Two Days in Tuscany: An Italian Dream Come True

For as long as I can remember, Italy has been at the top of my bucket list. The country's rich history, beautiful landscapes, mouthwatering food, and iconic art have always intrigued me so when I found an affordable flight to Rome for December I knew that was my chance!

And so, my Italian adventure began.

Day 1: Arrival and Florence's Timeless Charm

We landed in Rome early in the morning, but there was no time to waste. To make the most of our short trip, we quickly freshened up at the airport and headed straight to the train station. We were off to Florence, the heart of Tuscany, with high expectations for what the next couple of days would bring. The train ride to Firenze Santa Maria Novella was scenic and smooth—just enough time to get excited for what lay ahead.

Once we arrived in Florence, we checked into our hostel and, after a quick refresh, set off to explore the city. Our first stop? The San Lorenzo Market. This lively food and leather market, conveniently located near our accommodation, is a perfect introduction to the local culture. I couldn't resist the temptation to shop for a beautiful new bag.

Tip: Make sure to have cash when shopping in the market as some vendors do not accept electronic payment!

Next on the agenda was the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo's iconic David. The sheer scale and detail of the statue took my breath away, and wandering through the museum, I was struck by the masterpieces created by Florentine artists during the Renaissance period. This was definitely a highlight of Day 1!

The best part of the day, however, came later when we participated in a pasta-making class. We learned the traditional methods for creating fresh, homemade pasta dough and a simple sage sauce to top it off. We shared the Italian feast with our fellow classmates as we all assured ourselves we would make this at home (I still haven’t...).

Class link: Pastamania - Florence Pasta Making Class

Day 2: Florence's Wonders & a Wine Adventure

After a full, action-packed Day 1, we woke up ready to dive deeper into the beauty of Florence. A cappuccino and croissant in hand, we hit the cobbled streets to see more of the city’s most famous landmarks.

We started with the Duomo, Florence's magnificent cathedral. The towering dome by Brunelleschi is even more impressive in person, and the view from the top is worth every step of the climb. From there, we strolled along the Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge lined with charming jewelry shops that seemed to transport us back in time. The views of the Arno River and the city were just as romantic as I'd imagined.

Next, we made our way to Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers one of the most panoramic and stunning views of Florence, snapping photos and soaking it all in. From there, we visited the Pitti Palace, a massive Renaissance palace that once belonged to the powerful Medici family. The art collections and the Boboli Gardens were a peaceful escape from the busy streets.

After some morning sightseeing, this was the perfect way to relax and experience Tuscany’s renowned vineyards. We had booked a half-day wine tour through the Chianti region in central Tuscany where we visited three different wineries, each with its unique wines and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards. We sampled their signature bottles and learned about each vineyard’s history and unique process.  

After the wine tour, we returned to Florence and were absolutely starving. Our guide had recommended a cozy restaurant called Trattoria Za' Za', and it did not disappoint. The carbonara was honestly the best I’ve ever had, and the lamb was tender and flavorful. We washed it all down with another glass (or two) of wine, the perfect way to end a perfect day.

As the evening set in, we decided to continue the adventure by searching for the infamous photo booths scattered around Florence. Unfortunately, the one we found was broken (which means I have to go back for a redo!). Instead, we wandered through the peaceful, nearly empty streets of Florence, reflecting on all we had experienced and enjoying our last night in this magical city.

Tour link: Chianti Half Day tour from Florence

Reflections

Two days in Tuscany were enough to ignite a lifelong love for the region. From the art and architecture of Florence to the rolling hills and vineyards of Chianti, it was a whirlwind trip packed with memories that will last forever. Tuscany is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty converge—and I’m already dreaming about my next visit.

If you ever find yourself with two days in Tuscany, make sure to savor every moment, taste every bite of pasta, and sip every drop of wine—you won’t regret it.

Until next time, Tuscany!