The Italian city of Florence embodies the beating heart of the cultural, artistic and intellectual heritage of not just the Tuscan region, but of Italy as a whole. A trip to Italy would not be fulfilled without a stop in Florence to explore the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia, Palazzo della Signoria and the highly romantic Ponte Vecchio.
For these and various other reasons, Florence is also a perfect romantic destination, suitable for indulging in a romantic getaway away from the hustle and bustle of big cities and everyday life or for spending a honeymoon or even celebrating an anniversary.
So here are some tips and suggestions for how to best experience your romantic getaway in Florence.
Where to stay?
The first thing to do when deciding to plan a trip is, of course, to book the round-trip flight and accommodation. The best choice would be to book a hotel in the city center, and since we are talking about a romantic trip, you could opt for Duomo suites Florence to have more freedom of movement without having to depend on public transportation.
When booking a suite, guests will usually enjoy a transfer service to and from the airport as well as special VIP treatment to be pampered and spoiled. These services include, for example, breakfast served in the room and the presence of a hot tub.
5 things to do in Florence as a couple
If you want to enjoy romantic moments with your other half, all you have to do is to choose one of the many streets in the center and let yourself be carried away by the beauty, history and flavors that the city has to offer.
1. Horse-drawn carriage ride
If you are staying in a central location, it will be almost impossible to pass up hand-in-hand walks through the city center, but if you want to make your stay even more romantic, just take a carriage ride led by a fiaccheraio. In the past these provided a real public transportation service, but today the customers are mainly tourists intrigued by the experience. The fiaccherai will accompany your romantic ride by telling anecdotes and interesting facts about the city, passing through more unfamiliar and less-traveled streets.
2. Piazzale Michelangelo
One of the city’s most scenic vantage points, Piazzale Michelangelo is situated on one of the hills surrounding the historic center. It can be reached either by vehicle or by climbing the Rampe del Poggi.
A life-size replica of Michelangelo’s David stands majestically in the center of the square, while nearby several stands selling snacks and souvenirs.
A few steps away, however, we find the Rose Garden and the Iris Garden, a beautiful and lush green area where you can relax and admire the enchanting sights of Florence.
3. A trip on the Arno River
Another charming and romantic way to visit the city is to take a ride on the Arno River. You need only board a barchetto, the traditional boat steered by the renaioli, to be catapulted into an unparalleled experience. During the tour you will pass under Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinità , as well as near the Uffizi and the Corridoio Vasariano. The tour lasts one hour and runs Monday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. In the warmer months, however, you will have the option of booking your tour at night times, so after sunset: at 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
4. Tasting of typical wines
The area around Florence offers a wide choice of wineries and wine cellars where excellent wines can be tasted. The most characteristic and well-known areas are Val di Chiana and Crete Senesi, or even Val d’Orcia, Val d’Elsa and the well-known Chianti hills. Very often some wineries offer the possibility to organize events such as aperitifs in the middle of the rows to enjoy an intimate and characteristic atmosphere.
5. Romantic dinner
Last, but not least, is the option of indulging in a romantic moonlight dinner in the historic center of Florence. The choice is really wide, from the classy catering services offered by hotels to the many restaurants in the center characterized by soft lights, candles and an intimate and evocative atmosphere. The majestic scenery offered by the city will surely make your dinner unforgettable. Moreover, why not, this atmosphere could create the ideal occasion to make a romantic proposal to your loved one.
