Florence

Florence is one of those cities where history seems to surround you almost everywhere you walk. Renaissance architecture, centuries-old churches, bustling piazzas, sculptures, markets, and museums fill the historic center, while landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio create some of the most recognizable views in Italy.

But some of our favorite parts of Florence came from experiencing the city beyond its famous landmarks. Food tours introduced us to Tuscan specialties and the stories behind them, while walking through the historic center helped connect the streets and buildings around us with the people and events that shaped Florence over centuries. And, as we've learned repeatedly in Italy, exploring the local food is one of the best ways to begin understanding the place itself.

Florence also makes an excellent starting point for exploring more of Tuscany. Beyond the city, rolling countryside, vineyards, medieval towns, and historic communities offer an entirely different side of the region. Between exploring Florence itself and spending a day traveling through the Tuscan countryside, we found plenty of reasons to experience both sides of this incredible part of Italy.