2 Days in Florence: Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Two days in Florence is the sweet spot for a first visit. It’s enough time to see everything that matters, without the feeling that you’re sprinting from one landmark to the next.

With two days, you can climb the dome of the Florence Cathedral, stand in front of Michelangelo’s David, spend a proper morning in the Uffizi Gallery, stroll across Ponte Vecchio, and watch the sun go down over the rooftops from Piazzale Michelangelo. You can also do things one-day visitors have to skip: linger over a long lunch, discover the quieter south side of the Arno, and end both evenings at a rooftop bar with a view of the Duomo.

Tim and I have been to Florence multiple times, and we’ve experienced it in very different ways. Our first visit was a quick day-and-a-half visit with our kids. Years later, Tim and I returned for a much longer visit.

What we’ve learned is that two days changes the experience entirely. With one day, every decision carries weight. Skip the Bargello or skip lunch? Two days not only gives you more time to get to Florence’s top sights and hidden gems, but it also allows you to slow down.

This guide is built from those visits. It includes a day-by-day itinerary with timing, where to eat along the way, which tickets to book weeks in advance, and the practical details that will save you time once you’re on the ground.

2 Days in Florence: The Essentials

TIME NEEDED | 2 full days

DAY 1 | Florence Cathedral (Duomo), Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David), Palazzo Vecchio, rooftop aperitivo

DAY 2 | Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens or Bardini Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset

BOOK IN ADVANCE | Duomo dome climb, Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio tower

AVOID MONDAYS | Uffizi and Accademia are closed

SUNDAY NOTE | Duomo dome doesn’t open until 12:45 pm; main floor of the cathedral is closed for worship

June 2026 Update: All prices and links verified.

How Many Days Do You Need in Florence?

Two days in Florence is the minimum we’d recommend for a first visit, and it’s a satisfying amount of time. You can see the major sights, such as the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, the Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, and the panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo, without feeling like you’re sprinting from one place to the next. There’s still time for a long lunch, an aperitivo with a view of the Duomo, and a proper dinner.

That said, 2 days in Florence works best when you plan ahead. The Duomo dome, Accademia Gallery, and Uffizi all require advance reservations, especially in the summer months. Get those booked before you go and your two days will feel relaxed rather than rushed.

If you can swing three or more days, Florence rewards the extra time. You can visit some of the lesser-known museums like the Bargello, take a cooking class, or use Florence as a base for day trips into Tuscany. Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and the Val d’Orcia are all within reach.

Places to Visit with 2 Days in Florence

Below is a list of the top places to visit if you have 2 days in Florence. For a full list of places to go, read our article Best Things to Do in Florence.

• The Florence Cathedral, aka the Duomo. This complex also includes the dome, the Baptistery, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Santa Reparata, and the Opera del Duomo Museum
• Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David
• The Uffizi Gallery
• Piazza della Signoria
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Ponte Vecchio
• Piazzale Michelangelo
• Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace
• Mercato Centrale
• Piazza della Repubblica

When Are Places Closed in Florence?

Before we get started on the itinerary, it is very important to know that some museums and cathedrals are not open every day of the week. If your visit falls when some of these sites are closed, you will have to modify this itinerary.

Closed on Sunday

• The main floor of the Florence Cathedral is closed for worship on Sundays
• Santa Reparata does not open until 1:30 pm on Sundays
• The dome of the Florence Cathedral does not open until 12:45 pm on Sundays — this shifts the entire morning itinerary
• Mercato Centrale (ground floor) is closed on Sundays
• San Lorenzo outdoor market is closed on Sundays

Closed on Monday

If possible, avoid scheduling Florence on a Monday. You will miss two of the most important sites in the city.

• Uffizi Gallery
• Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David)
• Pitti Palace

Note: Boboli Gardens closes on the first and last Monday of each month only — not every Monday.

Closed on Tuesday

The Opera del Duomo Museum is closed the first Tuesday of each month.

Closed on Thursday

Palazzo Vecchio closes early on Thursday. Closing time is at 2 pm rather than 7 pm.

How to Spend 2 Days in Florence

Florence Itinerary Day 1: The Duomo, Michelangelo’s David, Palazzo Vecchio & Rooftop Bars

On your first day in Florence, you will visit the main sights in the historic city center, gaze over the city from the dome of the Florence Cathedral and the Arnolfo Tower, and add in a few rooftop bars along the way.

Note: If you plan to do this on a Monday, you will have to skip Mercato Centrale and move the Accademia Gallery to the following day, since they are both closed on Monday. If you do this on Sunday, you will not be able to enter the main floor of the Duomo and you cannot climb the dome until 12:45 pm.

Morning: The Duomo Complex

The Florence Cathedral, also called the Duomo di Firenze and Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the most recognizable cathedrals in the world.

The Florence Cathedral

The cathedral is part of the monument complex of Santa Maria del Fiore, which also includes the Opera del Duomo Museum, the bell tower, the dome of the cathedral, the baptistery, and Santa Reparata. These are all located within close proximity of one another, on Piazza del Duomo.

There are several ticket types for visiting the Duomo complex. The Brunelleschi Pass is the ticket we recommend purchasing, since it includes all of the sites in the Duomo complex, including the dome climb. It takes about 4 hours to see all of the sites.

We have a detailed guide about how to visit the Florence Cathedral ↓, which includes photos and more information about each of these sites. It’s also helpful for picking out what to do here, if you don’t feel like you need to see everything. But here is a brief overview and how I recommend planning your time.

Duomo di Firenze

Florence Cathedral: Tickets, Dome Climb & What to Know Before You Go

Everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Florence Cathedral.

Opening Times at the Duomo Complex

Each site has a different opening time and this will impact the order in which you visit them. Get updated hours on the official website.

• Dome of the Cathedral: 8:15 am Monday through Saturday; 12:45 pm on Sunday
• Main Floor of the Cathedral: 10:15 am Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays
• Santa Reparata: 10:15 am
• The Baptistery: 8:30 am
• Opera del Duomo Museum: 8:30 am
• Giotto’s Bell Tower: 8:15 am

I recommend starting at the Opera del Duomo Museum (this always seems to have a line so getting here early could minimize your wait) or Giotto’s Bell Tower at opening time. This lets you visit one of the busier sites before it gets crowded. Many people start showing up around 9 am.

You will book a time slot for the dome climb, so there is no need to rush here and get in line early, since you will simply show up for time you booked. Make sure you do this in advance, preferably a few weeks before your visit to Florence.

The view from the dome

The Last Judgement frescoes on the interior of the dome

The mosaic ceiling of the Baptistery

By booking the dome climb early, you can use the remaining time in the morning to visit the sites that look the most interesting. If tickets to the Florence Cathedral are sold out, you can purchase a ticket in advance through GetYourGuide.

Lunch: Mercato Centrale

From the Duomo Complex it is a 6-minute walk to San Lorenzo Market.

San Lorenzo Market is made up of two markets, an outdoor market and an indoor market located inside of the Mercato Centrale building.

At the outdoor market, you can go shopping for leather goods, pottery, and souvenirs. It is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Go inside of Mercato Centrale for a culinary tour of Italy. We loved walking around the small shops and gathering food for a picnic lunch.

Mercato Centrale

2:00 pm: Accademia Gallery

Next, walk over to the Accademia Gallery (a 7-minute walk).

Accademia Gallery (also called Galleria dell’Accademia) is best known for Michelangelo’s statue of David. This statue once stood outside on Piazza della Signoria but was moved here in 1873.

David

The statue of David is a masterpiece and it is one of the most famous works of art in the world. This small museum also contains other works of art by Michelangelo and paintings from other Florentine artists.

A visit here is quick, taking 30 to 45 minutes.

3:00 pm: Piazza della Repubblica

From the Accademia Gallery, it is a 10-minute stroll to Piazza della Repubblica. Along the way, you will walk right past the Duomo.

This is one of the main squares in Florence. Sitting around the square are several cafes, a great place to take a break and grab a bite to eat or something to drink. Kids will love the carousel that sits in the center of the piazza.

If you want to take a break and have a fantastic view of the Florence Cathedral, there are two rooftop bars to visit.

Tosca & Nino is a rooftop bar and restaurant with great views of the Florence Cathedral. You don’t need a reservation and they serve drinks and lunch. It is located on top of the Rinascente department store on Piazza della Repubblica. Here is the view.

The view from Tosca & Nino

One block over is View on Art. This small rooftop bar has an even better view of the Duomo but service can be slow and the food gets poor reviews. But it’s a great place to hang out for half an hour, have a drink, and enjoy this spectacular view of Florence.

View on Art

You have enough time to visit both if you like. However, we have more rooftop bars on the list for later today.

4:00 pm: Palazzo Vecchio

From Piazza della Repubblica, it takes just 5 minutes to walk to Piazza della Signoria. Along the way, you will pass Fontana del Porcellino. If you rub the nose of the boar, legend has it that you are guaranteed a visit back to Florence in the future.

Piazza della Signoria is the large, open square sits in front of Palazzo Vecchio. On the square, see the Loggia dei Lanzi (open air sculpture gallery), a replica of the statue of David, and the Neptune Fountain.

Piazza della Signoria

While here, you have the option to climb the Arnolfo Tower on Palazzo Vecchio for one of the best views of Florence. This is one of our favorite views in Florence, since you get a breathtaking view of the Duomo.

The view from Arnolfo Tower

5:30 pm: Aperitifs & Dinner

In Florence, dinner doesn’t typically start until 7:00 pm, but 5:30 pm is the perfect time to have an aperitif. An aperitif is a pre-dinner drink served with a few small snacks or charcuterie board.

One of the best places to have an aperitif is from a rooftop bar. For a full list, check out our guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Florence.

Divina Terrazza is a short walk from Piazza della Signoria. This is a more casual spot and the views of the Duomo are amazing.

Angel Roofbar is also a short walk from Piazza della Signoria. The views aren’t quite as good as from Divina Terrazza, as your view is more about seeing Palazzo Vecchio than the Duomo.

B Roof is another rooftop bar in Florence with nice views of the Florence Cathedral. Have a drink here and then have dinner at the B Roof Restaurant, which is also on top of Grand Hotel Baglioni, for spectacular views of the Duomo.

B Roof Restaurant

After the aperitif, have dinner in Florence. We ate lunch one day at Trattoria Il Bargello (but it is also a great place for dinner), a casual restaurant that serves very good pasta dishes at a very reasonable price.

And make sure you save room for gelato!

Trattoria Il Bargello

Florence Itinerary Day 2: Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio & Piazzale Michelangelo

Today you will visit one of the best art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery, and spend the afternoon visiting the gardens and panoramic viewpoints of Florence.

9:30 am: The Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is not only one of the most important art museums in Italy, it’s also one of the largest art museums in the world.

This museum contains thousands of Renaissance works of art, donated to Florence by the Medici family. The Uffizi is also one of the oldest museums in the world, opening in 1865.

On display are works of art by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Cimabue, Michelangelo, Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, and many more.

The view of Ponte Vecchio from the Uffizi Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery opens at 8:15 am, so you can get an early start today, which would allow you to also visit the Bargello Museum or other sites in Florence. However, if you want a more leisurely day, plan your visit for some time around 9:30 am.

Optional: The Bargello

The Bargello is an art museum that contains more Renaissance masterpieces by Michelangelo, Ghiberti, and Donatello as well as ceramics, tapestries, coins, and armor. It is housed in the oldest public building in Florence.

This is worth it for those with a big interest in art. Start at the Bargello at 8:15 am, spend an hour and a half here, and then walk to the Uffizi, spending the rest of the morning at the Uffizi. You could book a 10:30 am entrance ticket into the Uffizi Gallery.

The Bargello

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12:00 pm: The Vasari Corridor & Ponte Vecchio

This is also optional, but it is a hidden gem in Florence and something unique to do, if you can get a reservation for a guided tour.

The Vasari Corridor is an elevated, enclosed walkway that connects Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti. It was constructed in 1565 to allow the Grand Duke to walk from his palace to Palazzo Vecchio. The walkway passes through the Uffizi Gallery, past the church of Santa Felicita, and over the Ponte Vecchio.

For many years, this corridor has been closed to the public. It recently underwent a major restoration project and can only be visited on a guided tour. Learn more here.

If you choose not to take a tour of the Vasari Corridor, walk along the Arno River to Ponte Vecchio.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio, which means “old bridge,” is a medieval stone bridge that spans the Arno River. For centuries, shops have lined the sides of the bridge. Now, most of these shops sell jewelry.

Stroll across Ponte Vecchio to the opposite side of the river.

1:00 pm: Lunch at Signorvino Firenze

This restaurant, which is tucked away in a wine shop, is located on the Arno River and has awesome views of Ponte Vecchio. For the best experience, make a reservation in advance and request a table on the outdoor terrace.

Signorvino Florence

2:30 pm: Gardens in Florence

This afternoon, you have the option to visit several gardens in Florence. They each offer something a little bit different, including great views of the city. Visit them all or just pick one or two. To get from one to the other, you will have to do some walking, and some of it will be up and down hills. These are all located on the south side of the Arno River.

Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace

The Pitti Palace is a palace built in 1457 by Brunelleschi for the Pitti family. In 1550, it was purchased by Cosimo I de’ Medici as the new Grand Ducal residence. Now, the palace contains five museums: the Museum of Russian Icons, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes, the Imperial and Royal Apartments, the Museum of Costume and Fashion, and the Gallery of Modern Art.

Boboli Gardens sits behind the Pitti Palace. The gardens contain numerous Renaissance statues and fountains. From these gardens, you also get a very nice view of Florence.

Boboli Gardens

The Bardini Gardens

The Bardini Gardens (also called Giardino Bardini) is the Renaissance garden of Villa Bardini. It makes a nice alternative (or a nice addition) to the busier Boboli Gardens.

This garden is located on the same hill as Boboli Gardens. The Bardini Gardens are much smaller, but because of their location, offer a better view of Florence.

On a visit here, there are two things to do: stroll through the gardens and visit the villa.

Inside of the villa there are art exhibits in the various rooms. Our favorite part was the terrace on the top of the villa with its stunning panoramic views of Florence.

The view from Villa Bardini

In Bardini Gardens, make sure you see the Wisteria pergola. The wisteria was brought here from China by Marco Polo. It blooms in April and May but is pretty all year round.

Rose Garden

The Rose Garden, also called Giardino delle Rose, free to visit and offers a unique view of Florence.

Rose Garden

To get here from the Bardini Gardens, it is a 1.3 km walk that takes about 20 minutes.

We entered at Autorita Di Ambito Ato Toscana Centro, on Viale Giuseppe Poggi. It only takes a few minutes to walk through the gardens. Once you are finished, there is a path that leads up the hillside to Piazzale Michelangelo.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you visit the Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Bardini Gardens, and the Rose Garden, this will take about 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each place.

5:30 pm: Piazzale Michelangelo & San Miniato al Monte

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Florence. Sunset can range anywhere from 6:30 pm (spring and fall) to 9 pm (early summer). If you want to be here at sunset in the summer, you will have to adjust this itinerary. Either spend longer in the gardens, start your day later, or visit San Miniato al Monte before Piazzale Michelangelo.

San Miniato al Monte

San Miniato al Monte (St. Minias on the Mountain) is a basilica that stands on one of the highest points of Florence. It is located on the hillside above Piazzale Michelangelo and it takes about 10 minutes to walk here.

From the terrace you get a wonderful panoramic view of Florence. You can also visit the inside of the church and stroll through the cemetery that surrounds the basilica.

The view from San Miniato al Monte

Piazzale Michelangelo

The view from Piazzale Michelangelo is beautiful all day. Here is the view in the mid-afternoon:

Piazzale Michelangelo in the afternoon

And here is the view at sunset:

Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset

If you are visiting Florence between early May and late July, sunset time will be between 8 and 9 pm. Since this is rather late in the day, you can get an early dinner first, then walk to Piazzale Michelangelo, ideally getting here about an hour before sunset. You also have the option to visit a rooftop bar first, and then take a taxi to Piazzale Michelangelo.

Or, simply visit Piazzale Michelangelo in the late afternoon, enjoy the view, and then take a taxi back to the city center for dinner (and maybe sunset views from another rooftop restaurant).

To time your visit, you can get sunset times here. This can be a busy place to visit, and if your goal is to take sunset photos, plan on getting here at least an hour before sunset, to get a good spot.

Once you are finished at Piazzale Michelangelo, you can either walk back to the city center or hire a taxi. If sunset is at 9 pm, you will get back to the city center between 9:30 and 10:00 pm.

Make Your Reservations in Advance

Below are places in Florence that we recommend making an advance reservation, plus the links to make your planning a little bit easier.

• Florence Duomo Complex
• Accademia Gallery
• Palazzo Vecchio
• The Uffizi Gallery
• The Bargello
• Boboli Gardens & Pitti Palace
• Signorvino Firenze (restaurant with views of Ponte Vecchio)

If you plan to visit a rooftop bar for an aperitif or dinner, you should make a reservation in advance. Get links to the websites of the rooftop bars in our Florence Rooftop Bar Guide.

How to Get Around Florence

Florence is a very compact city and everything we have listed on this Florence itinerary is within walking distance. The biggest outlier is Piazzale Michelangelo, but it is possible to take a taxi here or to get back to the city center.

How to Get to Florence

If you are traveling by train through Italy, the Florence train station is called the Florence Santa Maria Novella station. It is located northwest of the historic city center. From this station, it is a 10-minute walk to the city center. Many hotels in Florence are also within walking distance of the train station. If you don’t want to walk, it is possible to hire a taxi to take you to your hotel.

If you have a car, it’s best to park outside of the city center, unless you are staying at a hotel that offers parking. But beware, driving in Florence is a nightmare.

The city center of Florence is a ZTL area (limited traffic zone). You can only drive in the city center if you have a permit or if you are staying at a hotel that is located within the ZTL.

We stayed at a hotel within the ZTL. Driving there was very challenging. The roads in the city center are one-way. Along one road the direction may change several times. According to the doorman at our hotel, the direction of the roads can change day by day (so Google Maps is not always correct).

Plan on parking in a lot outside of the ZTL and then walking into the city center or taking a taxi. Convenient paid lots include the lot next to the train station, at Central Parking Firenze (on the north side of Florence), and Parcheggio Sant’Ambrogio (on the east side of town).

If you are flying into the Florence Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to the city center and your hotel.

Palazzo Vecchio

Best Time to Visit Florence

In general, spring and fall are the best times of the year to visit Florence. During this time, the weather is great for sightseeing and crowds tend to be lower than the busy summer months. But here is a breakdown by season of what you can expect in Florence:

WINTER: It’s chilly in Florence during the winter months. Daytime high’s average around 10 – 11°C (in the low-50’s) and it can get down close to freezing at night. Rainfall is about average for the year (averaging about 6 days of rain per month in December, January, and February), but the skies tend to be cloudier in the winter months.

SPRING: As the weather warms up in the spring, rain chances also go up. Spring is one of the wettest seasons to visit Florence, but not quite as rainy as the fall months. In early spring, the high temperature is 16°C (61°F) and it continues to get warmer week by week, reaching an average high of 29°C (85°F) by June.

SUMMER: Expect the biggest crowds of the year and hot weather during the summer months. Daily high temperatures average 33°C (92°F) but they can easily get up to 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is low. If you plan to visit in the summer months, make your hotel reservations far in advance as well as your entrance tickets into the museums.

FALL: In early fall, crowds can still be high, not really quieting down until the end of October. Daytime high’s range from 26°C (79°F) in early fall and cooling off to 16°C (60°F) by late fall. Autumn is the wettest time to visit Florence (mid-September through late November), so bring an umbrella if you plan to be here at this time.

VERDICT: The best time to visit Florence is May through mid-June. The weather is nice and crowds are manageable. If you don’t mind the chance of rain, the end of September into October is also a nice time to visit, since crowds are lower.

Where to Stay in Florence

For recommendations on where to stay, read our guide Where to Stay in Florence ↓. Learn where to stay for a great view of the Florence Cathedral and Ponte Vecchio and get recommendations whether you are looking for a budget hotel, luxury hotel, or if you are traveling as a family.

Hotel Guide

Where to Stay in Florence: Best Hotels & Neighborhoods

Best places to stay in Florence, organized by location and budget.

The view from Giotto’s Bell Tower

Tours of Florence

Joining a tour can help save you time waiting in line, get tickets to a site that may have sold out in advance, or allow you to experience Florence in a unique way, such as a cooking class. Here are some of the best tours in Florence.

This small group tour is the perfect way to get the most out of your visit to the Uffizi Gallery.

Take a guided tour of the Uffizi and Accademia Gallery.

Go shopping in the central market in Florence and then learn how to cook a Tuscan meal. This tour gets nothing but rave reviews.

Take a food tour of Florence or tour the city with a professional photographer on this private photoshoot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Florence?

Ideally, plan on spending two or more days in Florence. This gives you enough time to visit the top sites without feeling like you are in a race. More than two days allows you to visit some off the beaten path places and to day trip into Tuscany.

Is 2 days enough for Florence?

Yes, 2 days in Florence is enough time to visit the main sites, explore the historic city center, watch the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo (one of the most beautiful sunset locations in Italy), plus add on another art museum or two (for art aficionados), a few rooftop bars, or take a cooking class or walking tour of the city.

Do you need to book tickets in advance for Florence?

Yes, and this is one of the most important things you can do before your trip. The Duomo dome climb, Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David), and Uffizi Gallery all sell out weeks in advance during peak season. Booking ahead isn’t just about saving money, it’s the difference between spending your morning in line or actually inside the museum. We recommend booking as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

What is the best area to stay in Florence?

For a first visit, staying in or near the historic city center puts you within walking distance of nearly everything on this itinerary. The Santa Croce and Oltrarno neighborhoods are slightly quieter than the area immediately around the Duomo while still being very central. For full recommendations, see our Where to Stay in Florence guide.

Is Florence easy to get around on foot?

Very. The historic city center is compact and almost entirely walkable and most of the sights on this itinerary are within a 10 to 15 minute walk of each other. The main exception is Piazzale Michelangelo, which requires either a 30-minute uphill walk from the city center or a short taxi ride. If you’re arriving by train, the Santa Maria Novella station is about a 10-minute walk from the Duomo.

More Florence & Italy Inspiration

Planning more of your time in Florence or building a bigger Italy itinerary? These guides will help you plan the rest of your trip.

• Only have one day? → Our One Day in Florence Itinerary is built specifically for that scenario, with a tight walking route and every reservation you need to make in advance.
• Explore everything Florence has to offer → Browse our Best Things to Do in Florence for a full picture of the city beyond two days, including hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path spots.
• The best views in the city → Our Best Views of Florence guide covers every rooftop, hilltop, and tower worth climbing, with photos and practical tips.
• Drinks with a view → Our Florence Rooftop Bar Guide covers the top spots for aperitivo with a view of the Duomo, with links to make reservations.
• Where to stay → Our Where to Stay in Florence guide covers the best neighborhoods and hotels for a first visit, from budget to luxury.
• Day trips from Florence → Our Day Trips from Florence guide covers 15 great options, from Tuscan hill towns to Pisa, Siena, and the Cinque Terre.
• Planning a bigger Italy trip → We have five great ideas for 10 Days in Italy, from the classic Rome-Florence-Venice route to itineraries that include the Amalfi Coast and the Dolomites.
• For all of our Italy content in one place → Visit our Italy Travel Guide.

If you have any questions about this Florence itinerary or how to spend 2 days in Florence, let us know in the comment section below.

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Lake Como is one of northern Italy’s most breathtaking day trips. In just one well-planned day, you can ferry between Bellagio and Varenna, cruise past famous villas, and experience the most scenic stretch of the lake without changing hotels. We visited Lake Como as a day trip from Lugano in late June, navigating the ferry […]

1 to 2 Days in Bologna: The Best Itinerary for First Timers

Bologna didn’t make it onto our Italy itinerary until our sixth trip. We’d visited Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and the Dolomites, and somehow kept skipping over this city in northern Italy. Once we finally arrived, Tim and I were instantly captivated: the busy, bustling Quadrilatero with its wine bars and shops overflowing […]

30 Things to Do in Rome | The Ultimate Rome Bucket List

Rome is the capital city of Italy and one of the largest cities in Europe. With its long, rich history, famous landmarks, museums and archaeological sites, the to-do list for visitors is enormous. 30 things to do in Rome sounds like a lot, and it is, but there are many more places we could have […]

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