Start the trip by taking in the stunning panoramic view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo, a beloved terrace square. Take your time to appreciate the sculpture of David and enjoy the street performers. This is an excellent spot for great pictures and to get your bearings in Florence.
Uffizi Gallery is home to a vast collection of Renaissance art, with works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli, among others. You can spend a few hours exploring the galleries, while soaking up the artistic and cultural heritage of Florence. Don't miss Botticelli's La Primavera and Birth of Venus paintings.
The next stop is the Galleria dell'Accademia, which houses the iconic Michelangelo's David statue. This museum also showcases other sculptures and artwork by famous artists. The audio guide provides an excellent insight into the works and their history.
Embark upon a fascinating journey to the Italian Riviera, where you will spend the next few days. Explore the colorful fishing villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso, and Corniglia. Take the train, hike between villages, and soak up the coastal views. Don't forget to indulge in the local delicacies and wine.
Learn how to cook classic Tuscan dishes from a local chef. Start the day by browsing through one of the city's produce markets to pick up fresh ingredients to be used during the class. The class will last around four hours, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labor as a delicious dinner.
On the final day, take a break from the city and delve into the Tuscan countryside with a visit to a winery. Taste the local wine, take a tour of the vineyards, and learn about the region's vinification process. You can also explore a traditional wine cellar and perhaps take home a few bottles.
Travel between destinations mostly by walking or taking a taxi. Train ticket to Cinque Terre is highly recommended. Private tours for the cooking class and wine tour may include transportation within the package. The cost of one-way taxi trips in Florence usually ranges from €10-€20.
Consider adding more time in Florence to visit some smaller museums such as the Museum of San Marco, check out leather markets and other boutique shops, and have more time to try the local delicacies. Alternatively, you could use the extra time to explore neighboring cities such as Siena, Pisa or Lucca. If you're limited on time, you may choose to skip some of the activities, but make sure to visit at least the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell'Accademia to admire the most famous masterpieces.
Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR) is the closest airport to Florence city center, located just 4 km northwest of the city. You can easily reach the city by taxi (€20) or by public transport for €1.50 (line 62 or the airport shuttle). Alternative airports are Pisa International Airport (PSA) located 80 km westward from Florence, or Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), approximately 100 km north of Florence.