After losing my husband, I needed a trip that fed my soul. A week in Florence with my good friend delivered exactly that, plus some unforgettable lessons about Italian bathrooms.
I always do custom trips. It's one of my specialties because I like having control over the itinerary. So when I needed to plan something meaningful after my husband passed earlier that year, I knew exactly what my heart was calling for. My soul wanted to live more, experience more, love more. Italy had been on my mind since past cruises where I'd get off the ship in Florence and immediately fall in love, only to leave too soon. This time, I wanted more. A whole week in one place with my good friend Nina.
Florence turned out to be everything I hoped for and more. What surprised me most was how walkable the city really is. It's such an easy place to get around once you figure out the rhythm. We did have one memorable learning curve with the metro, though. We didn't realize you had to purchase tickets ahead of time, and when a police officer came on board asking for them, Nina and I were freaking out. Lesson learned the hard way, but honestly, that's how you really get to know a city.
The Perfect Hub for Adventure
One of the best things about staying in Florence is that it's such a central hub. We took a full day trip to Cinque Terre by train, and even though we were so tired by the end that we needed a little cat nap on the beach with our newly purchased Italia beach towels, I still remember eating calamari in one of those cute little villages and taking in those amazing views. Another day, we did a trip to Tuscany and had some of the best wine I've ever tasted. I bought two logoed wine glasses from one of the wineries. I'm down to one now because one broke, and I was genuinely sad about it. Very sentimental, those little souvenirs.
Anytime we could have truffle pasta, we did. That became kind of our thing. And the rooftop bars? We spent so many evenings up there with gorgeous views, just enjoying ourselves. Florence is such a lively city that never really stops. We even did a ghost legends tour in the evening that gave us really good insight into the history of the city. One night we got a taxi and the driver was this wild character with bubbles, a disco setup, and you could put on wigs and funny oversized glasses. I have pictures. It was just one of those unique experiences you can't plan for.
What Every Traveler Needs to Know
Here's something I quickly learned: Italy is not known for easy access to public bathrooms. When you're out all day, you're going to need one. Good thing Nina could drink an espresso at any time of day, because every time I had to pee (which was multiple times daily), I'd let her buy an espresso at a cafe so I could use the facilities. She was fueled by espresso the whole week, and I was forever grateful. We still laugh about the time I was downstairs in a bathroom with no toilet paper and had to yell up to her to get someone to bring more. And another time, the door handle literally fell off in my hand. I have a photo of me holding it, just dying of laughter.
The biggest practical lesson? Location is key. We stayed about 20 minutes walking outside the city center, and while it was quieter, it was definitely not as convenient. It was harder to get taxis, the buses stopped running at a certain time, and walking late at night wasn't fun. I would always suggest staying in the city center so you can really enjoy your time there without those extra inconveniences.
Who Would Love This Trip
Florence is perfect for people who appreciate good food and wine, especially being so close to Tuscany's countryside. It's ideal for those with a little sense of adventure who are open to wandering without a full itinerary every second. History lovers and art enthusiasts would absolutely find their place here with all the museums and cultural richness. The only people I might steer elsewhere are those with significant mobility issues, since there is quite a bit of walking. But really, there's something for everyone of all ages in this city.
Having experienced this myself, I can now recommend the rooftop bars, the restaurants where I ate, and excursions I actually took. That firsthand knowledge makes all the difference. And I'm already planning my return. Naples for three days, then a Mediterranean cruise hitting Italy, France, and Spain. Because once Italy gets into your heart, you just keep going back.
