Our Trip to Tuscany – The Florence Chapter
Getting to Tuscany has become my favorite obsession. When I’m not there, I miss it like an old friend. No, I don’t dream of moving there permanently—but when life feels overwhelming, I find myself mentally wandering the quiet cobblestone streets of an authentic Italian village.
There’s something magical about Tuscany. The views alone are enough to reset your soul. The pace of life slows down just enough to breathe deeply, enjoy your surroundings, and savor the beauty that exists far outside our everyday routines.
This recent journey began in Rome, followed by a scenic high-speed train ride on Trenitalia to Florence, and concluded with a relaxing stay in my beloved Montefollonico. But today, let’s focus on the second chapter of our adventure: Florence.
Why Florence Stole Our Hearts (Again)
It’s been over twelve years since we last visited Florence. We’ve been so focused on discovering new places and continents that we hadn’t carved out time to return to one of the cities that means a lot to us. Our son, Nick, studied abroad in Florence—a transformative experience for him—and ever since, this Renaissance city has held a special place in our family’s travel memories.
This visit wasn’t just a nostalgic return. It was a rediscovery. We explored new restaurants, tried fresh experiences, and stayed in a fabulous hotel that we hadn’t experienced before. Here are the highlights from our unforgettable days in Florence.
Where We Stayed: Il Tornabuoni Hotel
Located inside one of Florence’s most historic palaces, Il Tornabuoni is part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection. With just 62 rooms and suites, it offers a luxurious boutique experience infused with bold wallpaper, jewel-toned decor, and a touch of old-world charm. The service? Flawless. The food? Exquisite.
We’ve been loyal to Hyatt for decades, and this property reminded us why. Its central location made it the perfect base to explore the city on foot. (P.S. I could write a whole post just on this hotel—it was that memorable!)
A Taste of Florence: The Other Side Food Tour
We took a walking food tour with Eating Europe through the Oltrarno neighborhood, a charming and often-overlooked area where locals live and eat. Our guide, Serena, was delightful and knowledgeable, and she wove historical information, anecdotes, and fascinating food stories while we walked the streets of this delicious city!
Highlights included:
Pecorino cheese & fennel salami
Llampredotto (yes, made from the cow’s stomach—when in Florence!)
Wild boar stew (Cinghiale), paired with local wine
Gorgeous mille-feuille and a variety of other Tuscan treats
Visiting a wine window!
This side of Florence felt more authentic, less crowded, and absolutely delicious. And yes—Stanley Tucci approved (he featured Llampredotto on his new travel show.
When “Simone” Found Simone
Some of you know that my maiden name is Simone—so imagine my delight when I stumbled into a boutique leather shop where the owner’s name is also Simone. Most of his handmade leather goods are stamped with “Simone,” and naturally, I had to bring a piece home. My red, cross-body bag is already a cherished souvenir and a lovely reminder of this serendipitous encounter.
Uffizi with a Private Guide: A Game-Changer
The Uffizi Gallery is nothing short of overwhelming but absolutely incredible! The history, the art, the crowds, and in July—the heat. We made the wise decision to hire a private guide. This allowed us to dive deep into the stories and significance behind the masterpieces without getting lost in the chaos of the crowds. Message me for her contact information.
Sandro Botticelli’s Primavera is a hallmark of the Italian Renaissance style, depicting a mythological scene of springtime renewal and fertility. This allegorical painting is renowned for its intricate detail, vibrant colors, and symbolic meaning.
If it’s your first time in Florence, don’t miss the Galleria dell’Accademia—Michelangelo’s David is a must-see.
A Florentine Tradition – Dining at Regina Bistecca
The story from Regina Bistecca website: “Florence is unquestionably the birthplace of the BISTECCA. Legend has it that it was born on the feast of San Lorenzo, a saint dear to the Medici family, on August 10th in the 16th century. At that time of great economic prosperity, Florence hosted merchants from all over the world, as it does tourists today, and for the occasion, English knights were present at the celebrations. At the sight of the prized meats, also cherished by them, they began to acclaim the “beef steak.” The tendency to Florentineize strange names later played a role in transforming the beef steak into our current BISTECCA”.
Since I don’t eat beef, Craig settled for the filet, which is a much smaller representation of the bistecca – typically the steaks are enormous and can be shared by several people. The restaurant was lovely, and the food was truly delicious (I had the eggplant parmesan), albeit a little touristy. I would definitely recommend it!
Cheese & Wine Heaven: Formaggioteca Terroir
Tucked away on “the other side” of the Arno, this intimate cheese and wine shop offered a curated tasting of a possible 50+ cheeses, all beautifully displayed and expertly paired with local wines. (We chose 5!) It was one of those experiences that feels like a secret you want to keep to yourself, but it’s too good not to share. Craig and I both enjoyed our tasting and look forward to returning to Formaggioteca Terroir again.
Don’t Forget the Gelato (As If You Could!)
Did you know that Florence is the birthplace of gelato? Sampling different flavors daily felt more like a cultural duty than a guilty pleasure. From classic stracciatella to innovative lavender-honey, the gelaterias here are nothing short of divine.
Sunset Strolls & Summer Light
Florence was made for wandering. We walked everywhere, soaking in the golden light that dances off ancient rooftops at sunset. Without sounding cliché, every piazza, every turn, every narrow alleyway offered something exciting to discover.
Want to Join Us in Tuscany?
If this story stirred your sense of wanderlust, why not come with us? We’re hosting new tours in Tuscany in the Spring and Fall of 2026, designed for curious travelers who crave beauty, culture, connection, and amazing food & wine! The groups are small, so don’t wait to save your spots! Tuscany is waiting for you!
Ciao for now!
