48 Hours in Florence

by Steve Gempeler

Simply reciting the name of this city conjures images of beauty. The magnificent architecture throughout Florence can easily deceive even the most alert travelers into believing they are walking the streets during the Italian renaissance. With only a population of roughly 400,000 Florence radiates a small-town atmosphere, while still being able to offer big-city attractions

Hours 0:00-24:00

Morning

We recommend starting of your first morning in Florence with a walking tour through the city. When you travel with Contiki, you will be able to do this walking tour with a local guide, who knows the in’s and outs of the city. The walking tour is a great way to get acquainted with all of Florence’s top attractions: the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, The Baptistry and Piazza della Signoria to name a few. After the walking tour grab make your way back to your favorite. It’s a good idea to visit your “top attraction” on the first day just in case any unforeseen circumstances (closings, local holidays, maintenance) take place. For many Florence sightseers this would be a trip to the Accademia dell’ Arte del Disegno. Admission costs €6.50, a small price to pay to see the world’s most famous sculpture, Michelangelo’s David. First showcased in 1504, a common public misconception even to this day is that the statue isn’t actually life-sized; rather David stands an astounding 17 feet tall.

Afternoon

Save precious sightseeing minutes by having lunch on one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Grab a quick Italian slice or casually sip espressos overlooking the Arno River on the only bridge in Florence that survived the destruction of WWII.

Afterwards, browse (or sprint) through the dozens of jewelry shops on the bridge before entering Palazzo della Signoria, the world renowned open-air museum. Easily the most memorable art piece would have to be Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus. This legendary statue of Persueus holding the severed head of Medusa [look into her eyes, trust me] is utterly macabre, yet you won’t be able to look away. Don’t forget the Uffizi Museum (Tuesday-Sunday 8:15 to 18:50) is right next door.

Evening

For a truly special evening head to “La Certosa,” a charming 16th Century building set in the scenic Tuscan hills. It’s the venue for a truly traditional Tuscan evening that begins with a cocktail and an excellent antipasti buffet. Next is delicious freshly made pasta and a wonderfully aromatic main course – all washed down with some local Chianti wine. Entertainment is also on the night’s menu with a pianist to set the mood and opera singers to serenade you. As a Contiki optional activity you can add the dinner on to your trip for 38.00 Euros.

Nightlife

After the wine filled dinner, head to Florence’s largest night-spot where you can dance the night away. When you show up with Contiki your first drink will be included. After the drink, head upstairs for dancing to Florence’s top DJ’s, karaoke, or drinks in the VIP lounge

Hours 24:00- 48:00

Morning

With so much sightseeing left to accomplish today, although tempting, sleeping in would be ill-advised. Offering traditional breakfasts along with coffees and pastries, Enoteca Boccadama (Piazza Santa Croce, 25-26) will revive your strength for a big day of touring ahead. After a visit across the street to Basilica di Santa Croce, also know as the “Basilica of the Holy Cross,” venture back to Boccadama as this cozy establishment transforms into an upscale wine bar.

Afternoon

The intimate small-town vibe you more than likely experienced yesterday will continue given that the remaining attractions to be visited today are all within walking distance. No need for those pesky subways or expensive taxis!

When there’s only so much time remaining during daylight hours to see the rest of the city, here are three recommended attractions:

Constructed within throwing distance of the Duomo stands Giotto’s Bell Tower (Admission 6€). Climbing the 414 steps to the top of this campanile not only offers the finest panoramic views of the city but also allows close-ups of the meticulously detailed design of the Baptistery and Brunelleschi’s Dome.

Alternatively, you could have another opportunity to cross the Arno River on your journey to Boboli Gardens. Lie down in the lush grass overlooking the Pitti Palace. For the ambitious few, wandering throughout the palace, critiquing various artworks from the renaissance period can be a delight. The majority however (myself included), will find more satisfaction relaxing or taking an afternoon nap in the park.

Evening

Those in search of a genuine local meal, wander off the beaten path to Trattoria dei Quattro Leoni for the ultimate Florentine dining experience. Leoni’s is one of only a few remaining restaurants in the heart of the city to remain untainted by the hoards of tourists in close proximity. Located in a hidden corner of old Florence, the authenticity of this restaurant can easily be verified by sampling their homemade hand-rolled pasta, complimented with a glass of Tuscan red wine.

If you’re fortunate enough to visit Florence during soccer season, take-in a match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, located on the outskirts of the city. Tickets to team ACF Fiorentina are reasonably priced and can be purchased online at www.acffiorentina.it/en. Packed into this 47,000 plus capacity stadium, your perception of Florence having that small-town quality will be confirmed when local soccer fans give you the same attention season ticket holders would receive. Be prepared though, the type of attention received may change depending on the scoreboard.

Nightlife

Dolce Zucchero (Via dei Pandolfini 36-38r) attracts a variety of young locals and visitors by offering nightly live musicians that are surprisingly talented in cranking out both American and Italian cover songs.

If dancing is more your flavor, the Universale (www.universalefirenze.it) nightclub stays open until 3 a.m. The exciting age diversity here is an outcome of the DJ’s selection of music ranging from techno to disco, attracting both the young and the young at heart.

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