Staff On Tour: Florence

Our staff frequently tour Italy to road test our customers’ fabulous travel experiences, provide on-the-ground feedback and scope out the latest delights. Here, insider tips from the destination experts…

Paul, Product Manager

What is your best Italy travel tip?
Get up early and explore the ancient streets before the masses arrive, especially in summer. One of the special parts of Italy is just walking the streets and taking in the feeling of the ancient buildings. Another tip is to take a backpack rather than a suitcase. Suitcases are difficult to maneuver over the cobblestone streets and the bridges of Venice are a real challenge. 

What do you wish you’d known before your visit?
Many famous attractions and museums book out well in advance. While our tours include some must see highlights, there might be extra things you’d like to see in your free time. It’s worth looking these things up a month or two before your trip and pre-book if necessary. 

What’s your one must-see sight or must-do experience?
It’s almost impossible to choose one thing—you could go back 100 times to Italy and still discover something incredible. However, the one that sticks out the most was visiting the Pantheon in Rome. It’s a truly remarkable feat of engineering that still hasn’t been matched some 2000 years later. 

Best way to spend a free afternoon in Florence? 
My favourite way to explore Florence is on a bike. There are plenty of bike rentals available throughout the city. Ride to Osteria Pastella and try the truffle pasta cooked in the giant cheese wheel. Spend some time book shopping and drinking coffee in the old Odeon Theatre Library. Cross the river and head to one of the many rooftop bars overlooking the ancient skyline of Florence. 

Get there: Paul enjoyed some popular sights found on our 12 Day Absolute Italy By Rail, an in-depth, independant tour that includes many top spots across Italy.