Jul.
14/09

From Rome to Florence: An Itinerary

: Image via Wikipedia

I recently completed an itinerary for a group of clients who flew into Rome and had 3 days they wanted to spend in Tuscany & Florence. So, we put together this terrific itinerary and they couldn’t have been happier. Here are the details:

The small group arrived into Rome, Fiumicino airport just after noon. We arranged a private bus that took them north towards Florence. The idea was to have lunch in the Tuscan hills prior to arriving in Florence.

We decided to make our stop at the magnificent Castello Vicchiomaggio, about 3 hours from Rome and only 30 minutes into Florence. The group arrived hungry, so we had arranged an open-air lunch overlooking wonderful Tuscan landscape. The menu was second-to-none:

A selection of mixed Tuscan canapés served with our vibrant white wine “Ripa delle Mandorle” in the garden dominating the Chianti hills.

Two seasonal first courses, eg.: Straccetti with wild boar sauce and Risotto alla Fiorentina with Tuscan sausages.

One typical main course, Stracotto di manzo al Chianti Classico (beef marinated in Chianti Classico wine). Two seasonal vegetables.

Two desserts: “Dolce della fattoressa” ricotta cheese cake with chocolate sauce and Cantuccini di Prato with Vin Santo.

Drinks included: 1 bottle (0,75 lt) red wine “Littifredo da Vicchiomaggio” and mineral water per 4 guests.

After a private tour of the winery, the group made their way into Florence.

Prior to arriving at the hotel, they stopped at Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers an unparalleled view of the Arno, Duomo and the rest of Florence.

Our hotel for this stay was the little gem called Hotel Degli Orafi. It is located on the Arno (river) and very close to the infamous Ponte Vecchio. Rooms are tastefully decorated, there is a rooftop bar (imagine the views!) and the hotel owners are very welcoming.

There is so much to enjoy in Florence including The Uffizi gallery, The Accademia (where the real David is, not the one in Piazza Signoria), The Boboli Gardens and the up-and-coming area called Fiesole suburb just outside of the city.

The morning after their arrival, the group arranged a private walking tour with a local guide. This is one of the best ways to get some quick insight on a city that is small and very walkable. The review was, ‘everyone loved the walking tour and thought that Richard the guide was phenomenal’.

The trip was capped-off with leisure time and a gala dinner, but from what I understand, 3 days in Tuscany made for a lifetime of memories.