Andiamo! Citalia Magazine Autumn 2023

Florence
On your fourth morning, board a train that will take you to the
Tuscan capital city, just a two hour and 15-minute journey away.
Florence is teeming with artistic delights and the occasional
bohemian neighbourhood. Once you’ve checked into your
hotel, head straight to the main square, Piazza della Signoria,
where you can begin to unwrap the jewels of this Renaissance
city. Observe impressive statues, such as the Neptune
Fountain, designed by the Florentine artist Ammannati.
You can then venture to the city’s town hall at Palazzo Vecchio
and spend a couple of hours browsing the Uffizi Gallery, home
to the world’s most important Renaissance art collection.
Your evening can be spent tucking into delicious regional fayre
and wine.
After a good night’s sleep and a leisurely breakfast,
head to the Oltrarno District, home to the Piazzale
Michelangelo, which is a great spot for capturing
Florence in all its glory.
Right next door lies a spellbinding Iris Garden, which boasts
over two hundred varieties of the fragrant perennial. If that
puts you in the mood for more nature, wander over to the
distinctly Italian Boboli Gardens. Nearby, you’ll find Santo
Spirito, which boasts artisan workshops and is an ideal spot to
purchase handmade sandals and jewellery.
Cross the river back to Florence to observe the city’s
impressive cathedral, which boasts 44 stained glass windows
and many important sculptures and paintings. If you have your
good walking shoes on and fancy some exercise then you
can take the 463 steps up to the duomo’s magnificent dome,
where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over the city.
After a spot of lunch, head to Accademia Gallery to witness
Renaissance paintings and sculptures by famous Italian artists
like Botticelli and Giambologna, as well as Michelangelo’s
original David in the impressive Hall of Prisoners.
Nearby lies the neighbourhood of San Lorenzo, home to hipster
haunts such as the whimsical café-cum-florist, La Ménagère, as
well as cool gelaterie, a 19th century food market with a simple
but delicious food court, and biodynamic restaurants where
you can enjoy an authentic evening meal.
On your last day in Florence, you might like to explore the
Tuscan countryside by booking a wine tour in Chianti, which
is a mere hour and a half away from the capital. As you travel
through the scenic countryside, you can escape into the rolling
hills of vineyards before winding up in a wine cellar where you
can inhale and sip Chianti Classico, Riserva, and Tuscan IGT. On
your way back to Florence, you’ll get a chance to stop off at the
pretty town of Greve to purchase local cured meats and wine
and enjoy one more wine-tasting.
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