Italy for me From Italy with love
Of course, one day in Florence is far too little—we strongly recommend spending at least 2–3 days here. But how can you make the most of a single day in this incredible city?
Let’s look at a real-life scenario and a practical itinerary based on my own experience—specifically, a one-day trip from Rome to Florence.
Imagine you’re staying in Rome, with your hotel or apartment already booked, and after exploring the main attractions of the Eternal City, you’re ready to discover Florence.
You might find these helpful:
Page Contents
How to Get to Florence Quickly
Take an early morning high-speed train—either Italotreno or Trenitalia—from Rome, and in just an hour and a half, you’ll arrive at Santa Maria Novella station in the heart of Florence. From there, it’s only a short walk to all the top attractions.
Helpful guides:
- How to Get from Rome to Florence
- High-speed trains: ItaloTreno
- How to Get from Milan to Florence
Of course, you can explore Florence on your own all day, but if you have the chance, booking a private guided tour is a smart move.
Five must-see attractions in Florence:
- Giotto’s Bell Tower
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria del Fiore)
- Ponte Vecchio Bridge
- Uffizi Gallery
- Baptistery of St. John
A local guide who’s passionate about the city will show you the best spots, save you time, and make sure you have a smooth, memorable experience. After a full day of sightseeing, treat yourself to dinner at my favorite restaurant, then head back to Rome.
The Perfect Day Itinerary
Here’s what your ideal one-day itinerary in Florence might look like:
- Around 9:30 AM – After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, depart from Rome;
- Around 11:00 AM – Arrive at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station and meet your guide;
- From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city’s top attractions or embark on a culinary tasting experience;
- 2:00–2:30 PM – Enjoy a light lunch;
- 2:30–5:00 PM – Join a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery;
- 6:00–8:00 PM – Savor dinner at a local favorite restaurant;
- Around 9:00 PM – Depart back to Rome.
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments—I’m happy to help!