Did you know that from your rental villa in Umbria, the magnificent city of Florence is just a few hours away? It's the perfect opportunity for a day trip packed with discovery. At Villa Allegria, we firmly believe that Umbria is the ideal base from which to explore the treasures of Tuscany. Located in Foligno, our exceptional villa is the perfect home away from home for venturing across the region.
Getting to Florence from Umbria offers several options to suit every traveller. The train is a convenient choice, with regular services departing from Perugia or Assisi. Allow around 2 hours of travel time, with return fares typically ranging from €30 to €50.
Another option is to book a guided excursion that includes transport. This is ideal for making the most of your day without worrying about logistics. Prices generally run between €100 and €150 per person, often including a guide and museum entry.
For greater flexibility, consider a private car with driver from your villa. At Villa Allegria, we can connect you with trusted providers for a fully tailored service.
For instance, from our villa in Foligno, allow approximately 2 hours 15 minutes by road to reach the centre of Florence — that's around €150 to €200 for a car with driver (full-day rate). The perfect way to travel in comfort, free from the headaches of parking!
Good to know: you can also combine your Florence excursion with a visit to Siena or Pisa. Set aside a full day of around 12 hours in that case. Our concierge team is on hand to help you build the perfect programme.
Once you arrive, head straight for the historic heart of the city to take in Florence's most iconic sights:
If time allows, make a detour to the Palazzo Pitti and its magnificent Boboli Gardens. The Basilica of Santa Croce is also well worth a visit — the final resting place of giants such as Galileo and Machiavelli.
Worth noting: to make the most of your visit, consider the Firenze Card. This tourist pass (€85) grants priority access to the main museums and monuments for 72 hours — invaluable during peak season when queues can be daunting!
To stroll through the streets of Florence is to walk in the footsteps of the greatest artists and thinkers of the Renaissance. You'll feel the enduring influence of the Medici family — patrons of the arts and rulers of the city. Standing before the Duomo, try to imagine the architectural feat Brunelleschi accomplished in raising its dome in the 15th century.
Before the masterpieces of the Galleria degli Uffizi, let yourself be moved by the sheer genius of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Florence also inspired Italy's greatest writers, from Dante to Boccaccio. A true immersion into an extraordinary concentration of history and art!
The city has also served as a backdrop for numerous films, from James Ivory's A Room with a View to Ron Howard's Inferno — offering yet another way to experience the city, as you recognise the iconic locations immortalised on the big screen.
At lunchtime, treat yourself to the flavours of Tuscany — beginning with the celebrated bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick, grilled T-bone steak of outstanding quality. And for those with a sweet tooth, there's simply no resisting a scoop of artisan gelato or a strong Italian espresso.
A tasting at one of Florence's master gelato makers — such as Vivoli or Perché No! — is an absolute must. As is savouring an espresso alongside cantuccini, those delicious almond biscuits traditionally dipped in a glass of vin santo.
Towards the end of the day, allow yourself some time to browse the shops. Florence is renowned for its craftsmanship, particularly leather goods and goldsmithing. The Mercato Centrale is also brimming with local produce just waiting to find its way into your suitcase.
A few great names to keep in mind for shopping:
To make the most of your excursion, set off early in the morning from your Umbrian base. It's well worth booking your train tickets and museum entries in advance to avoid long queues. And do check the return timetables carefully so you don't miss the last train!
In terms of timing, spring and autumn are the ideal seasons — avoiding the summer crowds and heat. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be covering a great deal of ground along the cobbled streets of the historic centre.
Another excellent tip is to book an English-speaking guide for the day. Beyond the historical commentary, a good guide will take you off the beaten track and bring the city to life through fascinating stories — the ideal way to truly absorb the incomparable atmosphere of this Tuscan city.
Good to know: for a truly unique experience, ask your guide to show you the Corridoio Vasariano. This elevated passageway connects the Palazzo Vecchio to the Palazzo Pitti via the Ponte Vecchio. Reserved for the private use of the Medici for centuries, it was set to reopen to the public in late 2022!
In one well-filled day, you'll have gained a wonderful glimpse of the "Pearl of the Renaissance." And when you return that evening to your villa in Foligno, you'll also come to appreciate that Umbria itself holds breathtaking landscapes and a rich heritage all of its own. At Villa Allegria, we would be delighted to guide you in discovering our magnificent region.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us to organise your next excursion from Umbria. Private chauffeur, personalised itinerary, local guide — our team goes above and beyond to offer you an unforgettable experience from the comfort of our exceptional villas. Because the Italian dolce vita is best savoured in complete serenity!