Florence and Tuscany Coast

Arrive in Florence, check in to your hotel, and spend your first day getting on Tuscan time. We recommend classic bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine steak) with a glass of Chianti for dinner; dine at your hotel or a local restaurant and soak up the sights of the city’s famous skyline. 

This romantic Renaissance city in the heart of the Tuscan countryside is home to some of Italy’s most famous sights. It’s a surprisingly small city, with a concentrated dose of culture, cuisine and chic shopping. Your days in Florence can be spent touring the world-famous Uffizi Galleries, or scaling the steps of the city’s iconic Duomo, all of which can be done on our Walking Tour of Florence. Florence is a wonderful place to experience the Italian art of aperitivo; early-evening wine and socialising with a light bite to eat. 

On day four, it’s time to check out of your hotel and leave the city for the beautiful Tuscany Coast – the transfer takes about an hour and a half. Now’s the time to relax; get to the coast in enough time to see in the sunset with a glass of wine. 

The Tuscany Coast is home to some of the best beaches in Italy – nearly 250 miles of them. Many of them are Blue Flag-awarded, with huge stretches of fine golden sand backed by glamorous waterfront promenades, with unspoilt countryside in the distance. If you’re keen to see as many as possible, hire a car to explore the coast. We recommend beautiful Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio’s six miles of sand. 

As well as enjoying the beaches, reserve a couple of days for excursions. Plan in a day trip to the beautiful city of Pisa (less than an hour from the coast), famous for its Leaning Tower. If you fancy yourself a foodie or wine buff, you’re at the gateway to one of Italy’s finest food and wine regions, so you can always bolt on a vineyard tour in Chianti. Tuscany Coast is not the only coastline vying for the most beautiful spot in Italy, however; Just north of the Tuscan Coast is Liguria, full of quaint towns including Portofino which is renowned for its celebrity visits and postcard-perfect views. 

Wave goodbye to Tuscany and squeeze in a last few hours at the beach; it’s time to check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.