Florence is a city that’s easy to love, but one of the things we never quite get used to is how art is such a part of everyday life. You’ll find it not only in galleries but also in the sculptures and fountains seemingly around every turn. And then there are the workshops where artisans still practice their craft. Nowhere is this spirit more alive than across the Arno in the Oltrarno neighborhood. This is where many of the city’s most talented artisans continue a legacy of craftsmanship that stretches back centuries. If you’ve ever wandered through its narrow streets, you’ll have felt the Oltrarno’s creative side. Whether it’s the work of woodcarvers and goldsmiths or young designers, each workshop tells a story of dedication and artistry.

That spirit of craftsmanship comes to life in a wonderful way on the Artisan Workshop Tour in Florence’s Oltrarno Neighborhood. Led by a local expert, this private three-hour experience takes you behind the scenes of Florence’s living workshops. Along the way, you’ll meet master leather workers, silversmiths, shoemakers and milliners, and see their artistry up close. Watch how materials take shape in skilled hands and learn how these centuries-old traditions continue to define the city today.

This isn’t a typical shopping tour but a true immersion into Florence’s creative soul. Your guide will share stories of the medieval guilds that once set the standard for quality craftsmanship and shows how those values still shape daily life in the Oltrarno. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to chat with artisans, ask questions and gain a fuller appreciation for the dedication behind each handmade piece. It’s exactly the kind of experience we love, because it’s deeply important to us to celebrate Florence’s traditions and the people who keep them alive.

Charming Piazza Santo Spirito in the Oltrarno.

It’s no secret that we love the Oltrarno. This neighborhood captures a quieter, more local side of the city, where artisans open their doors and outdoor cafés are the perfect setting for long conversations. Stroll through Piazza Santo Spirito in the morning to see the market stalls come to life or head there in the evening when locals gather for aperitivo. We’ve shared more about all our favorite things to see and do in the area in Our Guide to Florence’s Oltrarno Neighborhood.

If this sounds like the Florence experience would like to have for yourself, here are some of our beautiful vacation rentals in the heart of the Oltrarno.

A truly splendid view of the Arno from our Splendida apartment rental.

Splendida

With sweeping Arno River views and elegant mid-century style, Splendida lives up to its name. This beautifully designed two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment offers bridge-to-bridge panoramas from the long balcony—from Ponte alla Carraia to Ponte Vecchio—and a light-filled living room that’s perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the city.

Charming terrace at Casetta Bonsi in Florence.

Casetta Bonsi

With a charming, cottage-like setting just two blocks from the Ponte Vecchio, Casetta Bonsi is a rare find. Step outside to the sound of church bells and stroll through streets filled with artisan studios and neighborhood shops. This inviting one-bedroom home offers the perfect blend of history, comfort and local character.

Florence’s artistic traditions are still very much alive, and there’s no better place to experience them than in the Oltrarno. Whether you’re meeting the city’s talented makers or staying in one of our inviting Florence vacation rentals, you’ll discover the beauty of craftsmanship woven into every corner of this extraordinary city!

The post Meet the Makers Keeping Florence’s Artistic Traditions Alive appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Beautiful grapevines around San Gimignano. (credit)

One way to understand the heart of Florence, Italy is to savor its best wine. But where do you start? Vineyards dot the hills of the Italian countryside, but even if your holiday doesn’t include a Tuscany villa stay there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the region’s world-famous wines. An easy way to see the vineyards and taste the best wine while in Florence is to enjoy a wine tasting tour right in the heart of Florence or set out one a beautiful wine day trip. Start your wine journey in Italy by booking directly with Vacation Perfect. We have relaxing vacation rentals overlooking some stunning views that pair well with a vintage wine in your hand. Plus, we’ve hand-picked the best wine tours in Florence that will perfectly complement your stay!

Experience the best of Tuscany’s wine while in Florence!

Florence Tuscan Wine Private Tour

Ideal for wine enthusiasts and novices alike, this delightful Tuscan Wine Private Tour delves into the wine making techniques unique to Tuscany. During this three-hour tour and tasting, you’ll learn about the historical and contemporary production of Tuscan wine while tasting four local varieties of reds and whites in the company of a licensed sommelier. Find out more about the characteristic elements of Tuscan wines and what soil and weather conditions contribute to the distinct flavor profiles in this part of the country. A great finishing touch to any day in Florence!

Experience Tuscany’s wines on a day trip from Florence.

The Best Of Tuscany In One Day Trip From Florence

Enjoy a beautiful day out from Florence on this Best of Tuscany Day Trip from Florence, which includes a guided walking tour through the medieval city of Siena and free time in the hilltop town of San Gimignano and Pisa. While in Siena, see Piazza del Campo, the site of the 600-year-old Palio horse race, and admire the interior of the Duomo. Also, wine lovers will enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch and informal wine tasting at a Chianti vineyard in a gorgeous location overlooking stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Taste Of Florence Food Tour

Immerse yourself in Florentine food and wine culture with a passionate local guide on a Taste of Florence Food Tour. This fabulous tour has seven gastronomic stops, curiosities and hidden treasures that only Florentines know. When it comes to wine, you can taste Chianti wine before ending the whole experience with a sweet surprise.

Relax with a glass of wine on the charming terrace at Casetta Bonsi in Florence.

Tuscany Villa and Vacation Rentals for Wine Lovers

Experiencing a lovely wine tour is only one of the many perks of visiting the Florence. The first step is finding that perfect vacation rental with spectacular views to admire while you sit with friends and enjoy time together over a glass of wine. Here are just a few Italy Perfect rentals in Florence and the Tuscan countryside to inspire your next stay!

• Casetta Bonsi: Imagine sipping your wine from a charming apartment with a terrace right in the heart of Florence. The Casetta Bonsi is a charming rental in the Oltrarno neighborhood that sleeps up to four people.
• L’Albero Bello: Grab your wine and friends and bring them out to the pool at this stunning vacation rental property. Situated close to both Tuscan and Umbrian attractions, this property is perfect for relaxing but also exploring the Tuscan countryside.

Enjoy a glass of wine al fresco at the L’Albero Bello villa.

Appreciate Italy with a Glass of Wine in Your Hand

These wine tours in Florence will give you a new way to fall in love with Italy. Your experience can start when you book directly with Vacation Perfect. To learn more about Florence, read our travel guide at Italy Perfect for more things to do and tips on planning your vacation. Contact us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 for the best vacation rental in Florence.

The post How to Savor the Wines of Tuscany While in Florence appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

Justly famous for some of the best food in Europe, Italy is a dream for delicious meals and unforgettable food experiences. As the capital of Tuscany, you can enjoy excellent food right in Florence, Italy. Make sure you save plenty of room and time to dine because the best way to sample Florence’s food is by partaking in one of the many food tours available. You can find your Florence, Italy, vacation rental and food tours through Vacation Perfect. Browse our cozy and spacious vacation rentals and the food tours we recommend for our guests.

Florence Tuscan Wine Private Tour

This Tuscan Wine Tour and Tasting aims to meld an informative, didactic session with a pleasing, sensory experience. During this three-hour experience, you’ll learn more about the historical and contemporary production of Tuscan wine while tasting four local varieties of reds and whites in the company of a licensed sommelier with a vast experience in wine tastings.

• Per Group (Up to 12 people): $438.00

Florence Private Food Tour

Led by an Italian cuisine expert, discover some of Florence’s most authentic and historic gastronomic establishments, complete with tastings of the city’s best snacks and sweets, from salamis to pastries. On this two-and-a-half-hour Florence Food Tour, you’ll join a local chef or food writer to explore Florence’s outstanding contribution to Italian cuisine.

• Per Group (Up to 2 people): $465.00

• Per Group (Up to 3 people): $551.00

• Per Group (Up to 4 people): $636.00

• Per Group (Up to 5 people): $722.00

• Per Group (Up to 6 people): $807.00

Taste Of Florence Food Tour

On this tour, you will start from the city’s very heart. Your guide will lead you through a tasty itinerary packed with seven gastronomic stops, curiosities and hidden treasures that only Florentines know about. The Taste of Florence Food Tour is around two hours and thirty minutes. You’ll make seven stops and taste four different types of wines.

• Price: €55.00

Taste The Best Of Florence, Italy

You shouldn’t have a problem finding some delicious food in Florence, Italy. We know wherever you go, it will be a memorable meal. Vacation Perfect can help you along every step of the way for your Florence vacation. To learn more about Florence, Italy, read our travel guide at Italy Perfect for more things to do and how to plan your vacation. Contact us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 to find the best vacation rental in Florence, Italy.

The post Enjoy the Best Food in Florence on These Tasty Tours appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

As one of Italy’s top travel destinations, Florence is a city so rich with history and charm that it can be a challenge to know where to start. We’ve created this guide to help you plan a perfect week that includes all the top museums and sights, best gastronomic experiences, beautiful walks and perfect day trips in Tuscany. We’ve also included our favorite hidden gems and a variety of options and ideas if you’re planning a return trip or already know and love Florence. Check it out and then contact our team to help you find that perfect vacation apartment rental in Florence!

Experience the best of Florence!

Day 1: Discovering the Historic Heart of Florence

Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been traveling to Florence for years, there’s something special about stepping into Piazza di San Giovanni and coming face to face with the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral. You can often catch a glimpse of its geometric white, green and pink marble design while approaching along the narrow side streets. But when it’s there in front of you, especially looking up at Brunelleschi’s dome, it’s hard to pull your eyes away. Start your visit with a stroll around the cathedral, also called the Duomo, and then visit inside to stand under the massive dome that is decorated with 16th-century frescoes by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. If you have a head for heights and don’t mind a lot of steps, you can climb up to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome or the 278-foot tall bell tower.

Just opposite the entrance to the Duomo you’ll spot the stand alone octagonal Baptistery, which is one of the oldest buildings in Florence. It was built between 1059 and 1128 in the Florentine Romanesque style, which greatly influenced the later Renaissance style you’ll see around Florence. Don’t miss the sets of bronze doors with carved relief panels. The doors on the east side closest to the Duomo by Lorenzo Ghiberti are so beautiful that Michelangelo called them the “Gates of Paradise.” You can learn more about the Duomo in the fascinating Museo dell’Opera del Duomo located behind the cathedral.

The area around the Duomo is fun for shopping and exploring. It’s rich with historical sights like the 14th-century church Orsanmichele, one of our favorite hidden gems in Florence.

See the Doni Tondo by Michelangelo at the Uffizi.

Day 2: Renaissance Masterpieces & Santa Croce

Home to one of the greatest collections of art in the world, the Uffizi Gallery is a must while you’re in Florence. Don’t lose any time waiting in line by booking an Uffizi Gallery Priority Pass or, even better, an Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket to be led through the collection by an experienced guide. However you choose to visit, you’ll have the chance to see firsthand some of the most important masterpieces by artists such as Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and many more. Be sure to pace yourself and afterwords stroll over to beautiful Piazza della Signoria where you’ll find the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence’s town hall, and many beautiful statues, including a copy of Michelangelo’s David.

In the afternoon, meander over to the Santa Croce neighborhood to visit the Basilica of Santa Croce, which is full of artistic and architectural treasures. Check out our Santa Croce guide for tips on what to see and do, where to shop and the best restaurants.

Discover the unique flavors of Florence.

Day 3: Gastronomic Delights in Florence

Savoring delicious Tuscan fare is something you’ll enjoy every day in Florence. Not sure where to start? For the tastiest experience, head out on a Taste of Florence Food Tour or a Florence Private Food Tour. Want to learn more about Italian wines while in Italy? Discover local wines and pairings on this 3-hour Florence Tuscan Wine Private Tour. If you’re like us and fall in love with all the delicious pizza and Tuscan dishes you’ll enjoy while dining out, then consider spending some time learning how to recreate those specialties at home. Learn how to make your own Italian Homemade Pasta, have fun with the the always popular Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class, or enjoy a Four Course Lunch Cooking Class or a Florentine Dinner Cooking Class.

Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo for stunning views! (credit)

Day 4: Beautiful Gardens & Florence Views

Florence is beautiful from every angle, but one of the loveliest spots by far is the view overlooking the city from Piazzale Michelangelo. Follow our self-guided Florence Walking Tour from the Ponte Vecchio past a 14th-century entrance tower to Florence, through a rose garden and up to Piazzale Michelangelo for a stunning view. Spend more time in the area by climbing a little further up to the beautiful San Miniato al Monte Basilica. On the way up or back down, spend time visiting the Museo Stefano Bardini and Bardini Gardens or head back across the Arno to visit the remarkable Bargello Museum to see masterpieces of the Renaissance, like Donatello’s David, in a historic building that is almost as beautiful as the art on display.

The Palazzo Pitti was home to the Medici family.

Day 5: A Day with the Medici

One name you’ll hear a lot of in Florence is Medici and that’s because this wealthy and powerful family ruled Florence during the Renaissance and were patrons to the most influential and important artists of the day. Get to know more about them on the Florence Medici Private Tour that takes you from artistic treasures in their family church to the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and the Medici Chapel in the San Lorenzo church. After the tour, head across the Arno to the Oltrarno neighborhood to visit the Palazzo Pitti which was the Medici family’s lavish home. Then skip the line to the Boboli Gardens and imagine the life the Medici’s lived with these as their private gardens in the heart of Florence.

The Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens are just the beginning of the treasures you can discover in the Oltrarno. Check out our guide to the stylish and fun Oltrarno neighborhood for more ideas!

Spend a day exploring beautiful Tuscany on a day trip from Florence!

Day 6: Best of Tuscany Day Trip

Florence is so well situated for exploring Tuscany and top destinations across Italy. If you’d like spend more time exploring and less time in museums, enjoy easy day trips to Siena, the Cinque Terre, Bologna and even Venice. Wine enthusiasts will want to head out on day trips to the best wineries in Tuscany while during the summer months there are beautiful beach day trips from Florence, too.

Have limited time and want to see the top sights in Tuscany on a worry-free day? On our recommended Best of Tuscany Day Trip you’ll visit the historic center of Siena and see its magnificent cathedral and then enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch and wine tasting at a Chianti vineyard followed by time spent in the famous hilltop town of San Gimignano and finish the day with a visit to Pisa. You’ll return to Florence having experienced the beauty and unforgettable flavors of Tuscany!

See the original David sculpture at the Accademia Gallery. (credit)

Day 7: Seeing David & Shopping in Style

Although you’ll surely spot the famous David statue in front of the Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria, that isn’t the original statue carved by Michelangelo. To see that you’ll want to visit the Galleria dell’ Accademia, which is just a short stroll north from the Duomo. Of course, you won’t be the only one eager to see this masterpiece, so save time by booking the Accademia Gallery skip the line tour to avoid waiting in a long queue. While the David is certainly a show stopper, you’ll also see other important works by Michelangelo as well as 15th-century paintings by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Uccello and more.

Spend a leisurely afternoon strolling over toward Santa Maria Novella church, where you can stop to see an impressive crucifix by Giotto and works by Botticelli, Masaccio and more. Around the corner, visit the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella — the world’s oldest pharmacy — which is a great spot to pick out special gifts to take back home. Spend the afternoon shopping along elegant Via dè Tornabuoni or the smaller side streets. Or head to the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo to learn more about Florence’s fashion history.

Ready to book your perfect week in Italy? Check out our Florence vacation apartment rentals and contact our team for assistance booking your stay!

The post A Perfect Week in Florence Itinerary appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.

One of the best ways to explore Italy’s scenic views and iconic landmarks is by planning ahead and booking luxury Italy tours to maximize your sightseeing or indulge in Italian cuisine experiences. There are various beautiful ways to see Italy. Whether with family or friends, splurging on a luxury tour of Italy’s most famous sites is a lovely way to appreciate the art, architecture and culture. But first, you need to narrow down where you want to stay. Vacation Perfect has a place for you near many of the best locations in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast. Please take a look at our Italy Perfect vacation properties and dream about the tours that you can take to see the highlights and learn about Italy’s rich culture and artistic traditions, whether you’re a history buff or a foodie who loves Italian cuisine.

Colosseum and Ancient Rome Private Tour

Step back in time to the fascinating days of ancient Rome on this private guided tour that includes skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Take the stress out of visiting these top Roman attractions and let your professional guide navigate the ancient sites.

Highlights of Rome Private Full Day Tour

See the best of Rome on this private half-day tour of the Eternal City’s most iconic sights, including the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Pantheon. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Rome or travelers with limited time.

Florence Boboli Gardens Tour

Skip the line to visit Florence’s famous Renaissance gardens. Highlights include a six-meter Egyptian obelisk from the time of Rameses II, grottoes, and the Fountain of Neptune.

Venice Grand Canal Private Boat Tour

Travel with a local historian to Venice’s labyrinth of canals in a private, covered boat. Explore the San Marco Neighborhood and Grand Canal.

Find The Perfect Italy Tour For You

We know that you will be able to find exciting luxury Italy sightseeing tours while you stay here. See some of the best iconic landmarks in the world while on tour while staying at the most accommodating vacation rentals in Italy with Vacation Perfect. Check with Vacation Perfect for the most beautiful vacation rentals for you and your family. Our travel blog has many more resources to learn about what to see and things to do in Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Venice, Amalfi, and Emilia-Romagna. Get in touch with us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 to learn about renting a vacation apartment or villa in Italy.

The post Take Your Family on These Luxury Italy Tours appeared first on Italy Perfect Travel Blog.