Five Days in Florence
January 20-25, 2026
This hybrid tour is ideal for independent travelers who also want to explore Florence during the off-season, when crowds are fewer and local connections and conversations are more abundant. It will be very cold, but that means you have an excellent excuse to buy an amazing cashmere sweater.
Over 5 days, we'll dig deep into the Italian Renaissance with visits to my favorite museums, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, the Museo di San Marco, and the Pitti Palace. If you took Art History in college and loved it, you will be in heaven. (Also, I used to teach Art History at Seton Hall University, but this is my chance to enjoy the fun part of teaching without having to grade terrible papers.)
We'll also explore Tuscan cuisine, which differs from the pizza and pasta that characterize Italian food abroad, as well as visit local artisans for a hands-on opportunity to learn about the history from the makers' perspective in this inspiration-drenched city.
The first group meeting is late afternoon on January 20th, and our last meeting is at 10 am on the 25th. .
How it works
Join a crew of curious, like-minded explorers for a five-day deep dive into one of Italy’s legendary cities—no cookie-cutter tours, just honest discovery and great company. Each morning kicks off with an expert-guided walk that brings the city’s stories to life, then everyone gathers around the table for long, memorable lunches or dinners (four total) where the conversation is as rich as the food.
There's no required hotel package; stay wherever fits your vibe and budget. Florence is tiny, so an Airbnb anywhere in the centro storico could work. I like Palazzo San Niccolo or Oltrarno Splendid. If you're looking for a 5-star experience, please get in touch. I can book through our luxury network and arrange early/late check-in, as well as complimentary upgrades for you. Expect lots of walking, plenty of unscripted moments, and an immersive city experience you just can’t get from guidebooks—perfect for anyone who wants to dig deeper, eat well, and connect with Italy (and new friends) along the way.
$2,800 per person, due on December 1st. $500 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.
