Florence has long been celebrated as a hilly, tucked-away city with small-town appeal. People often refer to its rich past, buzzing museums, and monumental statues, pegging it as a destination for students and history buffs. That's why you'd be surprised to know that the "city of lilies" is a hidden gem of luxury. Its fashion background rivals Milan, and its culinary delights are comparable to those of Rome. You'll find everything from Michelin star eateries to lavish leather along the cobblestone streets and narrow corridors.
GoWithGuide has an array of experienced local tour guides for those who crave exclusivity when they travel. To fill you in on Florence's history of decadence and indulgence, pick from a selection of private, customizable tours. There's more than meets the eye, so let's touch on some of the activities that will have you feeling like an A-list celebrity in the heart of Tuscany.
Splurge At the Gucci Museum
Nothing says luxury like the House of Gucci. The fashion jewel was created in Florence, Italy, in 1921 by Guccio Gucci. If you've watched the Ridley Scott film House of Gucci, consider this an essential destination during your stay in Florence, as you'll get the full history of this iconic label. Located in the 14thcentury Palazzo Della Mercanzia at the vibrant Piazza Della Signoria, the Gucci museum opened in 2011 under creative director Alessandro Michele, who took over the House in 1994.
Everything, down to the bathrooms, is expertly designed and full of statement pieces such as trunks, briefcases, dresses, shoes, bags, and of course, their signature pigskin leather crafts. See the 100-year transformation and evolution of an international cultural staple, with each collection featuring a callback to previous pieces. After you've toured the floors, head to the Gucci Osteria for a Michelin star dining experience unlike any other. Headed by the culinary Renaissance man Massimo Bottura, you'll taste traditional Italian dishes like Tortellini with Parmigiano Reggiano cream, elevated by locally sourced ingredients.
I know what you're thinking. Can I shop there? Absolutely. The Gucci boutique is famous for its designer pieces that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Even the stationary and souvenirs at the Gucci Garden Bookstore speak of the attention to detail poured into everyday items such as notebooks and pens.
Travel Tip: If you have plans to eat at The Osteria, make reservations ahead of time. The Giardino 25 café is more casual and has an array of artisan sandwiches, pastries, and drinks that are just as tasty.
Lounge At Luxurious 5-Star Hotels
Walks along the Piazza followed by deep dives into Michelangelo's art at the Galleria Dell'accademia can be a full-day affair. So unwinding at a five-star hotel is a great way to end your busy day. Known for its old-world prestige, the Hotel Savoy first opened its doors in 1893 and has since grown into Florence's premier luxury hotel. The Rocco Forte has an exterior that matches the city's historic charm with an interior that provides comfort while maintaining elements that make it a favorite amongst Florentine elites. With 24-hour room service and a selective menu, you'll be spoilt for choice. If you want to head out, the free bike rentals are a great way to get around the main square.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore is a mere 4-minute walk from the Savoy, and you can gaze at the shops of the Ponte Vecchio after a 5-minute stroll from the hotel's entry point. In fact, most of Florence’s luxury hotels are located close enough to key landmarks and must-see locations. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio, and Brunelleschi's Dome, should you stay in the Portrait Firenze. You'll lounge on gorgeous handcrafted furniture, experience fully adorned suites, be catered to by 24/7 concierge services, and enjoy daily floral arrangements. Other notable hotels include The Westin, Hotel Regency, The Four Seasons, and St. Regis.
Travel Tip: To get the 5-star celebrity experience you're looking for, book months in advance, as these hotels have a limited number of suites that tend to fill up quickly.
Experience Fine Tuscan Dining
To encounter the depth and richness of Italian cuisine, look no further than Florence's food scene. Beyond the pizza, pasta, and gelato we all know and love, Florence's strong culinary background is highlighted by the emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The key is simplicity, but don't let that fool you. Steak is perfectly executed, playing up details like the edible garnish on your plate or the flavors from the chestnut wood your meat is roasted on.
The Enoteca Pinchiorri, run by the dream team of Annie Féolde and sommelier Georgio Pinchiorri, boasts three Michelin stars. It's known for its elaborate approach to meals and world-class wine selection of around 120,000 bottles. Another constant feature of the Michelin guide to Florentine dining is the Cibreo, a favorite amongst locals and visitors. The cozy yet elegant atmosphere and attentive, lively staff make for a comforting, elevated feast of Italian classics like polenta and Osso Bucco. Try the Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolò for a uniquely Tuscan evening.
Tucked away in the Oltrarno region, it's a classic trattoria-style eatery filled with hanging clusters of garlic, and stone-clad, arched dining booths. Expect essential Italian dishes and a good glass of red wine. Salivating already? Get in touch with a guide to discuss your culinary takeover.
Travel Tip: Some high-end restaurants may have a dress code, so check ahead and plan your evening wear accordingly.
Get the Tuscan Leather Look
For this next stop, we're celebrating Florence's centuries-old leather work tradition. What started along the Arno River as a gruelling profession has evolved into a world-renowned craft. Brands such as Chanel, Prada, and of course, Gucci, trace their leather back to Italy, so Florence is the best place to start for high fashion lovers. Capture the essence of Italian leather at Cellerini. The customer service, craftsmanship, and quality are so renowned that they have several branches in Italy and one abroad. From jackets and wallets to belts and handbags, they have it all.
To get into the nuts and bolts of what makes Florentine leather such a coveted treasure, head to Pierotucci. Once there, a master crafts person takes you through the process, assembling leather pieces before your eyes as you're talked through the necessary elements of any genuine Italian leather construction. You'll walk away with a pool of knowledge and a masterpiece. For the pulse of Florentine leather work, head to the Piazza Di Santa Croce where you'll find Misuri, one of the oldest luxury leather shops in the city. Founded in 1906, these crafts have a reputation for their cloud-like touch and vibrant colors.
Travel Tip: To get custom monogrammed pieces, start your trip at the leather district. Some pieces take a few days to make, but shops like Cellereni have an online portal where you can list your specifications.
Conclusion
Ready to make your lush Tuscan dreams come true? Get in touch with our experienced guides who will curate an A-list itinerary featuring our best tours. Regardless of the time you have, GoWithGuide’s Florence experience works around your schedule.
