Cut travel time to Florence in half when traveling by high-speed train and make the most of an unforgettable day trip exploring the cradle of the Renaissance and home to artistic geniuses such as Michelangelo, Dante, da Vinci, Machiavelli, and Galileo.
As you step off the train, meet your local expert guide and embark on a walking tour to unveil the great beauty of Florence and its rich history. Hear stories about Medici ambitions, greed, and power and about those who dared to conspire against them as you stroll the charming streets of Florence.
Pass famous landmarks like the Florence Duomo, Brunelleschi's magnificent Dome, and the Baptistry of St. John, adorned with its famous “Gates of Paradise”. Take in Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence where a replica of Michelangelo's world-renowned statue of David stands.
Heading along towards the River Arno, stroll past the Uffizi Museum and see the famous Vasari Corridor, a 1km-long overpass designed to connect the elaborate Medici residence with the Uffizi. After a photo-op for stunning pictures of the famous Ponte Vecchio, your walking tour of Florence ends.
After your Florence walking tour, choose from the following options:
Florence Free Time:
Enjoy 5.5 hours of free time - have a leisurely lunch and then wander around magnificent Florence on your own before making your way to the station for your return journey to Rome. If available, book a visit to see Michelangelo's most prized sculpture: the David located in the Accademia Museum.
OR
Tuscany Wine Tasting and San Gimignano:
Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at a family-run Tuscan Winery followed by a visit to San Gimignano
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery while cruising through the perfectly manicured hills of Tuscany and arrive at an independent winery overlooking the medieval towers of San Gimignano.
See how age-old winemaking traditions have been incorporated into the modern production of today’s highly prized wines. Learn a bit of wine lingo such as what the initials DOCG mean and what classifies wine as “Super-Tuscan”.
Learn the fascinating history of this family-run winery during an intimate tasting experience. Each wine is paired with local cured meats, cheeses, breads, and of course extra virgin olive oil produced on the grounds. The wine and food pairing will conclude with a first course lunch.
Last but not least on this Tuscan getaway is a visit to the enchanting town of San Gimignano. Enjoy free time to admire the 14 remaining medieval towers, quintessential Tuscan cobblestone side streets, artisanal shops, and of course gelaterias.
From San Gimignano, return to Florence train station for your high-speed trip back to Rome.