FOUR days for first-timers and for those already bewitched by Florence and eager to return. FOUR days packed with art, food, history, and local life - expertly planned, escorted and unforgettable. This is a hub-and-spoke immersion designed to capture the very soul of Florence - without the stress of planning a thing.

This insider-led adventure is carefully arranged for you so you can focus on the magic rather than the logistics. In true HUB & SPOKE fashion, you’ll unpack once, settle into a perfectly located family run hotel, and let me handle all the details. Spend your time with carefully selected experiences showcasing Renaissance masterpieces, E-biking the Tuscan hills, strolling iconic neighborhood, browsing colorful open air markets, cooking and eating great Tuscan food - and you’ll still have time on your own to savor the beauty, stories, and rhythms of this unforgettable city.

Offering rich and memorable moments, this “mini” trip works perfectly as a

• seamless connection before our the Food, Festivals and Wine Tour (*note bonus train tix!)

• stand-alone tour (make it part of a Florentine FUN-damentals week!)

• beginning or continuation to one of your own longer journeys.

DAYS & EXPERIENCES

28 May • Thursday • Day 1: Benvenuti a Firenze!

Welcome to Florence! Upon arrival, you’ll be guided smoothly to our centrally located boutique hotel, just steps from the iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Settle in, unpack, and take a deep breath – you’re officially in Florence, the capitol of Tuscany!

Late afternoon, we’ll gather and head out to begin our Florentine immersion. Accompanied by our friend and local guide Aza, we’ll get Florence-oriented with a stroll through the historic center, discovering hidden piazzas and storied corners. We’ll take a pause at popular rooftop locations for views and the lively Italian aperitivo hour before continuing to our welcome dinner, sharing our first Tuscan meal together before ending the evening with gelato - because there’s no better way to start a Florentine love affair. An early night is encouraged (jet-lag)… as tomorrow is a big day!

Friday • Day 2: The David & Tuscan Flavors

After breakfast, we’ll walk together to the Accademia Gallery for a professionally guided, skip-the-line visit. Stand face-to-face with Michelangelo’s David – he never fails to inspire. We’ll continue to the heart of Florence for a guided exploration of the Duomo complex, stepping inside the amazing cathedral to admire its chapels, mosaics, and Brunelleschi’s revolutionary dome. During this engaging 2.5-hour discovery route, our expert guides will bring to life the powerful Renaissance families, political intrigue, and architectural feats that shaped Florence and the modern world.

By lunchtime, the city is yours. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at your own pace or join me for a visit to the bustling San Lorenzo open-air market. Whether you’re shopping for leather jackets, purses, souvenirs, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, I’ll be on hand to translate, guide, and help negotiate like a local. This evening we’ll step into a Florentine home for a truly special experience: a hands-on Tuscan cooking class with Chef Ceci. Together we’ll prepare fresh pasta, sauces, and dessert, all paired with local wine and plenty of laughter. A full belly and happy heart will carry us back to our hotel.

Saturday • Day 3: Art, Neighborhoods & Local Night Life

This morning we’ll explore why Florence is the true cradle of the Renaissance. With pre-reserved, skip-the-line tickets, we’ll enter the Uffizi Gallery for a highlights tour led by a professional art historian. Marvel at the masterpieces - Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s Holy Family, and Caravaggio’s Medusa – again brought vividly to life through storytelling and context. The tour ends inside the museum, allowing you to time to linger as long as you wish, revisit your favorites, browse the gift shop, or enjoy lunch and panoramic views from the Uffizi café terrace on the top floor.

In the afternoon, join me for another optional walk—this time through the Santa Croce neighborhood, known for artisan shops and authentic Florentine character. As always, I’ll be there to help translate and guide your discoveries.

Saturday evening is free - and that’s intentional. Italians love to dress up and enjoy the city on Saturday nights, and Florence will be buzzing as it prepares for June 2nd, Italy’s Festa della Repubblica (think 4th of July!). Restaurant recommendations and/or reservations are always available. Stroll the piazzas like a local tonight.

Sunday • Day 4: Tuscan Countryside Escape & Olive Grove

After breakfast, we leave the city behind for rolling hills and a breath of fresh air. Our easy, guided e-bike tour will take us into the nearby Tuscan countryside, riding along the Arno River, past noble villas, and Galileo’s former home. We’ll stop at a local olive grove to sample Tuscany’s real gold - freshly pressed extra- virgin olive oil on warm, home-baked bread and learn about traditional harvesting and production methods. Our final stop is the hilltop church of San Miniato al Monte, offering what many consider the most breathtaking, sweeping view over Florence - a perfect moment for pause and reflection.

This evening, we’ll gather one last time for a farewell Florentine dinner, celebrating all we’ve experienced together. By now, beautiful Florence no longer feels like a city you visited or a simple “destination”, but somewhere special that feels familiar, personal and surprisingly hard to leave behind.

1 June • Monday • Day 5: | Arrivederci

Enjoy one final breakfast before checking out at 11:00 am. Assistance will be provided for your onward journey. Arrivederci Firenze e Buon Viaggio - until next time!