Italy Beyond the Obvious Goes to Florence

On-the-ground research is one of Italy Beyond the Obvious’ greatest assets, since our team members live in Italy. Sometimes that research takes the shape of a team trip – this time, to Florence. We spent a few days diving deep into what’s new and exciting in the Tuscan capital, exploring experiences and restaurants with our future travelers in mind.  So, what did we do in the City of Art and History, Food (and Artisan) Capital and Winelover’s Paradise? Read on to find out.

We took a Florence food tour

One of our favorite private guides took us on an incredible food journey through the ancient streets of Florence, teaching us about the foodie haven’s culinary traditions and legends, with tasty bites along the way. We had a spectacular cheese tasting (see more here!) in the landmark San Lorenzo market, had an inventive panino that proves Florence’s panino game has taken an inspiring turn, and tasted some of Tuscany’s most famous wines (think Dante! The Medici family!) in a historic enoteca with wall-to-wall bottles. We ended the tour with some fabulous gelato, fully satisfied and ready for a nap, and spent the rest of the trip following our own advice on how to eat like an Italian.

We visited some of Florence’s lesser-explored museums

Everyone goes to the Uffizi and for good reason, but Florence offers so many artistic wonders away from the crowds, you could spend a month there and still barely scratch the surface. One being the Museo degli Innocenti, Florence’s first orphanage turned museum, which blends art, history, and social innovation. Designed by Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi, it tells the stories of the children it once cared for, offering a quiet, reflective stop in the heart of the city. We also visited the Chiesa di Orsanmichele, originally a grain market – you can still see the chutes where grain was delivered – today paired with beautiful frescoes and ornate altarpieces. And a bonus included in your ticket is the building across the way, with fabulous sculptures and breathtaking views across the city. Finally, we took the infamous walk along the recently renovated and re-opened Vasari Corridor that leads from the Uffizi all the way to Palazzo Pitti.

We had a paper-marbling session

This activity provided us with the perfect little break from our whirlwind days, recharging our creative batteries. We learned how the ancient art of paper marbling is done and after a lesson, got to do it ourselves, choosing our colors and original design! A fascinating example of Florence’s artistic heritage, inspiring us to do further classes like bookbinding, painting, perfume making and so much more.  

We ate truffles on rooftops and drank wine under Dante’s eyes

Did you know there is a restaurant/wine bar in Florence that hold both Roman ruins and Renaissance frescoes with a purported portrait of Dante and some of his very esteemed colleagues? Did you know you could find an authentic Florentine trattoria just steps from the Piazza della Signoria or eat the freshest truffles atop a historic building near the Ponte Vecchio? We enjoyed all this – and more – all in the name of…research.

We brainstormed and planned for next year

While we are headquartered in California, most of our team is based in various Italian cities, so we mostly work remote. When we get the chance to meet up, the group energy takes on a life of its own and new ideas for experiences, off-the-beaten-track cities, and ways to offer our clients impeccable service flow like the Arno a brisk fall day. Hence, we’ve got plenty of ideas for your next Italian escape! Reach out and let us help you create an incredible Italian vacation.