Private day trips from Florence to places you'll never forget

Florence's essential attractions include the magnificent Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) with Brunelleschi's dome, the Uffizi Gallery housing masterpieces from Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery, the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Boboli Gardens. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an open-air museum of Renaissance art and architecture.

The best time to visit Florence is during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October when the weather is pleasant (65-75°F/18-24°C) and tourist crowds are manageable. Summer (June-August) brings hot temperatures and peak crowds, while winter offers fewer tourists but cooler temperatures and reduced hours at some attractions. Many Florentines vacation in August, so some local shops and restaurants may be closed.

Popular day trips from Florence include the medieval towers of San Gimignano, the Chianti wine region, the historic rival city of Siena with its stunning Piazza del Campo, the charming walled city of Lucca, and the iconic leaning tower of Pisa.

Florence's historic center is compact and best explored on foot, with most major attractions within walking distance of each other. For longer journeys, the city has an efficient bus network operated by ATAF. Taxis must be called or found at designated stands rather than hailed on streets. For day trips to smaller Tuscan towns and countryside areas, Daytrip's private transportation service offers a convenient alternative to public transportation.

The Euro (€) is the official currency in Italy. While credit cards are widely accepted at most establishments, smaller shops, markets, and some family-run restaurants may prefer cash. ATMs (called "Bancomat" in Italian) are readily available throughout city centers. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and to cover "coperto" (cover charges) at restaurants.

In Florence, lunch is typically served from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, with many restaurants closed between meals. A coperto (cover charge) of 1-4 euros per person is standard and should be listed on the menu. Tipping is not expected as service is usually included, though rounding up the bill is appreciated for exceptional service. Cappuccino is considered a breakfast drink only, while espresso is enjoyed throughout the day.

Florence is generally very safe for tourists with low rates of violent crime. The main concerns are pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and around the main train station (Santa Maria Novella). Maintain awareness of your belongings, avoid displaying expensive items conspicuously, and be cautious of common scams targeting tourists. The historic center is well-lit and active well into the evening, making it comfortable for night walking.

Pack comfortable walking shoes for Florence's cobblestone streets, modest clothing for visiting churches (covered shoulders and knees), layered clothing for variable weather, and a light rain jacket (especially in spring). Summer visitors should include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection. Bring a universal power adapter for electronics, and consider leaving room in your luggage for shopping – Florence is known for its leather goods, paper products, and artisanal crafts.