Half Day in Florence and Evening in Bologna: A Delightful Italian Escape

Day 1: Florence to Bologna

Florence to Bologna, Italy on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Start your morning with a classic Italian breakfast of fresh pastries and espresso at Caffè Gilli, Florence’s oldest café, open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 0h45m

8:30am

Piazzale Michelangelo

Enjoy panoramic views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo, a perfect spot for photos of the city’s terracotta rooftops and the Duomo. Open 24 hours.
Free, 0h30m

9:15am

Florence Cathedral (Duomo) and Baptistery

Visit the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the adjacent Baptistery, marvel at Brunelleschi’s dome and intricate façade. Open 10:00am-5:00pm, arrive early for shorter queues.
EUR20 per person, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk Through Piazza della Signoria and Loggia dei Lanzi

Explore the historic Piazza della Signoria, admiring the open-air sculpture gallery at Loggia dei Lanzi and the Palazzo Vecchio. Free and always accessible.
Free, 0h30m

11:45am

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine in a lively local setting at Trattoria Mario, known for its Florentine steak and open for lunch until 3:00pm.
EUR50 for two, 1h

1:00pm

Drive from Florence to Bologna

Depart Florence and take the A1 motorway north-east to Bologna, a drive of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Fuel cost approx. EUR15, 1h15m

2:30pm

Check in and relax

Arrive in Bologna, check into your hotel, and take some time to freshen up before exploring.
Varies by accommodation, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Piazza Maggiore and Basilica di San Petronio

Explore Bologna’s central square and the imposing Basilica di San Petronio, one of the largest churches in the world. Basilica is open from 7:45am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 7:00pm.
Free entrance; small fee for certain areas inside, 1h

4:45pm

See the Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda)

Climb Torre degli Asinelli (open 9:00am-7:00pm) for spectacular views over Bologna and learn about the city's medieval history.
EUR5 per person, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria da Gianni

Savour traditional Bolognese dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini in brodo in this cozy, authentic trattoria open from 7:00pm.
EUR60 for two, 1h30m

7:30pm

Evening stroll around Bologna’s porticoes

Enjoy a relaxed evening walk beneath Bologna’s famous porticoes, experiencing the city’s charming ambiance at dusk.
Free, 0h45m
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