Tuscany: Florence, Forte dei Marmi & Pisa
Florence is back in the spotlight for 2024; the famous Vasari corridor at the Uffizi has reopened after eight long years, and more recently the city took centre stage for the Grand Depart of the Tour de France.
Its art, architecture, and good looks make it a great starting point for a Tuscan adventure. Gaze out over the iconic Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral and take time to explore the Uffizi, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and hunt for vintage finds in the city’s traditional markets.
Head to the trending town of Forte dei Marmi on the Tuscan coast and take your pick of Michelin-rated restaurants and private beach clubs, or bagni. It’s then on to Pisa, home to the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower, diverse medieval architecture, and a bucolic setting of olive groves and vineyards.
Experience this...
Tour Florence’s cathedrals
The terracotta dome of Santa Maria del Fiore is an iconic fixture of Florence’s skyline. Those who take the time to see it up close will be in awe of the external facade covered in ornate white, red, and green marble patterns. A short stroll (or gelato break) away is the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. The first great basilica in Florence, its green and white marble exterior is a striking example of Romanesque style.
Go shopping in Florence’s markets
Shop like a local in Florence’s eclectic markets. Fill your basket with fresh produce and tasty treats from across Tuscany, or haggle over vintage finds and leather goods. Florence’s outdoor markets are ideal places to hunt for souvenirs and one-of-a-kind artisan trinkets. The Mercato del Porcellino is highly recommended, housed under the arches of a 16th-century loggia. It’s known for its textiles, leather goods, and bronze boar statue, which is said to bring good luck.
Enjoy the beach town of Forte dei Marmi
Forte dei Marmi has a history of being the playground for the Italian aristocracy on Tuscany’s coast. Spend your morning lounging on a sunbed at a private beach club before cooling off in the inviting Tyrrhenian Sea. After lunch, escape the heat with designer shopping in town. It’s a treasure trove of Italy’s best-known fashion labels like Prada and Gucci, and a weekly market, held in Piazza Marconi every Wednesday, offers big brand names. Perhaps the greatest joy though, is people-watching with aperitivo.
Discover Michelin-starred restaurants
Forte dei Marmi has become a culinary hotspot for Michelin-star dining. The coastal town has five Michelin-recognised restaurants, so you’re spoilt for choice. Head to family-owned Lorenzo for impeccable seafood and wine pairings, or catch a sunset on the terrace at Lux Lucis. Find yourself in a secret garden at Il Parco di Villa Grey, where creative flavours can be explored from two menus. The fresh bread with cuttlefish ink butter is a must-try.
Visit the Piazza del Duomo
Stroll out of your hotel and, within moments, you’ll find yourself in the shadow of one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The UNESCO-listed Piazza del Duomo is home to four marvels of medieval architecture, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You can go up the freestanding bell tower and admire the slightly lopsided views from the top. Don't miss the nearby Romanesque Baptistery, which holds hourly musical performances demonstrating its phenomenal acoustics.
Suggested itinerary
Start your trip in the heart of Florence with two nights at Grand Hotel Baglioni. This traditional Florentine hotel has a roof terrace with dazzling views of the Duomo. Grand Hotel Imperiale will be your base in the Tuscan town of Forte dei Marmi. Settle into its exclusive beach club and exquisite views of the Versilia coast. Finish at Grand Hotel Duomo in Pisa with its terrace restaurant, which gives you a glimpse of the Leaning Tower over dinner.
Travel style
Travel throughout is by private car, so sit back and enjoy the views of vineyard-crossed hills, pastel-coloured villages, and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Your handcrafted journey starts here
7 nights start from £2,134pp including flights from Stansted (17th Sept 2024) and accommodation based on two sharing.
Subject to availability, T&Cs apply.
Your personal Travel Counsellor can tailor-make your Tuscan trip to suit. Swap in experiences - perhaps a wine-tasting or cookery class? Plump for your preferred hotels or ask for your perfect agriturismo to be pinpointed. And of course, stay longer in a favourite city or comune if you wish.
Take a few of these ideas to adapt, or let your Travel Counsellor create a holiday from scratch... they may even throw in a wildcard or two.
Contact your Travel Counsellor today to get things started.
