Top 3 Itineraries in Florence

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By Erica Firpo

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Introduction

Explore the top 3 best itineraries in Florence. Whether you prefer the freedom of a road trip or the comfort of a weekend getaway, there’s a perfect Florence itinerary for you! Keep reading to learn the best ways to discover Florence.

Crafting a memorable trip to Florence starts with a few easy choices, and we're here to guide the way. To save you time and effort, we have reviewed the largest selection of travel packages in Florence and handpicked the top 3 itineraries for you.

Every visit to Florence feels like a new adventure. From savoring a cup of coffee in a quaint café, navigating lively markets, to exploring popular attractions or relaxing at one of the best places to stay in Florence, you’ll find that each moment brings a new layer to your vacation.

So, if you're ready to uncover the perfect travel plan for your trip, simply scroll down and let the best Florence itinerary find you!

Popular Types of Trips to Florence

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Florence.

If you only have a few days, Florence weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Florence offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Florence are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Florence’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Florence offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Italy's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Florence truly unforgettable!

Find Trips to Florence

If you’re as convinced as we are that Florence belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Florence are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Florence and start planning your next trip!

The Top 3 Best Florence Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Florence itinerary with our handpicked list. Each of these 3 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Florence just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these itineraries will help you experience the best of Florence without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Florence!

3. The Ultimate 4-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Florence and Beyond

Photo of Florence Aerial View of Ponte Vecchio Bridge during Beautiful Sunny Day, Italy.

A scenic 4-day road trip through Milano and Genova is one of the best ways to experience Italy. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 4-day itinerary means that Florence can easily be combined with other top destinations in Italy without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Milano and Genova by public transport, renting a car in Italy opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 4 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Genoa

  • Arrival city: Genova
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Genoa, e.g., Hotel Astoria Genova
  • Sightseeing: Porto Antico
Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Genoa. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Genova

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Galata Museo del Mare, Piazza De Ferrari, Aquarium of Genoa, and Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Genova, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Florence.

Day 3: Discover Milano

Spend the day exploring Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, Piazza Gae Aulenti, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Parco Sempione. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Genoa.

Day 4: Experience Genova

Continue your journey through Genova, where you can explore Via Garibaldi. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Genoa.

Day 4: Bid Farewell to Genoa

  • Departure city: Genova
  • Driving distance: 1.17 km, approx. 15 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Via Garibaldi
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Genoa. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along the route is around 309 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Florence. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 4-day road trip itinerary through Milano and Genova is an excellent choice.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Florence for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

2. The Top Recommended 5-Day Florence City Itinerary

Photo of Woman enjoys beautiful view on famous Duomo cathedral in Florence, standing on empty cathedral square during morning time.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Florence with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Florence without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Florence

Arrive in Florence and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Central Market.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at Ristorante Oliviero 1962, a top local restaurant—the ideal way to kick off your getaway!

Day 2: Discover Nearby Attractions and Iconic Landmarks

Enjoy your first full day in Florence by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and Parco delle Cascine.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Florence. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Florence in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Local Sites

Use this day to discover more of Florence’s top sights. We recommend visiting Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower, Accademia Gallery, Cupola del Brunelleschi, and David of Michelangelo.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Florence in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Florence's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Florence’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Pitti Palace, Strozzi Palace, Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, and Basilica of Santa Maria Novella are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Florence.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Florence. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Italy!

1. The Perfect 5-Day Florence Weekend Itinerary

Photo of Summer street cafe on Piazza della Repubblica in Florence, Toscana province, Italy.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Florence offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Florence itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Florence weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Florence

Arrive in Florence around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.
  • Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
  • Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Central Market, and soak in the surroundings.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
  • Tip: Book an airport transfer to Florence in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Florence by night.

Day 2 - Discover Florence’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Florence with sightseeing, food, and drinks.
  • Morning: Visit Palazzo Vecchio early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Piazza della Signoria, stopping by Uffizi Gallery for a break and some photos.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
  • Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Florence and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Florence

No itinerary in Florence is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.
  • Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
  • Afternoon: Explore Giotto's Bell Tower and Accademia Gallery, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
  • Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
  • Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Florence and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Italy.

Day 5 - Depart from Florence

Make the most of your last few hours in Florence before your departure.
  • Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
  • Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Florence in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Florence.
For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Florence. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Florence itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

What To Discover Next in Florence

As you explore Florence, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Florence for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Florence. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Florence in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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