The Explorateur Advisors took a recent trip to Italy and while there we visited a company favorite- Firenze, the heart of where our company was founded back in 2015. This visit was truly a wonderful experience, filled with visiting hotels and various travel partners. We made sure to include some fun too!
Where we Stayed: Lungarno Hotel Collection
Owned by the Ferragamo family, the family’s values of quality, service and lifestyle permeate every second of your stay, leaving you with unforgettable memories. With four properties in Florence, all walking distance to one another, the Lungarno Collection is the place to lay your head after a beautiful day exploring Florence. The hotels vary in style from the all suite Portrait Firenze, iconic Hotel Lungarno, the romantic Hotel Continentale, and fun/stylish Gallery Hotel Art. There is a perfect fit for everyone between this phenomenal portfolio.
What We Did
We wanted to truly immerse in the art and renaissance history that Florence has to offer. To start our trip, we scheduled a 3 hour private guide for a walking tour of Florence. We walked along the Ponte Vecchio, and through squares where we learned about architectural history as well as stories of the Medici Family. This is one of our top recommendations when visiting a new city. A walking tour can give you a bird’s eye view of your location & instantly immerse you into the atmosphere. As we turned the corner to the first sight of the Duomo, we were all stunned- it truly was a moment that took our breath away.
One evening we opted for a Private Cooking Class, instead of a dinner reservation! This was incredible to experience. Our skills were tested as we created a gorgeous meal. Our menu was handmade Tagliatelle with artichoke + walnuts, Main Course of Hunter’s Chicken (chicken cacciatore) & Olive oil cake with red wine caramel for dessert!
What We Loved
Aside from the museums, the culture, the gelato…waking up alongside the Ponte Vecchio in our hotel each morning was a true hi-light. Another reason we love Florence is it’s incredible location that offers great proximity to explore smaller cities for day trips. Some popular day trips include: Chianti, San Gimignano, Cinque Terre, and Siena.
Florence has a soul and absolutely should be on your next Italy itinerary! CLICK HERE to inquire about planning your next trip with Explorateur Travel. We’d love to share more about where to stay & things to do on your next trip!