Italy
Florence
Renaissance mornings, long Tuscan lunches.
Three days in Florence that balance the major art with quieter Oltrarno streets, a sunset run along the Arno, and an olive-grove walk back from Fiesole.
Day 1 — Arrive and wander
Afternoon
Walk the Oltrarno
CultureCross Ponte Vecchio and wander the artisan workshops of San Niccolò and San Frediano. Quieter than the centre, full of leatherworkers and small galleries.
Evening
Aperitivo at Le Volpi e l'Uva
FoodA tiny wine bar near Santo Spirito known for its cicchetti and Tuscan reds. Sit outside, watch the piazza, eat slowly.
Day 2 — Art and the river
Morning
Uffizi at opening
CultureBook the 08:15 slot. You'll have the Botticellis close to yourself for the first hour. Two hours is enough.
Afternoon
Slow lunch in San Lorenzo
FoodMercato Centrale upstairs for pasta and porchetta, then a coffee standing at the bar.
Evening
Sunset run along the Arno
MovementA 5–7 km flat loop on the south bank via Piazzale Michelangelo. The golden hour on Florence is a cliché for a reason.
Day 3 — Fiesole and depart
Morning
Bus to Fiesole, walk back down
MovementA 30-minute ride up, a 90-minute walk back through olive groves. Views over Florence the whole way.
Afternoon
Late lunch and market shopping
FoodTrattoria Marione or similar for a long bistecca lunch. Stop at San Lorenzo market for a leather notebook before the airport.