Come to Florence…
If you have read ‘Come to Rome with me, worry-free’ then you already have some idea of what this trip will be like. But bear with me, while I paint this picture for you.
As with the Roman tour, from the moment you step out of the airport, until you are returned there the following week, all the details -large and small- have been arranged. Your tour includes everything from your private driver to and from the airport to all hotels, meals, taxis and trains, tickets and fees, museums, etc. The idea is that, even if you arrive with empty pockets, you will still have a fabulous time in the city, enjoy great meals (and coffees and wines), see exquisite art and architecture. Inclusive. While you are welcome at any time to venture off on your own, you need not. The tour is escorted, beginning to end.
So, when you arrive at the Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola ‘Amerigo Vespucci’) you will walk through Customs (show your passport) and directly to baggage claim. It is a very small airport, easily traversed. As soon as you walk past baggage claim, you’ll see your driver with your name on a sign – relax! Let him take your bags to the car and whisk you into Florence, where I will be waiting in front of your hotel. We will get you settled, you can have a break if you like, or we can go right out into the city for a walkabout and an espresso or a bite to eat. Your first day will likely include a lengthy break for you to rest from your trip – typically, in the afternoon, also to help you acclimate to the time change. Like siesta, Italians have a midday riposo (rest period). While businesses that are primarily touristic may choose to stay open, it is customary for them to close during this period (even banks and the post office, museums, etc). It’s a good idea to follow suit. However, we can customize that, depending upon your arrival time and your time zone at home, and your wishes.
During the next week, we will meet each morning over breakfast. Florence, at the heart of Tuscany, is brimming with incredible architecture, art, history, culture, gastronomy and some of the best wines in the entire world. We will gasp at the paintings in the Uffizi Gallery, from Botticelli and Caravaggio to da Vinci and Rembrandt. We will visit Michelangelo’s David, and the Medici palace. We will see examples of magnificent architecture and marvel at their history. We will eat at the Mercato Centrale and if you’re game, we’ll dive into a traditional bistecca alla fiorentina. We will enjoy a day in the Tuscan countryside with stops for olive oil and wine tasting and lunch and a little sightseeing. You’ll take hundreds of pictures and make as many memories. And you will fall in love with Tuscany. It can’t be helped.
So come with me to Florence. I’ve taken care of all the research and planning and schedules and reservations. Everything will already be paid and you don’t have to worry about your travel budget, finding hotels, choosing good restaurants, scheduling transportation and arranging each day. You don’t have need to be concerned about getting lost or being safe on your own or knowing Italian or finding a good exchange rate for euros. I’ve got this.
Magic Wine Glass Tours
Florence: November 2-9, 2024
Rome or Florence, One Week
$5500/double occupancy, or if you prefer $6900/solo.
Includes ground transportation, lodging and meals, entertainment, and daily escort
Does not include air fare, but even if you came empty handed, you’d still eat well, drink lovely Italian wines and coffees, and have a great time.
I’ve tried to include all that sort of expense, to that end, to keep your planning utterly simplified.
Leave it to me. That’s the best part of having your own Fairygodmother.
