–35 per person. A good rule here is: follow the place that’s noisy, crowded with locals, and doesn’t over-polish the menu.
For your last low-cost highlight, head toward Toledo Metro Station and then stroll along Via Toledo as the light softens. The station itself is worth the stop even if you’re not riding anywhere; it’s one of the most striking metro spaces in Europe, with its blue-toned design and public-art feel, and it costs only a standard metro fare if you’re using transit. From there, Via Toledo is perfect for an easy evening walk—shops, scooters, street performers, and that nonstop Neapolitan energy that never really turns off. If you want a smooth finish, linger for a coffee or aperitivo nearby, then head back on foot or by metro depending on where you’re staying.
After breakfast, take the Circumvesuviana from Naples to Sorrento and keep your luggage as compact as possible; this is the classic budget move, but it can be crowded and a little chaotic, especially if you’re boarding with bags. Once you arrive, start at Piazza Tasso, the town’s main gathering point and the easiest place to get your bearings. It’s a good reset after the train: grab a coffee, watch the steady flow of locals, and orient yourself before walking the center’s narrow streets at an unhurried pace.
From there, drift over to Villa Comunale di Sorrento for the first real coastal views of the day. The terrace is small but lovely, with that broad sweep over the bay that makes Sorrento feel like a proper gateway to the peninsula rather than just a transfer stop. It’s a nice place to slow down for 30–45 minutes, especially if the morning felt rushed. If you want a snack, any little bar off Corso Italia will do; this is not the place to overplan, just let the town open up a bit.
Head down to Marina Grande, the old fishing harbor, which still feels more lived-in than the polished center above it. The walk down is part of the charm, and you’ll notice the pace change as you get closer to the water. Have lunch at Ristorante Da Emilia right on the marina; it’s an easy, no-fuss seafood stop where you can expect simple plates, good fish, and a view that’s doing half the work. Plan on about €25–40 per person depending on what you order, and if you want the calmer experience, aim to arrive before the lunch rush so you’re not waiting around.
Back in town, finish with a limoncello tasting at a small local producer or shop in the center. In Sorrento, that’s one of the most authentic little rituals you can do without turning the day into a tour marathon—look for a family-run place rather than a souvenir-heavy storefront, and ask to taste a few versions so you can compare sweetness and strength. It’s a relaxed way to end the day, and a good excuse to wander the lanes around Via San Cesareo afterward for a light dinner, a gelato, or just a slow evening stroll before tomorrow’s coast-town exploring.
Leave Sorrento early and aim for the first practical ferry/hydrofoil to Positano if it’s running; on the Amalfi Coast, that’s the least stressful way to move in daylight and the best chance of actually enjoying the scenery instead of staring at a bumper of buses. If you end up on the SITA bus, go even earlier, because luggage and late departures can turn a short hop into a long wait. Once you arrive, head straight down toward Spiaggia Grande before the day-trippers fully spill in — this is the classic Positano postcard, with the stacked pastel houses rising behind the bay, and it’s worth lingering for a coffee or just sitting on the edge of the sand watching boats come and go.
From the beach, walk uphill a few minutes to Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta. It’s a quick stop, but the tiled dome is one of those details that makes Positano feel like a real place rather than a photo stop, and inside you’ll get a sense of the town’s quieter devotional side. Then keep climbing or take a local shuttle/taxi higher up toward the Sentiero degli Dei viewpoint access point (Agerola side not full hike). You do not need to tackle the full hike to get the payoff; even a shorter scenic section or a designated overlook gives you those huge limestone-and-sea views that define this coast. Budget about 1–2 hours including pauses for photos, and wear shoes with grip — the paths are beautiful but not forgiving.
Head back down to Chez Black on Spiaggia Grande for an easy seaside lunch. It’s popular for a reason: relaxed, no-fuss, and exactly the kind of place where a plate of seafood pasta or pizza feels right after a morning of stairs and views. Expect roughly €25–45 per person depending on what you order, and don’t be surprised if service moves at Amalfi-Coast pace; that’s part of the experience. If you can snag a table with a water view, take it, but even a simple lunch here works well because you’ll want to keep some energy in reserve for the rest of the day.
After lunch, wander slowly upward through the lanes rather than trying to “cover” Positano. The town rewards drifting: little ceramic shops, linen boutiques, lemon stands, and shaded side alleys that suddenly open onto sea views. If you need a breather, duck into a café terrace in the upper part of town for a second espresso or a cold drink, then end with aperitivo at a terrace bar in upper Positano as the light starts to soften. This is the moment Positano really earns its reputation — the stacked houses glow, the beach quiets down, and you get that long, golden look back over the bay. Go for a spritz, local white wine, or a lemon-based cocktail, and give yourself a full hour to just sit and watch the town turn evening.
Leave Positano right after breakfast and take the first sensible ferry back to Naples Beverello if it’s running; it’s the least stressful way to do this leg, and the sea approach gives you one last big coastal view before the city takes over again. Plan on arriving with enough cushion to drop bags first if you’re staying near Naples Centrale later, because you’ll enjoy the rest of the day more without luggage tugging at you. From the port, a short walk or quick taxi brings you into Municipio, where Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino) makes a strong final Naples stop—go inside if the timing works, or at least circle the courtyard and moat area, which usually takes about an hour and costs only a few euros. It’s a very Naples kind of monument: heavy history, a little rough around the edges, and sitting right in the middle of the city’s daily life.
From the castle, walk toward Molo Beverello and the harbor promenade for a breezy reset; this is where you feel Naples as a working port, with ferries, commuters, and all the noise and movement that make the city feel alive rather than polished. Afterward, head back into the Centro Storico for a proper lunch at Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo on Via dei Tribunali—yes, it’s famous, but it earns the reputation, and a margherita with a drink is still one of the best-value meals in town at roughly €10–18 per person. If the line looks long, it usually moves faster than it seems, and the surrounding streets are perfect for a slow post-lunch wander. Keep it loose and let yourself drift toward Piazza del Gesù Nuovo, where you can grab a coffee or gelato nearby and sit for half an hour without needing a plan.
Use the late afternoon for one final unhurried pause around Piazza del Gesù Nuovo and the surrounding lanes—this is a good time to step into a quiet bar for an espresso, maybe a sfogliatella if you somehow still have room, and just watch Naples do its thing. If you’re heading out on an evening train tomorrow or want the simplest possible morning, sleep near Napoli Centrale tonight; a budget hotel in the station area or along Corso Meridionale keeps tomorrow’s Tuscany transfer painless and usually costs less than more scenic neighborhoods. A practical dinner can be something simple near the station or back in the center if you still have energy, but don’t overdo it—this is the night to pack, keep plans minimal, and make the next day easy.
Take an early Frecciarossa or Italo from Napoli Centrale so you’re on the road before the day gets moving in earnest; with the connection through Florence or Rome, you’re usually looking at about 4.5–6 hours total, and that’s the sweet spot for arriving in Siena mid- to late afternoon with enough daylight to enjoy the center. If you’re traveling light, this is one of the easier big-city-to-small-city rail days in Italy; if you have luggage, keep it compact because the changeover platforms and station stairs can be a little annoying. Once you arrive, taxi or walk up into the historic center and let Piazza del Campo be your first stop — it’s the heart of Siena and the first place where the whole city’s shape and mood make sense. Give yourself about 45 minutes to simply stand there, circle the shell-shaped square, and watch how locals use it as an everyday living room rather than a postcard.
If your legs are still fresh, climb Torre del Mangia before you settle into coffee; the views are worth it, especially in the softer late-afternoon light when the rooftops glow and you can actually read the city’s medieval layout from above. It’s a moderately strenuous climb, so don’t rush it, and expect roughly 45 minutes including the line and the view time. After that, take a proper pause at Caffè Fiorella or another café right by Piazza del Campo — order an espresso, a pastry, and something simple like a ricciarello if you want a very Siena snack without overthinking it; budget around €6–12. This is a good moment to slow the trip down a notch and just sit with the square, because Siena works best when you let it happen to you instead of trying to tick it off.
Head into Palazzo Pubblico while you still have energy; it’s one of the best civic buildings in Italy for understanding how a city can build identity through art and government, and you’ll want about an hour to move through it without hurrying. Then keep dinner easy and traditional in the historic center — a trattoria near the old streets off Piazza del Campo is ideal, where you can order pici with ragù, cinghiale if it’s on the menu, and a glass of local Chianti or Vino Nobile. Plan on about €25–40 per person for a solid dinner, and don’t aim for anything too fancy tonight; after a transit day, Siena is best experienced through a long table, a quiet room, and a slow meal that feels very local.
Because you’re already in Siena, this is a perfect walk-heavy day: start in the Cathedral district and let the city wake up around you rather than trying to rush. Head first to Duomo di Siena right when it opens if you can, ideally before the tour groups hit. Budget about €8–€15 depending on what ticket combination you choose, and give yourself around 1.5 hours to really absorb it: the striped marble, the inlaid floor when it’s uncovered, the stained glass, and the sense that Siena built its identity around this place. From here it’s an easy, scenic stroll to Opera della Metropolitana / Museo dell’Opera, where the big payoff is both the art inside and the chance to climb up toward the Facciatone for one of the best views in town. Plan on roughly an hour; it’s one of those stops that feels even better if you don’t overthink it and just wander through slowly.
Keep the middle of the day light and local. Drop into Santa Maria della Scala next, which gives you a completely different feel from the cathedral complex: quieter, more atmospheric, and great for understanding Siena beyond its postcard beauty. Expect about 1 to 1.5 hours here; if you’re traveling on a budget, this is also a good moment to take your time and not buy into every optional add-on. Afterward, stop at Panificio Il Magnifico or a similar bakery near the center for something simple and cheap — a piece of focaccia, a pastry, maybe a savory bite and coffee for around €5–€10 total. Siena is expensive if you sit down for every meal, so this kind of stop is the local trick: eat well, keep moving, and save your dinner budget for later.
In the afternoon, walk north toward Basilica di San Domenico, which feels a little more grounded and local than the big cathedral circuit. It’s a strong contrast: less crowded, deeply important to Sienese religious life, and worth about 45 minutes without hurrying. After that, give yourself a break to wander the lanes around the historic center — Siena is at its best when you’re not chasing anything, just drifting between little slopes, views, and quiet corners. For the evening, settle into an enoteca or wine bar in the historic center and order a glass of Chianti or Brunello di Montalcino with a simple plate of pecorino, crostini, or cured meats; expect about €15–€25 per person depending on how ambitious you get. It’s the right kind of finish for Siena: unhurried, a little refined, and very much about the city’s rhythm rather than a formal “night out.”
Leave Siena after breakfast and head into Val d’Orcia with no rush; this is one of those days where the drive or bus ride is part of the experience. If you’re on public transport, expect a bit of timetable juggling and aim to arrive in Pienza by late morning. If you’ve got a car, even better — you can pause for roadside views and pull over at the classic hilltop bends without feeling like you’re “doing” scenery instead of enjoying it. Once in town, start in Piazza Pio II, the compact Renaissance heart of Pienza, and give yourself a slow 30–45 minutes to just walk the square, admire the pale stone facades, and peek into the Duomo di Pienza area if it’s open.
From the center, wander out toward the Corsignano viewpoints and the little edges of town where the famous Val d’Orcia panorama opens up. This is the kind of place where you don’t need a checklist; just follow the lanes and stop when the hills look absurdly perfect. After that, make lunch at La Buca di Enea, a good choice for simple Tuscan food without feeling tourist-trap-y. Order something built around pecorino, since Pienza is basically the capital of the stuff — think pecorino pasta, a cheese and salumi board, or a hearty pici dish. Expect around €20–35 per person, and it’s worth taking your time rather than treating it as a quick refuel.
After lunch, head to Caseificio Cugusi Silvana near Pienza for a proper cheese stop. This is the authentic part of the day: tasting, chatting, and picking up a wedge of aged pecorino or a smaller souvenir to bring back to Florence later. It’s a great place to learn how the local cheeses differ by age and rind, and it usually feels more genuine than the glossy shops in the center. If you have time, linger a bit and then return to town for the last activity of the day: a sunset walk along the lanes and walls. The light around golden hour is what makes Pienza unforgettable — the streets glow, the valley turns soft and cinematic, and even a half-hour of wandering feels special. Keep dinner flexible tonight so you can simply sit with a glass of wine somewhere quiet and let the town do the rest.
Leave Pienza after breakfast and give yourself a relaxed 20–30 minute ride into Montepulciano; if you’re taking a taxi, ask to be dropped near the edge of the old center so you don’t waste energy on the steeper bits with bags. This is a town best entered on foot, slowly, with a coffee in hand and no rush. Start with an uphill wander through the medieval lanes of Montepulciano old town arrival and let the stone walls, tiny wine shops, and sweeping views do the work. If you’re here in the morning, the light is especially good on the upper streets and the town feels quieter before day-trippers fill in.
From there, follow the natural pull to Piazza Grande, the heart of the historic core and the easiest place to orient yourself. It’s worth lingering here for the facades, the atmosphere, and the sense that this is a real hill town rather than a stage set. Nearby, step down into Cantina Contucci for a classic Vino Nobile di Montepulciano tasting in those old underground spaces; plan on about €15–€25 if you’re tasting a few pours, and reserve if you can, especially on weekends. The cellar is one of those places that quietly reminds you why this corner of Tuscany is so beloved.
For lunch, settle into Ristorante La Grotta, which is a good fit for a long Tuscan midday meal without feeling overly polished. Expect roughly €25–€45 per person depending on wine and courses, and go for something local like pici pasta, wild boar ragù, pecorino, or a simple ribollita if it’s on the menu. Afterward, continue the tasting mood at Azienda Agricola Ercolani, which has a more family-run, local feel and works nicely if you want one more look at the region’s wine culture without turning the day into a formal tour. If you’ve had enough structured tasting, you can also just use this stop as a slow walk-and-sip pause before the evening.
End with a relaxed glass at a wine bar or enoteca on Via di Gracciano nel Corso, which is one of the best streets in town for an unhurried stroll once the heat drops and the day-trippers thin out. Pick a place with outdoor seating, order a final Vino Nobile or a glass of Rosso di Montepulciano, and just watch the town settle into evening. It’s the kind of night where the best plan is no plan: maybe a short walk back through the side streets, maybe one last look over the valley from a quiet overlook, and then an early night so you’re fresh for tomorrow.
After breakfast in the Montepulciano/Siena area, head toward Florence and plan on a midafternoon arrival if you’re using public transit. If you’ve rented a car, the smartest move is to drop it before the center and use a garage on the edge of downtown; Florence’s historic core is a headache for driving, and ZTL cameras are not forgiving. If you’re coming by bus and train, aim to land at Firenze S.M.N. with enough daylight to settle in, then walk or take a quick taxi into the center. Once you’re there, start exactly where Florence feels most alive: Piazza della Signoria, with Palazzo Vecchio looming over the square and the open-air sculpture scene doing a lot of the work for free. Give yourself a slow wander here first, then go inside Palazzo Vecchio for its grand rooms, Medici power politics, and tower views if time and energy allow; tickets are usually around the mid-teens, and it’s one of the best value museum stops in the city.
From Piazza della Signoria, it’s an easy walk across the center toward the Santa Croce side of town, which feels a little less polished and a bit more lived-in. On the way, stop for a quick gelato at Gelateria dei Neri—this is a good, no-fuss choice that locals and visitors both actually use, with a cone or cup usually landing around €4–8 depending on size and toppings. Then continue to Basilica di Santa Croce, one of Florence’s most important churches and a very good contrast to the civic grandeur you just saw; it’s the resting place of figures like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli, and the interior has that quiet, breathable seriousness that makes Florence’s art history feel real instead of abstract. Budget about an hour here, a little more if you like reading the tombs and chapels at an unhurried pace.
For dinner, settle into Trattoria Osteria Da Que’ Ganzi or a similar Santa Croce neighborhood trattoria and order something properly Tuscan rather than chasing a “best of Florence” list. This is the night for ribollita, pappardelle al cinghiale, bistecca if you’re hungry enough, or a simple pappa al pomodoro plus house wine; expect roughly €25–40 per person if you keep it sensible. The area around Via Ghibellina and Piazza Santa Croce has plenty of low-key spots, so don’t overplan the evening—this day works best if you let Florence slow you down a bit, then wander back through the center after dinner while the stone squares warm up and the crowds thin out.
Start early at the Galleria dell’Accademia in San Marco so you can see Michelangelo’s David before the biggest tour waves arrive; if you’re there near opening, the room feels almost calm, which is rare in Florence. Tickets are usually around €16–€20 depending on booking fees, and timed entry is worth it because lines can get messy by midmorning. From most central Florence stays, it’s an easy walk or a short bus ride; if you’re coming from farther out, just aim to be at the door 10–15 minutes before your slot so you’re not rushed.
Head down to Mercato Centrale in San Lorenzo for lunch, where you can eat well without blowing the budget. This is one of the best places in the city for a casual, no-fuss meal: grab a lampredotto sandwich, fresh pasta, or a simple pizza slice, then sit upstairs if you want a break from the crowd below. Budget about €10–€20 depending on what you choose, and don’t overthink it — this is the kind of place where grazing and people-watching is half the point. Afterward, walk a few minutes to Basilica di San Lorenzo, one of Florence’s most important Medici churches; entry is usually around €9–€10, and it’s especially good if you like a quieter, more grounded look at Renaissance Florence away from the blockbuster art queues.
Continue straight into the Cappelle Medicee, which pair really well with Basilica di San Lorenzo because the whole area tells the Medici story in a compact way. Give yourself about an hour here: the funerary grandeur, the marble, and the sense of family ambition are all part of what makes Florence feel so layered. By late afternoon, switch gears and slow down at Rivoire on Piazza della Signoria for coffee, hot chocolate, or an aperitivo — yes, it’s pricier than a corner bar, but the setting is worth it if you order one round and linger. Expect roughly €8–€15 per person; if you want the classic Florence move, stand at the bar for coffee, or sit outside if you’re happy paying a little more for the view of the square.
Finish with an unhurried walk across Ponte Vecchio into the Oltrarno, ideally just as the light turns warm over the river. This is the best part of the day for Florence: less checklist, more atmosphere. Wander a little past the bridge into the backstreets around Borgo San Jacopo or toward Santo Spirito if you still have energy, and you’ll get a more lived-in feel than the museum core — workshops, small wine bars, and a softer evening pace. If you’re planning ahead for tomorrow’s departure back toward Omaha, keep the night mellow and easy; Florence is a good city to end in because you can be close to Santa Maria Novella for an airport transfer, an early train, or a straightforward taxi when it’s time to leave.
For cheapest return home from Florence, start with an early departure from wherever you’re staying and head straight to Galleria degli Uffizi as close to opening as you can get. This is the one day where the museum splurge makes sense: book ahead, expect roughly €20–€30 depending on the ticketing fee, and give yourself a solid 2–3 hours so you’re not rushing past the big names. If you can snag a first slot, you’ll get a quieter run through the Botticelli rooms, the Leonardo galleries, and the long views over the Arno before the tour groups thicken up around midmorning.
From the Uffizi, drift out toward the Corridoio Vasariano exterior route and the Ponte Vecchio area, which is really the right ending note after all that painting: a little architecture, a little river light, and the sense of being in the oldest part of the city’s daily rhythm. It’s an easy 30–45 minute wander, mostly on foot, and it costs nothing if you’re just taking in the exterior. Then continue into Sant’Ambrogio, where Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio gives you one last local-market feel that’s far better than any souvenir street. Go for cheese counters, bread, seasonal fruit, or a little espresso at the standing bar; the market is busiest in the morning and starts thinning out after lunch, so this is your window. Right nearby, grab a cheap, proper schiacciata or peppery panino from one of the neighborhood sandwich spots around the market for about €8–€15; this is the kind of lunch that actually works before a travel day.
If you still have energy, choose between Basilica di Santa Croce and a final Lungarno stroll. If you want one last hit of art and history, go into Santa Croce; it’s usually around €8–€10, and it’s a calm, meaningful stop that feels appropriately final without being exhausting. If you’d rather keep things light, just walk the river instead and let the day soften out on the embankments. Either way, don’t overdo it—today is about leaving Florence well, not squeezing in one more marathon.
For the trip back to Omaha, plan to leave Florence with a big time cushion. If flying from Florence Airport (FLR), build in extra buffer because connections can be tight; if a cheaper itinerary works better through a larger hub like Chicago O’Hare, you may first take a taxi or tram to the airport, then connect onward. A total door-to-door travel time of about 13–17 hours is normal once you add the transatlantic flight and layovers, so I’d aim for an early afternoon or evening departure rather than pushing your luck with a late, stress-heavy connection.