Florence and the wider region of Tuscany are seductive places to while away a few days. Filled with sun, culture and more beauty than you can shake a slice of pizza at, you'll find no end of wonderful things to fill your itinerary. (Oh, and of course you should book a stay in one of our remarkable homes for the duration of your trip. But that's a given, isn't it?). Here at Plum Guide, we've gone above and beyond to provide you with the ultimate 3 day itinerary (you're welcome), so sit back and enjoy discovering how to spend your trip to ensure that it is one to remember.
Day 1: Explore the sights of Florence - Visit the Duomo, stop by Ponte Vecchio, and enjoy traditional Tuscan food
Day 2: Spend the day in San Gimignano - Embark on a day trip, explore the Duomo di San Gimignano, and try a French-Moroccan meal
Day 3: End your sunny trip in style - Hit the vineyards for some wine tasting, and treat yourself to a fancy dinner
Day 1: Explore the sights of Florence
Morning: Visit the Duomo
A view of the Duomo from nearby, standing tall over the city of Florence on a sunny day, Italy
After you’ve awoken in your museum-esque Florentine apartment, shaken off your sleepiness with a coffee on your private terrace, and eaten a delicious pastry standing up in a bar, it’s time to start your Florence and Tuscany 3 day itinerary the right way - by going to the Duomo. Santa Maria del Fioreo is Florence’s most prominent landmark. One of the largest churches in the world, it’s well worth your valuable time. Once you’ve climbed the cupola, you deserve a reward for all that hard work. Caffè Rivoire, close by on the other side of the main square, is an institution whose cake and hot chocolate are some of the best in the city. Treat yourself - you’re on holiday after all. Refreshed, stroll to Piazza della Republica, one of the city’s largest and most central squares. Full of history, it’s one of the meeting places of Florence and is great for people watching. Browse the stalls and let your kids wonder at the street performers (we won’t tell anyone if you gawp at them too).
Rush Grande, Plum Guide home in Florence, Italy
Afternoon: Enjoy a lazy stroll to Ponte Vecchio
Tired? Well, if you want a lazy afternoon, our homes are the perfect place to take a nap. Still raring to go? Walk towards the river and Ponte Vecchio. A Medieval bridge that will take your breath away, it’s been home to Florence's jewellery shops since 1593. Your partner probably owes you a gift, right? It can’t hurt to have a look.
Evening: Dive into a classic Tuscan meal
Before dinner, go back to your flat to change. Then it’s off for a Negroni (they were invented in Florence) at Procacci, a classic bar serving since 1885. For dinner, Ristorante Il Guscio is the perfect spot for Tuscan classics with a gourmet edge and a fantastic wine list. Definitely save room for dessert (you are on holiday). Stumble home with some of the best tiled floors we’ve ever seen and get some rest before tomorrow - we know you need your shut-eye.
Il Sognare, Plum Guide home in Tuscany, Italy
Day 2: Spend the day in San Gimignano
Morning: Head out for a day trip
Today, it’s time for a day trip. Rouse your late-sleeping children with the promise of gelato (probably one of the only things they’ll reliably get out of bed for) and admire the view from your flat over the Piazza della Signoria. It’s the second of your Florence and Tuscany 3 day itinerary and we’re sure you’re raring to go. 25 miles away, and midway between Florence and Sienna, is the beautiful town of San Gimignano. It’s famous for its towers dominating the skyline, which were built by feuding families who used them as military bases in Medieval times. It’s an exceptionally well-preserved place to while away a day. Once you’ve got your bearings, lunch at Osteria del Carcere is your next stop. Into slow travel? You'll be pleased to hear this is a slow food restaurant, it serves meat from one of Italy’s most renowned butchers, Dario Cecchini.
From Firenze, Plum Guide home in Florence, Italy
Afternoon: Explore the Duomo di San Gimignano
We know you saw a church yesterday, but who are you kidding - we all know you’re dying to see more (even if your family are bored stiff). Live out your Italian church nerd fantasy with the Duomo di San Gimignano. Built in the 12th century, it has classic frescos and an impressive basilica to admire. When you’ve emerged blinking back into the sunlight, go and get that gelato you promised would materialise this morning from award-winning gelato parlour Gelateria Dondoli. We recommend the stracciatella.
Evening: Try a French-Moroccan meal
Close up view of a tatares meat steak with an egg yolk on top in a bowl at a restaurant
We all know the food in Rome (Italy's capital) takes some beating, but Florence comes in as a strong contender. If you (somehow) feel like a break from all the pasta, pizza and pistachio gelato, opt for a French-Moroccan supper at Culinaria Bistro instead. From tagines to tartares, you’re sure to find something that entices you.
Day 3: End your sunny trip in style
Morning and afternoon: Hit the vineyards for some wine tasting
A large green vineyard at sunset in Tuscany, Italy
It’s the last day of your Florence and Tuscany 3 day itinerary. To make sure you don’t get last-day-of-holiday-blues, today is wine tasting day. No-one can possibly be sad when they’re drinking glass after glass of delicious Italian wine. A wine tasting tour with plenty of time to wander around the vineyards, have a leisurely lunch under the vines. Fully exploring your fantasy of moving to Tuscany and opening a winery will take up most of the day, so relax and enjoy.
Oasi Verde, Plum Guide home in Tuscany, Italy
Evening: Treat yourself to dinner at Trata Cammillo
If you’re staying in one of our homes in the Tuscan hills, complete with outdoor pool, spiral staircase and sun-drenched terrace, we wouldn’t blame you if you had some of that quality family time you’re always talking about. If not, then dinner at Trata Cammillo is on the cards - you deserve a treat on your last night. Located in the bohemian Oltrarno district on the other side of the Arno river, it’s an old-school Italian restaurant with excellent service and the kind of pasta that you’ll be dreaming about when you get back home.
