Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a compact city where world-changing art sits a few cobblestoned steps from family-run trattorie and river sunsets. Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Brunelleschi still shape the skyline and soul of this place—most famously in the Duomo, the Uffizi, and the Accademia.

First-time visitors fall for Florence’s walkable historic center, the golden Arno, and lively piazzas like Piazza della Signoria. Fun fact: Florence’s “wine windows” (buchette del vino) once dispensed Chianti through tiny stone portals during plagues—some have quietly reopened for novelty sips.

Practical notes: reserve major museums in advance and wear comfortable shoes for uneven stones. Churches request covered shoulders; pickpockets favor crowds near the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Taxis are reliable; for easy sightseeing, consider a guided golf cart ride to minimize walking.

Florence

Florence blends blockbuster museums with intimate workshops: goldsmiths on the Ponte Vecchio, leather artisans in Santa Croce, and perfumers at the centuries-old Officina Profumo–Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Between visits, linger over espresso and almond cantucci, then join locals for aperitivo at sunset.

• Top sights: Duomo and Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia (Michelangelo’s David), Santa Croce, Oltrarno (Santo Spirito), Boboli Gardens.
• Unique experiences: Private golf cart tour, artisan workshops in the Oltrarno, sunset viewpoints at Piazzale Michelangelo, award-winning food and wine walks.
• Classic flavors: Ribollita (Tuscan vegetable soup), bistecca alla fiorentina, peposo (peppery beef), schiacciata, and gelato from historic parlors.

Where to stay (mid-range friendly, walkable):

• Hotel Davanzati (friendly, central, great value): Check availability
• Hotel Della Signoria (steps from Ponte Vecchio; ask for a terrace room): Check availability
• Hotel Santa Croce (quiet lanes near artisans; budget gem): Check availability
• Grand Hotel Minerva (splurge with rooftop pool by Santa Maria Novella): Check availability
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com Florence | VRBO Florence

Getting there: Florence’s Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station is the hub. High-speed trains are typically 1h35–1h50 from Rome (~€25–€45), 2h from Venice (~€30–€60), and 1h55 from Milan (~€25–€55). Search and book: Omio Trains in Europe or Trip.com Trains. For flights within Europe use Omio Flights. From outside Europe, compare with Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Pisa Airport (PSA) is a common gateway; trains to Florence take ~1h.

Day 1: Arrival, Gentle Orientation, and the Golden Arno

Morning: Travel to Florence. If you’re arriving by train, SMN station is a level 10–12 minute walk to most central hotels (taxis line up outside if you prefer). If arriving early, ease into the day with a standing cappuccino at Caffè Gilli (liberty-era interiors) or a modern flat white at Ditta Artigianale on Via dei Neri—both excellent and central.

Afternoon: Check in and freshen up, then let the city unfold without much walking on a Private Golf Cart Tour in Florence (about 2 hours). You’ll glide past the Duomo, Giotto’s bell tower, the Baptistery’s “Gates of Paradise,” Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio while a guide shares history and stories—perfect for first-time orientation and easy on the knees.

Afterward, wander (at your pace) along Via dei Calzaiuoli to Piazza della Signoria to admire the Loggia’s open-air sculptures. Reward yourselves with gelato: try pistachio and crema at Gelateria La Carraia (silky, not too sweet) or a classic fior di latte at Vivoli near Santa Croce.

Evening: Toast your first night with an aperitivo. Two cozy, quality picks: Le Volpi e l’Uva (smart Tuscan wines with crostoni) near Ponte Vecchio, or Procacci on Via Tornabuoni (truffle panini with a glass of Franciacorta). For dinner, choose one of these reliable, reservation-friendly spots:

• Trattoria 13 Gobbi: Famous rigatoni in a clay pot, warm Tuscan ambiance; mid‑range prices.
• Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco: Slow-cooked boar ragù and seasonal soups in the Oltrarno; candlelit but relaxed.
• Ristorante Buca Lapi: Historic cellar (since 1880) for bistecca alla fiorentina—share one and supplement with sides to stay within budget.

Post-dinner, enjoy the Arno at blue hour; the river’s reflections from the Santa Trinita bridge are a serene, low-effort finale.

Day 2: David, the Duomo, and the Uffizi—Then a Sunset Food & Wine Stroll

Morning: Start with “the big three” efficiently on a small-group experience designed for first-timers: Best of Florence: Small Group Tour Skip-the-Line David & Accademia with Duomo. You’ll meet early to see Michelangelo’s David with priority entry, learn how Brunelleschi solved the dome’s engineering puzzle, and cover key squares without wasting time in lines.

Break for a restorative coffee and pastry at Pasticceria Nencioni (almond cantucci are great to take home). For lunch, two easy choices: Trattoria da Garibardi (Tuscan comfort plates, lighter salads available) or Mercato Centrale upstairs (sit where you like; try fresh ravioli at La Pasta Fresca or a vegetable-laden ribollita).

Afternoon: Dive into Botticelli, Leonardo, and Raphael on an efficient, guide-led visit: Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour with Guide (roughly 2 hours). A good guide helps you pace the museum and focus on the masterpieces without fatigue.

After the Uffizi, slip across the river to the Oltrarno. Peek into artisan workshops around Via Romana and relax in Piazza Santo Spirito with a spritz. If you love heritage shops, the Officina Profumo–Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella (13th-century origins) is a scented museum-boutique worth 20–30 minutes.

Evening: Celebrate your final night with the award-winning Winner 2025 Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour by Eating Europe. Expect a progressive meal: wine-window tastings, artisanal salumi and cheeses, a traditional “zero-waste” soup like ribollita, and gelato—guided, seated where possible, and social without being strenuous.

If you prefer a DIY dinner, consider Trattoria Camillo (old-school Tuscan favorites), Ristorante del Fagioli (excellent tagliata), or a light spread of crostini and salads at Dei Frescobaldi. For a gentle finale, taxi up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the panorama, then back down for a last gelato at Gelateria Santa Trinita.

Optional Add-On (if you have extra time or swap an activity)

If cooking is your “unique activity,” choose a hands-on class outside town on a Tuscan estate: Florence Pizza or Pasta Class with Gelato Making at a Tuscan Farm. It’s relaxed, scenic, and ends with a convivial meal.

Accessibility & pacing tips for comfort: Book skip-the-line entries to reduce standing; the Uffizi and Accademia have elevators and seating in select rooms. Use taxis for short hops (especially to/ from Oltrarno or Piazzale Michelangelo). Hydrate and schedule café breaks—Rivoire on Piazza della Signoria offers classic hot chocolate and indoor seating with views.

What it costs (mid-range): Coffee and pastry €4–€8; lunch €12–€25 per person; dinner €25–€45 per person (excluding bistecca to share); museum tours typically €40–€75 per person depending on group size; golf cart/food tours are higher-value experiences but reduce walking and waiting.

Featured bookable highlights you’re using in this itinerary:

• Private Golf Cart Tour in Florence
• Best of Florence: Small Group Tour Skip-the-Line David & Accademia with Duomo
• Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour with Guide
• Winner 2025 Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour by Eating Europe

With two days, you’ll see Renaissance icons without rushing, taste Tuscan traditions, and enjoy easy, low-exertion touring. Florence rewards unhurried moments—leave time to sit in a sunlit piazza and simply watch the city glow.