Insider's Florence

Your Travel Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 — U.S. and Florence
Depart the U.S. for Florence on individual flights. Upon arrival the next day, transfer to your hotel, situated on a quiet street near the Duomo, and take a tour of the historic neighborhood before the evening welcome festivities. (R,D)

Day 3 — Uffizi Gallery, Vasari Corridor, and the Oltr’arno
The 16th-century Uffizi Gallery and Vasari Corridor hold some of Florence’s most renowned paintings, including famous portraits. Though closed on Mondays, the Uffizi will open its doors for the Smithsonian. Through special access you’ll stroll through the gallery’s stunning rooms without the press of crowds and view Renaissance masterpieces, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Michelangelo’s Holy Family, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation. A former curator guides you through the Vasari Corridor, the long passageway to the Pitti Palace that spans the Ponte Vecchio and houses portraits of famous artists. In the labyrinthine Oltr’arno neighborhood, visit artisan workshops and learn about ancient traditional crafts, including paper-making, enameling, and silversmithing. (B)

Day 4 — Baptistery, Duomo, and Palazzo Corsini
Brunelleschi’s distinctive dome helped transform Florence’s cathedral and the city itself. Join an Italian Renaissance expert for a guided tour of the Baptistery and Duomo before opening hours. Climb up to the dome for a closer look at its marvelous frescoes and the revolutionary technology behind this 15th-century architectural wonder. At the Baptistery, admire Lorenzo Ghiberti’s 15th-century Gates of Paradise, a monumental set of cast bronze doors. Explore the baroque Palazzo Corsini and view one of the finest private painting collections in Florence, then enjoy a private meeting with Principessa Corsini for tea. (B,R)

Day 5 — Renaissance Florence, Uffizi, and Casa Buonarroti
During a special walking tour, you’ll travel back in time to view some of the city’s earliest architectural works, visit a home once owned by Michelangelo, and tour the museum in the Palazzo Davanzati for a glimpse of a typical household in Renaissance Florence. Visit the Romanesque Church of the Holy Apostles, and view the fine collection of Renaissance paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts at the Museo della Fondazione Horne. On a specially arranged, behind-the-scenes tour with staff restorer Diane Kunzelman, visit the Fortezza del Basso, one of Italy’s foremost art restoration laboratories, and watch conservators at work on a Uffizi masterpiece. Meet the director of the Casa Buonarroti for an after-hours tour of this museum dedicated to Michelangelo’s life and see some of the master’s early pieces. (B,D)

Day 6 — Tuscan Villas and Gardens and Palazzo Ginori
Seeking refuge from the city, the Medicis built splendid estates in the peaceful Tuscan hills surrounding Florence. Spend the day in the countryside exploring lovely villas, beginning with an exclusive visit to the gardens of Villa Medici, which is closed to the public. Meander through the gardens of Villa La Pietra, once owned by Sir Harold Acton, and go behind the scenes to view the villa’s Renaissance art collection. Return to Florence to tour the Palazzo Vecchio, the former residence of Duke Cosimo de’ Medici. During a guided tour of the 17th-century Palazzo Ginori, admire stunning frescoes, paintings, and the Ginori family porcelain, then join the Marchesi Ginori for a private evening reception. (B,R)

Day 7 — Frescoes by Fra Angelico, del Sarto, and del Castagno
Venture off the beaten path to discover lesser-known frescoes by Florentine masters. At the Dominican convent of San Marco, examine the rich paintings of Fra Angelico. See Andrea del Sarto’s stunning monochromatic fresco of the life of St. John the Baptist at the charming 16th-century Chiostro dello Scalzo. At the former Benedictine convent of Sant’Apollonia, admire Andrea del Castagno’s masterpiece of the Last Supper. Following an afternoon at leisure, celebrate your Florentine sojourn at a farewell reception in the hotel’s museum followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B,R,D)

Day 8 — Depart Florence
Depart Florence for the U.S. on individual flights. (B)