Begin the day early with cornetto (Italian croissant, often filled with cream or jam) and cappuccino, a classic Italian breakfast.

Climb to the top of the dome of Florence Cathedral (Duomo) for panoramic views over Florence’s terracotta rooftop. The dome also offers an immersive architectural experience. Continue to the interior of Florence Cathedral (Duomo), where the vast scale and frescoed dome convey the grandeur of Renaissance Florence.

Requirements for respectful/modest attire apply at churches and other religious sites. Visitors should avoid disrupting religious observances and remain mindful of posted customs.

Visit the nearby Baptistery of St. John, renowned for its glittering mosaic ceiling and bronze doors.

Optional add-on: Visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo to see original sculptures and artworks from the cathedral complex, offering deeper insight into the craftsmanship and history behind the monuments.

Explore the Uffizi Gallery, home to an extensive collection of Italian Renaissance art, including works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, as well as other master painters.

Pause for gelato and stroll through Piazza della Signoria, the historic political heart of the city, where sculptures in the open-air Loggia dei Lanzi create a museum-like setting.

Walk across Ponte Vecchio and browse the nearby jewelry stores and small artisan workshops that reflect Florence’s goldsmithing heritage.

Head to Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset with its sweeping views over the Arno River and the city’s skyline.

Enjoy dinner featuring local specialties, such as bistecca alla Fiorentina (grilled T-bone steak served rare), ribollita (stew of kale, beans, and bread), or pappardelle al cinghiale (wide noodles with a boar ragu), showcasing the rich, hearty flavors of Tuscan cuisine.

End the day with an evening walk along the Arno River, where the city lights reflect off of the water, creating a serene atmosphere.

Start the day with budini di riso (custard and rice tart) or bombolini (fried filled donut), before heading to Galleria dell'Accademia, renowned for Michelangelo’s David.

Continue to the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels, which together showcase the Medici family’s influence through architecture, sculpture, and lavish tombs designed by Michelangelo. Requirements for respectful/modest attire apply at churches and other religious sites. Visitors should avoid disrupting religious observances and remain mindful of posted customs.

Optional add-on: Browse the San Lorenzo Market, where vendors sell leather goods and other types of souvenirs.

Have lunch at Mercato Central with its lively food hall offering opportunities to sample regional specialties in a bustling, authentic setting.

Visit Palazzo Vecchio, the historic seat of Florence’s government, which houses an extensive collection of Renaissance art and offers insight into the life and influence of the Medici family.

Continue on to Basilica of Santa Croce, known as the burial place of notable figures like Michelangelo and Galileo, and admired for its frescoes and historical significance. Make sure to see the Pazzi Chapel, with its unique geometric design incorporating squares and circles.

Explore the Oltrarno district, Florence’s artisan quarter, known for traditional crafts such as marbled paper, bookbinding, leatherwork, and cornici (traditional gilded frames.

Stop at a wine window, such as the one at Babae, a historic way to enjoy a quick glass of wine served through a small street-facing opening.

Enjoy dinner in the Oltrarno and end the evening with a wine tasting at a local enoteca (wine bar).