Florence
From Rome
To travel from Rome to Florence, you have several convenient options, primarily by train, bus, or car. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to get there:
By Train (Fastest and Most Convenient)
High-Speed Trains: Trains are the fastest and most popular option, offering a quick and scenic journey.
Frecciarossa and Italo are the two main high-speed services, running from Roma Termini (Rome’s main train station) to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence’s main station).
Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.
Cost: Prices range from €20 to €60+, depending on how early you book and the class (economy or premium).
Departure Frequency: Trains depart about every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Booking: Tickets can be booked on websites like Trenitalia (for Frecciarossa) or Italo’s website.
2. By Bus (Cheaper but Longer)
Buses are less expensive than trains but take significantly longer.
FlixBus and MarinoBus are popular services.
Travel Time: About 3-4 hours.
Cost: Usually between €10 and €25.
Departure Location: Buses leave from Rome Tiburtina bus station and arrive at Florence Piazzale Montelungo (close to the train station).
3. By Car (Flexible but Slower)
Renting a car offers flexibility if you prefer stopping along the way, especially to visit towns like Orvieto or explore Tuscany.
Driving Time: Around 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Cost: Consider rental fees, gas, and tolls (Italian highways have tolls).
Route: Take the A1 (Autostrada del Sole) north toward Florence.
Parking: Parking in Florence’s city center can be difficult and expensive, so plan accordingly.
4. By Plane (Not Recommended)
Flying between Rome and Florence is not recommended, as the time spent at the airport and travel to/from the airport outweighs the short duration of the flight.
Best Option:
If you want speed and convenience, the high-speed train is by far the best choice for traveling from Rome to Florence.
Florence is rich in art, history, and culture, offering a wealth of experiences. Here’s a list of the top 10 things to do in Florence:
Visit the Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore)
Highlights: The iconic red dome designed by Brunelleschi, intricate frescoes, and stunning views of the city from the top.
Don’t Miss: Climb the dome (463 steps!) or the bell tower (Giotto’s Campanile) for panoramic views.
Explore the Uffizi Gallery
Highlights: One of the most important art museums in the world, housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.
Don’t miss Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera.
Admire Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
Highlights: Michelangelo’s David, an iconic symbol of Renaissance art, stands over 5 meters tall in stunning detail.
Don’t Miss: Other works by Michelangelo, including The Prisoners (unfinished statues).
Stroll Across Ponte Vecchio
Highlights: The oldest bridge in Florence, famous for its jewelry shops and picturesque views of the Arno River.
Don’t Miss: Sunset views from the bridge or looking back at it from nearby bridges.
Wander the Boboli Gardens
Highlights: These beautiful, sprawling gardens behind the Pitti Palace offer a peaceful escape with Renaissance statues, fountains, and groves.
Don’t Miss: Climb to the top for great views of Florence and the Tuscan countryside.
6. Visit the Pitti Palace
Highlights: Former residence of the Medici family, it houses several museums showcasing Renaissance art, royal apartments, and fashion.
Don’t Miss: The Palatine Gallery and the opulent rooms of the royal apartments.
Admire the Views from Piazzale Michelangelo
Highlights: The best panoramic view of Florence, especially at sunset, with the whole city laid out below.
Don’t Miss: The bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David in the square.
Discover the Basilica of Santa Croce
Highlights: A beautiful Gothic church and the burial site of famous Italians like Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
Don’t Miss: The tombs of these Renaissance greats and the stunning frescoes by Giotto.
Visit the Bargello Museum
Highlights: A former prison turned museum, it houses an important collection of Renaissance sculptures, including works by Donatello and Michelangelo.
Don’t Miss: Donatello’s bronze David and Michelangelo’s Bacchus.
Taste Florentine Cuisine
Highlights: Savor local dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine steak), ribollita (hearty vegetable soup), and pappa al pomodoro (tomato and bread soup).
Don’t miss: Pair your meal with a local Tuscan wine like Chianti, and don’t forget gelato!
Bonus Tip:
Explore the Oltrarno Neighborhood: Discover artisan shops, quieter streets, and excellent local restaurants away from the busy tourist areas.
Florence is full of hidden gems and experiences beyond these 10, but these highlights capture the city’s essence!
Would you like more details on any of these activities or need help with planning your itinerary?
In Italian, here are the common ways to say hello, goodbye, and thank you:
Hello: Ciao (informal) or Buongiorno (formal, meaning "Good morning"/"Good day")
Goodbye: Arrivederci (formal) or Ciao (informal, used for both hello and goodbye)
Thank you: Grazie
If you want to add extra politeness or express more gratitude, you can say:
Thank you very much: Grazie mille or Molte grazie
These phrases will serve you well in everyday Italian conversations!
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze
The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is one of the most luxurious and exclusive places to stay in Florence, offering a blend of historic grandeur and modern comfort. Here’s what makes it special:
Overview
Location: The hotel is situated in a quiet part of Florence, about a 15-minute walk from the Duomo, in the northeastern part of the city, surrounded by its own private park, the largest in Florence.
Setting: The hotel consists of two main buildings—Palazzo della Gherardesca, a 15th-century Renaissance palace, and La Villa, a former convent—both surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens.
Michelin-Starred Dining:
Il Palagio, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, serves exceptional Tuscan cuisine with a modern twist, using local, seasonal ingredients.
The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze offers a perfect blend of Florence’s Renaissance heritage with modern luxury, making it a top choice for a special stay in the city.
Address
Borgo Pinti 99, Florence, Tuscany, 50121, Italy
Perks Offered by Gen X Travel:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the hotel restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Ad Astra
The Ad Astra Hotel in Florence is a boutique hotel offering a unique and intimate experience for travelers seeking a blend of luxury and charm with a more local, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
Location: Situated in the Oltrarno district, on the south side of the Arno River, this area is known for its bohemian atmosphere, artisan shops, and trendy restaurants. It’s less touristy than the city center but still within walking distance of major attractions like the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Pitti.
Ad Astra is located in a 19th-century villa within the Giardino Torrigiani, one of Europe’s largest privately owned gardens. This serene setting offers a peaceful retreat while still being close to the heart of Florence.
The interior design is a highlight of Ad Astra, blending quirky, modern touches with classic Florentine elegance. The rooms and common areas are decorated with custom-made furniture, vibrant colors, and original artwork.
Ad Astra feels more like a private home than a hotel, with attentive but unobtrusive service. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a quiet and exclusive atmosphere without sacrificing proximity to Florence’s main sights.
Address
Via del Campuccio 53, Florence, Tuscany, 50125, Italy
Perks Offered by Gen X Travel:
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Complimentary bottle of wine in room on arrival
Welcome fruit basket in room on arrival
Complimentary tote bag
BOOK NOW
Six Senses Rome
1 Michelin Key
Six Senses Rome is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of Rome, offering a blend of wellness, sustainability, and modern comfort. It’s part of the renowned Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas group, known for creating environments that focus on holistic well-being and responsible luxury.
Six Senses Rome is situated on Via del Corso 112**, right in the historical center of the city. It’s within walking distance of iconic landmarks like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps).
The hotel is housed in a restored 18th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini, seamlessly blending classical Roman architecture with contemporary design. Interiors feature natural materials, minimalist elegance, and a calming atmosphere, perfect for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.
Rooftop Terrace: The rooftop terrace provides a stunning view of the city and is perfect for morning yoga or an evening drink.
BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar: A culinary space offering a menu focused on sustainability and local ingredients. The cuisine blends Roman and Mediterranean flavors with a focus on health-conscious dishes.
As with all Six Senses properties, the hotel emphasizes sustainable practices, from reducing waste and using eco-friendly materials to offering farm-to-table dining experiences. The hotel's focus on environmental responsibility sets it apart in the luxury hotel market
Address
Piazza di San Marcello, Rome, 00187, Italy.
Perks Offered by Gen X Travel:
100 USD (or USD equivalent) hotel credit per stay
Daily complimentary full breakfast for 2 guests
Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
Local welcome amentiy
Personalized welcome note
Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
BOOK NOW
Il Pagliaccio
Il Pagliaccio is a renowned two-Michelin-star restaurant in Rome, offering a sophisticated, contemporary take on Italian cuisine. Known for its innovative dishes and intimate atmosphere, it’s a top destination for food lovers seeking a high-end dining experience in the city.
The restaurant is helmed by Chef Anthony Genovese, who has gained acclaim for blending Italian and Asian flavors into modern, artistic creations. His experience working in France and Asia influences the dishes, offering a unique fusion of techniques and ingredients.
While the base of the cuisine is Italian, Chef Genovese introduces elements from his travels, particularly Asian influences, to create imaginative, refined dishes. Il Pagliaccio is known for its attention to detail, complex flavors, and artistic presentation.
Il Pagliaccio offers an intimate, elegant dining environment with only 10 tables, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion or romantic dinner. The design is sleek and modern, with a minimalist approach that puts the focus on the food.
Via dei Banchi Vecchi 129a, Rome, in a cha
Reservations are highly recommended due to the limited seating.
Via dei Banchi Vecchi 129a, Rome
Website:
Saporium Firenze
Saporium Firenze, located at Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini 63/R in Florence, is a Michelin-starred restaurant that embodies a farm-to-plate philosophy. The establishment sources ingredients from its own organic farm, Borgo Santo Pietro, situated in Chiusdino.
Under the leadership of Executive Chef Ariel Hagen, Saporium Firenze offers a menu that changes with the seasons, featuring both tasting menus and à la carte options. The restaurant's interior boasts vaulted ceilings and brick walls, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere. Additionally, Saporium Firenze includes a lounge area where guests can enjoy tapas and a selection of cocktails
lungarno Benvenuto Cellini 63r, Florence, 50125, Italy
Locale
Locale Firenze is a distinguished restaurant and cocktail bar situated in the heart of Florence at Via delle Seggiole 12R. Housed within a historic palazzo dating back to the 13th century, the venue seamlessly blends Renaissance architecture with contemporary design elements, offering patrons a unique and immersive dining experience.
Under the leadership of Executive Chef Simone Caponnetto, Locale Firenze presents a menu that honors traditional Tuscan cuisine while incorporating global influences. Chef Caponnetto emphasizes the essence of each ingredient, crafting vibrant and evocative dishes that pay homage to the past in a contemporary manner.
Via Delle Seggiole, 12 Firenze