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I’d put Basilica di Santa Croce on the list for a look at the architecture.

I like to choose an Italian region for its own rhythm, then give it enough time. Rome rewards long walks between ancient landmarks and neighborhood tables; Florence and Tuscany pair Renaissance art with vineyards and hill towns. In the Dolomites, the mountains and the season set the pace, while Sardinia calls for coastal drives, clear-water coves, and time in its villages.

My favorite approach is to leave breathing room between the famous sights. Choose a city trip, a Tuscan or Sardinian road journey, or an alpine adventure from this collection, then let the smaller moments become part of the trip.

Basilica di Santa Croce is a Franciscan church known for frescoed chapels and the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Its Gothic interior and art by Giotto, Cimabue, and Donatello make this more than a quick stop on the square.

Allow about an hour for the monumental complex. Sightseeing requires admission; prayer access follows different arrangements. Book a timed visit when your schedule is fixed, and use the visitor entrance and ticket office on the north side in Largo Bargellini rather than the front façade.

Normal visiting hours start at 09:30 Monday to Saturday and 14:00 on Sundays and religious holidays; last admission is 17:00. Services and special notices can change access. Cover shoulders and legs, avoid bulky luggage, and leave pets outside with a companion: ordinary animals are not admitted.

Official website

Private Santa Croce tour with admission

Basilica di Santa Croce

Colorful fishing villages, coastal trails, sea views, and leisurely Ligurian meals.

Cinque Terre Escape

Alpine hikes, mountain lakes, winding roads, and quieter corners of northern Italy.

Dolomites Adventure

Dramatic peaks, turquoise lakes, alpine villages, and the Dolomites' defining views.

Dolomites Highlights

Renaissance masterpieces, grand churches, artisan streets, and long Tuscan lunches.

Florence Escape

Neighborhood wandering, remarkable art, Roman food, and time beyond the headline sights.

Roman Holiday

Ancient icons, grand piazzas, Vatican treasures, and the lively streets of central Rome.

Rome Escape

Wild coves, coastal drives, ancient villages, and the rugged heart of Sardinia.

Sardinian Adventure

Val Gardena slopes, with Cortina extensions for confident skiers new to the Dolomites.

Ski the Dolomites

Renaissance cities, vineyards, and hill towns, with colorful coastal extensions.

Tuscan Adventure

The cradle of the Renaissance, where art and architecture reign supreme. Don't leave without marveling at Michelangelo's David and experiencing the panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Florence

Use walking routes for the compact historic center, with trams and buses for longer urban journeys. Collect a rental car when leaving for the countryside; historic-center ZTL access and hotel parking require separate confirmation.


Hotel Milù is a boutique hotel located in the historic center of Florence, just a few steps away from the famous Duomo. The hotel features 22 rooms and suites, each individually designed and furnished with a mix of modern and antique decor. Some rooms offer stunning views of the city's skyline and landmarks, including the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio.

The hotel also has a rooftop terrace with a bar, where guests can enjoy a drink while taking in the panoramic views of Florence. There is also a lounge area with a fireplace, a library, and a small gym.

Hotel Milù is within walking distance of many of Florence's top attractions, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio. The staff is known for their friendly and helpful service, making this hotel a popular choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the city.

Hotel Milù

Il Salviatino is a luxury hotel located in the hills just outside of Florence. The hotel is housed in a restored 15th-century villa that is surrounded by lush gardens and olive groves. The property features rooms and suites individually decorated with antiques and contemporary furnishings. Some of the rooms have private terraces or balconies with views of the surrounding countryside.

Il Salviatino has two restaurants on site, including La Cucina, which serves traditional Tuscan cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, and The Terrace, which offers lighter fare and cocktails with panoramic views of Florence.

Other amenities at the hotel include a full-service spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and concierge services to assist with planning your activities in Florence and the surrounding area.

Il Salviatino

Oltrarno Splendid is a charming bed and breakfast located in the historic Oltrarno district of Florence. This cozy accommodation offers an authentic Italian experience with its traditional Tuscan architecture and warm hospitality.

The rooms are elegantly decorated with a mix of antique and contemporary furnishings, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

One of the highlights of Oltrarno Splendid is its lovely rooftop terrace, which provides breathtaking views of the city skyline. You can relax on the terrace with a glass of wine or enjoy a delicious breakfast while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding area. The bed and breakfast also offers a continental breakfast with homemade cakes, fresh pastries, and other delicious treats.

Oltrarno Splendid is ideally located in the heart of Florence, just a few minutes' walk from popular attractions such as the Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and Palazzo Pitti. The neighborhood is also known for its artisan shops, traditional trattorias, and lively nightlife. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the city and experiencing the best of what Florence has to offer.

Oltrarno Splendid

Riva Lofts Florence is a boutique hotel set in a converted factory building that retains many original features, such as exposed brick walls and wooden beams. Each of the 8 rooms and suites is individually decorated in a contemporary style with vintage touches and designer furnishings. Some rooms feature a balcony or terrace with a river view.

The hotel features a beautiful garden, where guests can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the property. Other facilities include a shared lounge area, a library, and a bar. A continental breakfast is served daily, and guests can enjoy a range of drinks and snacks throughout the day.

The hotel is located in a quiet residential area, just a short walk from the historic center of Florence. It is well connected to the rest of the city by public transport, and many of the city's top attractions, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo, are within easy reach.

Riva Lofts Florence

Villa Bordoni is a boutique country hotel above Greve in Chianti, set in a restored patrician villa overlooking vineyards and olive groves. Its twelve individually decorated rooms pair the character of an old Tuscan residence with a small, personal scale.

Food is a strong reason to stay: the restaurant and Chianti Cooking School make it possible to spend time learning and eating at the property, rather than using it only as a room between winery visits. Choose the exact room category carefully because layouts and outdoor space differ.

The countryside setting rewards travelers with a car and time for a slower evening. The hotel advertises March–November operation; confirm dates, restaurant plans and any cooking class separately when reserving. This is a rural base for Chianti rather than a walkable Florence city stay.

Basilica di Santa Croce

Experience with a guide

Explore Italy itineraries

Curated stays in Florence

Il Salviatino

Villa Bordoni

Oltrarno Splendid

Hotel Milù

Riva Lofts Florence