Offering endless opportunities to explore Italy's arts, history, and culture, Florence is also small enough to feel at home during our three-week immersion program.
Living in Italy: A Three-Week Stay in Florence
23 days from $6,090
Offering endless opportunities to explore Italy's arts, history, and culture, Florence is also small enough to feel at home during our three-week immersion program.
Tour Details
TOUR BROCHURE
brochureWHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
- Naomi G.Superb value. Smithsonian Journeys trips are well run and the guides are extremely knowledgeable and anxious to share their enthusiasm for their city. Pace is perfect for people with an active lifestyle. You cannot make a better choice in choosing a tour with Smithsonian. I am looking forward to choosing my next adventure with them.
- Sandra, S.If someone is looking to really attain a feel and experiences in one site, the immersive extended stays are the way to go! One has generous free time but also many top-notch excursions and group activities! Remaining in one efficiency-type accommodation for 3 weeks was a plus.
- Nancy, R.This three week stay in Florence is a great opportunity to explore the art and culture of the city. Smithsonian did an excellent job of accomplishing this with a variety of experiences, excursions, great guides, good accommodations, friendly travel companions, and a memorable experience to treasure.
JOURNEYS DISPATCHES
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Special Air Rates & Services: As part of our special air program, FlexAir, available with this tour, you can choose from a wide variety of flight options. Visit the Tour Details tab and click on "Special Air Rates/Services" drop down.
Overview
Florence—the city where Brunelleschi, Leonardo, and Michelangelo all lived for a time—boasts a wealth of Renaissance splendors, yet many of its riches elude all but the most experienced travelers. During our three-week immersive cultural stay, you’ll soon feel at home and enjoy the time and opportunity to reach new depths of understanding into Italy’s arts, history, and culture. Walking tours and museum visits plus day trips into greater Tuscany provide insight into this favorite Italian destination. You’ll enjoy la dolce vita (the sweet life) as you meet new friends and find yourself irresistibly lulled into the unhurried pace of daily life, sipping espresso at a local outdoor cafe, getting to know vendors at the market, and savoring Tuscan specialties at neighborhood restaurants. Reside in the modern and beautifully appointed, PopArtment, a spacious apartment-hotel located in a residential area with close proximity to the heart of the city center.
Highlights Include
- Excursions, Day Trips, Presentations: Take an in-depth walking tour of Florence led by an expert guide and enjoy tours of the Uffizi and Accademia galleries. Learn more about Tuscany during day trips to Chianti, Lucca, Siena, Colle di Val d’Elsa, and Cortona. Plus, enjoy a wine tasting and attend sessions by local experts on Renaissance art and contemporary life.
- Special Enrichment Tracks: Personalize your experience with special enrichment tracks. Take one or all three: Language Lessons, Cuisine, Art and Architecture. (2024) Enrichment Tracks at additional cost, purchase all three and receive 5% off!. (2025) program includes one enrichment track of your choice. Learn more about these tracks (and costs) on the Enrichment page.
- Experts: Enjoy learning from local experts who share their knowledge of art, history, and culture and join you on select excursions.
- Resident Director: An engaging and resourceful resident director handles logistics and helps you plan your free time. Learn more about the Resident Director on the Enrichment page.
- Social Connection: In addition to group activities, you'll enjoy the camaraderie of convivial gatherings and many group meals with fellow Smithsonian Journeys travelers. By personalizing your time with enrichment tracks, you can enjoy a full schedule of activities but still have time to pursue personal interests. You'll also enjoy the independence of heading off to explore or dine with a smaller group of new-found friends.
- Accommodations: Stay in a residential hotel located outside the historic city center. Studio and one-bedroom apartments offer convenient amenities, such as satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a well-equipped kitchenette, plus hotel services such as a friendly, helpful staff—combining independence with easy support services.
- Naomi G.Superb value. Smithsonian Journeys trips are well run and the guides are extremely knowledgeable and anxious to share their enthusiasm for their city. Pace is perfect for people with an active lifestyle. You cannot make a better choice in choosing a tour with Smithsonian. I am looking forward to choosing my next adventure with them.
- Sandra, S.If someone is looking to really attain a feel and experiences in one site, the immersive extended stays are the way to go! One has generous free time but also many top-notch excursions and group activities! Remaining in one efficiency-type accommodation for 3 weeks was a plus.
- Nancy, R.This three week stay in Florence is a great opportunity to explore the art and culture of the city. Smithsonian did an excellent job of accomplishing this with a variety of experiences, excursions, great guides, good accommodations, friendly travel companions, and a memorable experience to treasure.
To see itinerary, please click on an option below.
2024 Itinerary
Day 1 & Day 2— Depart the U.S. and arrive in Florence
Depart the U.S. on your transatlantic flight to Florence, Italy.
Upon arrival at Florence’s Peretola Airport, and after clearing brief immigration and customs formalities, you’ll be met and assisted with transfer to the PopArtment, your home-away-from-home apartment-hotel close to central Florence. Once at the hotel, each guest will receive a customized welcome package containing general information about Florence, as well as a map of the city. Your Smithsonian Journeys Resident Director will be with you in residence throughout your stay to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with personal sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions, and any other assistance you may require. Gather this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner at the hotel. (R,D)
Day 3 — Florence
A full breakfast is served this morning at the hotel. Afterward, join fellow travelers for an informative welcome briefing. Later, set-out on a tram and walking tour led by an expert Florentine guide. Your tour takes you through the neighborhood around the hotel to the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, whose red dome is an iconic symbol of Florence, continue on and marvel at the bronze doors of the Baptistery of John. Walk along the Ponte Vecchio, the incredible bridge over the Arno River known for its gold and jewelry shops. Visit the Piazza Della Signoria, the political and historic heart of the city, and admire the stately Palazzo Vecchio and a precise copy of Michelangelo’s David.
After seeing the sights, a stop is made at in a popular local trattoria. Later this afternoon, those enrolled in Track 1.1 Language Option will depart by local tram for your Italian language school for an orientation of the facilities, placement test and first Italian class. In early evening, get together in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner to enjoy new friends and lively conversation get together in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner to enjoy new friends and lively conversation. (B,L)
Day 4 — Florence
Start the day with an included breakfast. Afterward, those who subscribed to the Optional Arts and Architecture Track #3.1 will embark on an escorted tour of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo). With its massive, red-tiled cupola designed by Brunelleschi and its stunning pink, white and green facade, it is a masterpiece of architectural design and undoubtedly the city’s most iconic landmark. Your tour continues to the famed Baptistery, one of the oldest buildings in Florence dating from 1059. The Baptistery is renowned for its astounding bronze doors and magnificent mosaic ceiling. Visit the Bargello Museum, where you will be awed by some of the most remarkable sculptures from the Renaissance period and beyond. For those who subscribed to the Optional Language Track #1.2, continue your Italian language classes today. Later this afternoon, attend an informative talk by a local speaker about the Art of the Renaissance. Dinner this evening is served at a popular local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 5 – Florence
Today is free of planned activities so you can follow your own path and explore the city independently. Your Smithsonian Journeys Resident Director is onsite and ready to assist with directions, information and provide help with planning your day.
Day 6 — Florence
Enjoy a day at leisure. Your Smithsonian Journeys Resident Director will be on hand to assist with answering your questions and help with your independent sightseeing plans. This evening, join fellow travelers for dinner accompanied by local wine. (D)
Day 7 — Chianti / San Gimignano / Castellina / Monsanto
This morning, depart the hotel for a full-day excursion to explore the charming towns of the Chianti region. Start exploring on an escorted tour of the historic hill town of San Gimignano, a World Heritage site, that’s renowned for its 14 stunning medieval towers. Continue to the quaint village of Castellina for a short walk through the village. Stop for a cooking demonstration and lunch hosted by a popular local chef. Afterward, travel to Castello di Monsanto in the heart of Chianti, built in 1750, by the Palloni family of Florence. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of the region’s distinctive wines, and learn how the rooster became the symbol of the Chianti region. The evening is at leisure. (L)
Day 8 — Florence
For those who subscribed to the Optional Language Track #1.3, continue your Italian language classes. Join fellow travelers for lunch featuring local specialties at a popular ristorante. After lunch, depart for a visit to the Accademia with a private guide to see Michelangelo’s famous David statue and also see the main halls at the Accademia showcasing great Italian artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, Andrea del Sarto, and Allessando Alloriand Orcagna. The most recent section, the Museum of Musical Instruments, displays old, one-of-a-kind masterpieces by Stradivari and Bartolomeo Cristofori, inventor of the piano. In early evening, get together in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner to enjoy fellow travelers and lively conversation. (L)
Day 9 — Florence
This morning, for those on the Track #2.1 Culinary Option enjoy a market experience in the lively San Lorenzo Market. Select locally sourced ingredients then attend a cooking lesson with a local chef, who will guide you through the preparation of typical Italian dishes that will conclude with a luncheon you prepared! Track 1.4 Language Option participants depart the hotel this afternoon for language lessons.
Day 10 — Florence
For those who selected the Track #1.5 Language Option, there’s a morning language class. Later in the morning, half the group will make a visit to the elegant Caffe Gilli. one of the oldest cafes in the city dating from 1733. It is here that new liberal ideas on governance were forged. One of the directors will talk about coffee and how it is prepared and served. Enjoy an Italian espresso, cappuccino, or caffe latte with pastry. Late this afternoon, join a local expert and learn about contemporary Italy and life in Florence. Attend an engaging discussion of Italy’s place in the European Union and an assessment of its modern-day political, economic and social issues.
Day 11 — Florence
If you subscribed to Track #3.2 Arts and Architecture, you’ll spend the morning visiting one of Florence’s most magnificent churches. Enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica of Santa Croce, an architectural masterpiece which boasts an interior that is a treasure trove of 14th-century frescoes. The building also holds the tombs of several famous Florentines, including Michelangelo and Galileo. Continue this fascinating tour at nearby Casa Buonarotti, one of Michelangelo’s homes, and view two of the artist’s earliest sculptures, along with a treasure trove from the family’s archive containing many of the artist’s letters and drawings. Later this morning, the second half the group will make a visit to the Caffe Gilli as on Day 10. For those who selected the Track #1.6 Language Option, there’s an afternoon language class. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for dinner with wine at a nearby restaurant and share stories about your immersive Italian experience. (D)
Day 12 — Cortona
Depart for a day in the quintessential Tuscan town of Cortona and discover its many artistic and architectural highlights. Visit the Romanesque Cathedral and the engaging Etruscan Museum to see its fascinating collection of ancient pre-Roman artifacts. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Cortona. There’s free time before returning to Florence. (L)
Day 13 — Florence
For those enrolled in Track #3.2 the Arts & Architecture Option, you’ll travel up the hillside to Michelangelo Square for a panoramic view of Florence. Next, continue to the Archeological Museum in Fiesole with its Etruscan and Roman remains including an Etruscan temple and tombs as well as Roman baths and a very well-preserved Roman theater. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Fiesole. The evening is at leisure.
Day 14 — Florence
If you’re not enrolled in an optional Track Program, the day will be at leisure. Your Resident Director will be on hand to assist with travel plans. For those who selected Track #1.7 Language Option, there’s a morning language lesson. This afternoon, those enrolled in the Track #2.2 Culinary Option, learn about different types of pasta and try your hand at making pasta and different types of sauces.
Day 15 — Florence
Track #1.8 Language Option participants depart the hotel for morning language lessons. This afternoon, visit the iconic Uffizi Gallery, home to one of the most remarkable art collections in the world. Highlights include “Madonna di Ognissanti” by Giotto, the “Battle of San Romano” by Paolo Uccello, and the “Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli. This evening, get together with fellow travelers for dinner at a popular Florentine trattoria. (D)
Day 16 — Colle di Val d’Elsa / Siena
Begin exploring this morning on an excursion to the beautiful town of Colle di Val d’Elsa where you’ll have a guided walking tour of the quaint Old Town. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the World Heritage site of Siena. Like a crown atop three hills, the stunning city of Siena has remained remarkably unchanged throughout the centuries. Its streets wind through a city of majestic cathedrals, museums, and wonderfully preserved Gothic buildings. See the renowned Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Italy. Admire the 14th-century Torre del Mangia, the stunning bas-reliefs on the Gaia Fountain and the black and gold striped Duomo. There’s free time in Siena to explore on your own before returning to Florence. (L)
Day 17 — Florence
Track #1.9 Language Option participants depart the hotel for morning language lessons. Just after noon, gather for lunch at a local trattoria. For those enrolled in the Track 3.3 the Arts & Architecture Option, visit the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. Inside the Palace you will see the Palatine Gallery displaying a wide range of High Renaissance and Baroque paintings. The tour continues to the Royal Apartments which have recently reopened to the public after extensive restoration. This has been the residence of the Medici, Lorraine and Savoy families. The Boboli Gardens is the prototype of the Italian formal garden and was recently added to the list of World Heritage sites. In early evening, join your fellow travelers in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner for lively discussion and camaraderie. (L)
Day 18 — Florence
For those who selected Track #1.10 Language Option, there’s a morning language lesson. If you enrolled in Track 2.3 Culinary Option, you’ll learn how to prepare a traditional Italian four-course dinner or cena from antipasto to dolce or dessert. A dinner of the prepared dishes will be served in the school’s wine cellar. This evening is at leisure.
Day 19 — Lucca
Enjoy the morning at leisure. In midafternoon, gather and depart for Lucca, once a fortress with massive walls and now a town whose Roman legacy is still in evidence. Lucca’s 11th-century Romanesque Cathedral contains one of the most famous relics of medieval Europe, a carving said to be a true portrait of Christ. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant in Lucca before returning to Florence. (D)
Day 20 — Florence
Today, let your interests be your guide as you set out to discover Florence independently.
Day 21 — Florence
The day is free for independent activities. For those who selected Track #1.11 Language Option, there’s a morning language class.This evening, gather in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner for a drink and conversation. This evening, celebrate your Italian adventure with a farewell dinner at the splendid Grand Hotel Baglioni, offering unforgettable food, wine and a view overlooking Florence! (D)
Day 22 — Florence
For those who selected Track #1.12 Language Option, there’s a morning language class. The day is free of planned activities. Celebrate all you have experienced and accomplished one last time at this evening’s Farewell Reception at the hotel. (R)
Day 23 — Depart Florence for your U.S. Gateway City
Transfer to the Florence Peretola Airport for your return flight to the U.S.
Please note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change due to operational considerations. All excursions involve an element of walking, standing and climbing steps.
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)
2025 Itinerary
Day 1 & Day 2— Depart the U.S. and arrive in Florence
Depart the U.S. on your transatlantic flight to Florence, Italy.
Upon arrival at Florence’s Peretola Airport, and after clearing brief immigration and customs formalities, you’ll be met and assisted with transfer to the PopArtment, your home-away-from-home apartment-hotel close to central Florence. Once at the hotel, each guest will receive a customized welcome package containing general information about Florence, as well as a map of the city. Your Smithsonian Journeys Resident Director will be with you in residence throughout your stay to handle all program logistics and will be available daily to assist with personal sightseeing arrangements, dinner reservations, shopping suggestions, and any other assistance you may require. Gather this evening for a welcome reception followed by dinner at the hotel. (R,D)
Day 3 — Florence
A full breakfast is served this morning at the hotel. Afterward, join fellow travelers for an informative welcome briefing. Later, set-out on a tram and walking tour led by an expert Florentine guide. Your tour takes you through the neighborhood around the hotel to the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, whose red dome is an iconic symbol of Florence, continue on and marvel at the bronze doors of the Baptistery of John. Walk along the Ponte Vecchio, the incredible bridge over the Arno River known for its gold and jewelry shops. Visit the Piazza Della Signoria, the political and historic heart of the city, and admire the stately Palazzo Vecchio and a precise copy of Michelangelo’s David.
After seeing the sights, stop for lunch in a popular local trattoria. Later this afternoon, get together in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner to enjoy new friends and lively conversation. (B,L)
Day 4 — Florence
For those who subscribed to the Track 1.1 Language Option, visit your Italian language school this morning for an orientation of the facilities, a placement review and your first language class.
The balance of the day is free of planned activities. Later this afternoon, attend an informative talk by a local speaker about the Art of the Renaissance. Dinner this evening is served at a popular local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 5 – Florence / Colle di Val d’Elsa / Siena
Depart on an excursion to the beautiful town of Colle di Val d’Elsa where you’ll have a guided walking tour of the quaint Old Town.
After lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the World Heritage site of Siena. Like a crown atop three hills, the stunning city of Siena has remained remarkably unchanged throughout the centuries. Its streets wind through a city of majestic cathedrals, museums, and wonderfully preserved Gothic buildings. See the renowned Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Italy. Admire the 14th-century Torre del Mangia, the stunning bas-reliefs on the Gaia Fountain and the black and gold striped Duomo. There’s free time in Siena to explore on your own. (L)
Day 6 — Florence
The day is free of planned activities, so you can follow your own path and explore on your own. Join fellow travelers this evening for dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 7 — Florence
Track 1.2 Language Option students depart the hotel for language instruction. If you subscribed to Track 3.1 Arts and Architecture program visit the interiors of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistery, followed by an architectural walking tour through Florence.
The balance of the day is free to explore on your own. Join fellow travelers this evening for dinner at a popular local restaurant. (D)
Day 8 — Florence
Track 1.3 Language Option participants depart the hotel this morning for language lessons. Afterwards, meet with fellow travelers for lunch in a local ristorante. This afternoon, all participants will visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David and other remarkable museum collections. Later, join fellow travelers in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner for camaraderie and lively conversation. (L)
Day 9 — Florence
This morning, for those on the Track 2.1 Culinary Option enjoy a market experience in the San Lorenzo Markets. Select locally sourced ingredients then learn how to prepare typical Italian dishes. Afterwards, enjoy the luncheon spread you prepared. For those who selected Track 1.4 Language Option, there’s morning language instruction.
Day 10 — Florence
For those who selected the Track 1.5 Language Option, there’s a morning language class. Later in the morning, half the group will make a visit to the elegant Caffe Gilli, a Florence fixture since 1733 that has long been a meeting place for the city's artists and intellectuals. One of the directors will talk about coffee and how it is prepared and served. Enjoy an Italian espresso, cappuccino, or caffe latte with pastry. In the late afternoon gather for a presentation by a local expert on Contemporary Italy. This evening, dine independently.
Day 11 — Florence
For those who subscribed to Track 1.6 Language Option, there’s a morning language class. Later in the morning, the balance of the group will make a visit to the elegant Caffe Gilli.
For those enrolled in the Track 3.2 the Art & Architecture Option, visit Santa Maria Novella to view its many different chapels and vivid frescoes as well as the famous wooden Crucifix made by Brunelleschi, then, visit the Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella, one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, set up by the Dominican friars shortly after 1221 and still in use today. This evening, get together with new friends and fellow travelers for dinner, wine and lively conversation at a local ristorante. (D)
Day 12 – Florence / Cortona
Depart for a day in the quintessential Tuscan town of Cortona and discover its many artistic and architectural highlights. Visit the Romanesque Cathedral and the engaging Etruscan Museum to see its fascinating collection of fascinating artifacts. Lunch is planned at the Osteria del Teatro in Cortona. (L)
Day 13 — Florence
For those who subscribed to Track 3.3 Art & Architecture Option, visit Michelangelo Square for a beautiful view over Florence and the Arno River. Next, continue to the Archeological Museum in Fiesole with its Etruscan and Roman artifacts including an Etruscan Temple and tombs as well as Roman Baths and a very well preserved Roman Theater. The excursion includes lunch in Fiesole.
Day 14 — Florence
For those who selected Track 1.7 Language Option, there’s a morning language lesson. For those enrolled in the Track 2.2 Culinary Option, learn about different types of pasta and try your hand at making pasta and different types of sauces. The course ends with a lunch of the prepared dishes in the school’s wine cellar. The session lasts approximately 3 hours.
Day 15 — Florence
Track 1.8 Language Option participants depart the hotel for morning language lessons. This afternoon, visit the iconic Uffizi Gallery, home to one of the most remarkable art collections in the world. Highlights include “Madonna di Ognissanti” by Giotto di Bondone, the “Battle of San Romano” by Paolo Uccello, and the “Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli. This evening, get together with fellow travelers for dinner at a popular Florentine trattoria. (D)
Day 16 – Florence / Lucca
For those who selected Track 1.9 Language Option, there’s a morning language class. This afternoon travel to historic Lucca, once a fortress with enormous walls in the ancient Roman tradition and very narrow streets. Once the home to the famed opera composer Puccini, you'll visit the famous Romanesque Cathedral dating from the 11th-century that showcases a carving, said to be the true portrait of Christ. After some free time, dinner will be served at a popular restaurant in Lucca before returning to Florence. (D)
Day 17 — Florence
This morning there’s a Track 1.10 Language Option language class. Afterward, enjoy the simple pleasure of pranzo or an Italian luncheon with fellow travelers. For those subscribed to Track 3.4 Art & Architecture Option discover the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. See the Palatine Gallery displaying a wide range of Renaissance and Baroque paintings then continue to the Royal Apartments, the residence of the Medici, Lorraine and Savoy families. In late afternoon, enjoy a drink with new friends in the Smithsonian travelers Corner. (L)
Day 18 — Florence
For those who selected Track 1.11 Language Option, there’s a morning language class. If you enrolled in the Track 2.3 Culinary Option, you’ll learn how to make a traditional Italian four-course dinner or cena from antipasto to dolce or dessert. A dinner of the prepared dishes will be served in the school’s wine cellar.
Day 19 – Florence / Chianti / San Gimignano
Between Florence and Siena, you’ll find quiet back roads, lovely hill towns, woodlands, and vineyards. This is home to Italy’s most famous red wine, Chianti. Travel to its heart to visit Castello di Monsanto built in 1750. Sample wines made from handpicked Sangiovese, Canaiolo and other varieties of grapes. Learn how the rooster became the symbol of the region and how the area got its name.
Enjoy a cooking demonstration and lunch, featuring Tuscan specialties, in Castellina. Later, explore the historic hill town of San Gimignano, a World Heritage site that is renowned for its 14 stunning medieval towers. (L)
Day 20 — Florence
The day is free of planned activities so follow your own path and explore independently.
Day 21 — Florence
For those who selected Track 1.12 Language Option, there’s a morning language class and a Graduation ceremony at the school. In early evening, join fellow travelers for an aperitif and friendly conversation in the Travelers Corner. Afterward, celebrate your Italian adventure with a farewell dinner at the splendid Grand Hotel Baglioni, offering unforgettable food, wine and a view overlooking Florence! (D)
Day 22 — Florence
Spend the day at leisure exploring independently. Toast new friends and all you have experienced and accomplished at this evening’s Smithsonian Journeys farewell reception at the hotel. (R)
Day 23 — Depart Florence for your U.S. Gateway City
Transfer to the Florence Peretola Airport for your return flight to the U.S.
Please note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change due to operational considerations. All excursions involve an element of walking, standing and climbing steps.
Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)