Fantastic Florence: A 15-day City Experience Itinerary, Including Cinque Terre

  • Day 1: Florence City Center
    No distance

    Explore the stunning historic city center of Florence. Admire Brunelleschi's Dome, gaze at the works of Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia, and stroll through the Piazza della Signoria. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone-arch bridge with jewelry markets on both sides, and experience the vibrant city life of Florence.

  • Day 2: Florence's Artistic Treasures
    0.9 miles (15 minutes) from the city center

    Visit the Uffizi Gallery, a treasure trove of art that houses masterpieces such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and da Vinci's Annunciation. Then visit the Bargello Palace, which contains a collection of sculptures, including Michelangelo's David and Donatello's David.

  • Day 3: Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace
    1.1 miles (20 minutes) from the city center

    Explore the Boboli Gardens, an extensive park situated behind the Pitti Palace. The gardens boast of impressive architecture, sculptures, fountains and a pond. Next, visit the Pitti Palace, an impressive renaissance-style palace which houses the Palatine Gallery, Silver Museum, and dozens of other galleries.

  • Day 4: Pisa Day Trip
    53 miles (1 hour and 15 minutes) from Florence

    Take a day trip to Pisa, home of Piazza dei Miracoli, which includes the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. Climb to the top of the tower for a view of the city, visit the Duomo and Baptistry, and enjoy the narrow streets and charming piazzas of the city.

  • Day 5: Cinque Terre
    82 miles (2 hours and 30 minutes) from Florence

    Take a day trip to the breathtaking Cinque Terre, a collection of seaside villages along the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. The villages are accessible by hiking trails or train and boast of stunning views from terraced houses overlooking the sea. Indulge in fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants or cafes, and be sure to snap a few picturesque photographs.

  • Day 6: Florence's Churches
    No distance

    Visit the iconic Florence Cathedral, also known as the Duomo, which was designed by Brunelleschi. Next, visit Santa Maria Novella, a gothic church, with incredible frescoes by Giotto, and the Basilica of Santa Croce, which is the resting place of illustrious Italians such as Galileo, Machiavelli, and Michelangelo.

  • Day 7: Florence's Oltrarno neighborhood
    1.5 miles (25 minutes) from the city center

    Finally, visit the Oltrarno neighborhood, across the Arno river, which has a cool, laid-back vibe. Visit the Santo Spirito church, which is one of the finest Renaissance churches, walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view of Florence, and wander the streets filled with artisan workshops and boutiques.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Museums - Accademia/Bargello/Palatine Gallery (6-8 hours, €20-40)
  • Pisa Day Trip (8-10 hours, €70-100)
  • Cinque Terre Day Trip (10-12 hours, €60-90)
  • Oltrarno Neighborhood (4-6 hours, €20-30)
  • Total Estimated Costs (depends on transportation and accommodation choices): €170-250

Transportation

Travel between attractions on foot or public transportation. Consider purchasing a Firenze Card for priority access to museums and other attractions. Day trips to Pisa and Cinque Terre require train travel.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby cities of Siena and Lucca, or visit more of Tuscany’s wine regions. If you have less time, consider skipping Pisa or spreading the itinerary over a longer period.

Airports

Florence Airport (FLR/Peretola) is the closest to the city and is situated 5 km (3 miles) northwest of Florence. The airport offers flights to other Italian cities and major European destinations. Other options for entry include Pisa International Airport (PSA) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO).

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