A Perfect Winter Weekend in Florence by Train

Florence in winter is a dream — quieter streets, golden light on the Arno, and art and food that warm you from the inside out. Here’s your perfect two-day itinerary to experience the city’s soul at a slower, more intimate pace — by train, of course.

Day 1: Renaissance Wonders & Cozy Corners

Morning – Discover Fra Angelico at Palazzo Strozzi

Step straight into Florence’s artistic heart at the Palazzo Strozzi, where the exhibition “Angelico: The Dawn of the Renaissance” runs until January 26, 2025. This extraordinary show celebrates Fra Angelico, the Dominican friar whose luminous frescoes transformed 15th-century art with spiritual serenity and radiant color. His work bridged the medieval and the modern, influencing generations from Botticelli to Michelangelo. Seeing his pieces gathered here — some reunited for the first time in centuries — is a rare, transcendent experience.

Lunch – Sandwich & Wine at Il Cernacchio

After your dose of divine inspiration, head a few steps away to Il Cernacchio, a beloved local spot where simplicity reigns supreme. Order one of their fresh Tuscan panini (try the finocchiona salami with pecorino) and a glass of Chianti — perfect fuel for more exploring.

Afternoon – The Greats at Santa Croce

Make your way to the Church of Santa Croce, a masterpiece in itself and the final resting place of some of Italy’s brightest minds. Beneath its soaring Gothic vaults lie Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Rossini, and Ghiberti — a veritable who’s who of Italian genius. Don’t miss the Giotto frescoes in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels, shimmering with delicate blues and storytelling that still feels alive after seven centuries. Santa Croce isn’t just a church — it’s a national monument to Italian creativity.

Evening – Rest & Rejuvenate at Della Calza Retreat and Spa

As evening falls, cross the Arno and check in at the Della Calza Retreat and Spa, a serene new hotel housed in a former convent just beyond the Boboli Gardens. Its peaceful cloisters, warm interiors, and indulgent spa make it the perfect winter haven. Enjoy a relaxing soak or massage, then slip into something cozy for a cocktail in the bar — or wrapped in a blanket under the vaulted cloister, feeling centuries of calm all around you.

Dinner – Cozy Dining at Vini & Vecchi Sapori ( book ahead ).

When night falls, stroll back across the Ponte Vecchio, its jewellers’ lights twinkling over the Arno, and head to Vini & Vecchi Sapori. This tiny, family-run trattoria is a Florence classic — no tourist traps here, just heartfelt Tuscan cooking. Order the carciofi fritti (fried artichokes), maybe a bowl of pappardelle al cinghiale, and a glass of Brunello. Every bite tastes like Florence in winter — rich, soulful, and unforgettable.

Day 2: Icons & Indulgence

Morning – The Uffizi, Before the Crowds

Rise early and head to the Uffizi Gallery before the queues form. Wander through halls of masterpieces — Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, Caravaggio’s dramatic Medusa. In the quieter winter months, it’s possible to stand in front of these world-changing works almost alone — a rare and magical

experience.

Lunch & Afternoon – Flavors at the Mercato Centrale

After a few hours of art immersion, walk to the Mercato Centrale, Florence’s vibrant food market. It’s a feast for all senses — stalls piled high with local produce, cheeses, wines, and handmade gifts. Grab a tasting plate of pecorino and truffle honey, or a glass of Tuscan red while people-watching from the upstairs food hall. It’s the perfect way to wind down your weekend — surrounded by the flavors and warmth of true Florentine life.

Getting There

Florence is easy to reach by train from most Italian cities — just 1h 30 from Rome, 2h from Milan, and 1h from Bologna. Arrive at Santa Maria Novella station, right in the city center, ready to walk or hop on a short bus to your hotel.

Why Winter is Perfect for Florence

Fewer crowds mean more space to linger — in museums, cafés, and candlelit trattorias. The light is soft, the air crisp, and the city feels like it belongs to you. It’s Florence at its most authentic — and most romantic.