Spring in Italy: Exploring Florence, Cinque terre & Pisa
April | 2025
Italy is undoubtedly one of my favourite countries. Having lived in Milan for three years, I was excited to be back and explore a different side of it. Florence, a true gem in Tuscany, is known for its incredible art, architecture, and of course, its food. Read on to discover everything I got up to during my five-day trip with First Choice Holidays.
Where to stay
As always, choosing the right accommodation is a top priority for me when travelling. I wanted to stay somewhere central, within walking distance of the Duomo and Florence’s historic streets, which is why I chose Room Mate Luca. This stylish boutique hotel is tucked away on a quiet side street, just 10 to 15 minutes from the main sights, shops, and plenty of great restaurants. The interiors are colourful and modern, with a warm, welcoming feel that makes you feel at home right away.
What to do in Florence
We started our first full day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore Florence on foot. The city is wonderfully walkable, and the weather in April was perfect for long strolls through its historic streets.
Our morning began at the Piazza del Duomo, home to Florence’s most famous landmarks; the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of St. John. From there, we wandered through the Piazza della Repubblica, stopping for a quick espresso before continuing towards the Ponte Vecchio.
We browsed local boutiques and admired the views along the Arno River. The bridge itself was just as charming as expected, lined with jewellery shops and bustling with tourists and locals alike.
One of the highlights of the day was stumbling across one of Florence’s hidden wine windows, a quirky piece of history where locals once served wine through small openings in the walls. Naturally, we had to try a glass for the experience.
As the day came to a close, we made our way to the Loggia Roof Bar to watch the sunset with a glass of Prosecco in hand. The panoramic view over the rooftops and domes of Florence was the perfect way to end the day.
Where to eat and drink
I had quite an ambitious list of restaurants and Florentine dishes I wanted to try. To start, we stumbled upon Cacio e Pepe, a cosy spot near the Duomo but tucked away from the crowds. Naturally I ordered a carbonara paired with an Aperol Spritz, which set us off for a great start on our culinary journey through the city.
For lunch with a view, Café dell’Oro is a great option. An elegant riverside café known for its seafood, a star dish had to be the calamari alongside a negroni. Later in the trip, we visited Osteria Belle Donne, a charming Florentine restaurant famous for its beautifully decorated wine window. All the dishes were very homely with the beef tartare standing out. perfectly prepared, tender and well-seasoned.
If you have a sweet tooth, My Bakery on Via Della Spada is a lovely stop for pastries, desserts, and of course, tiramisu.
The highlight of our dining experiences came on our final night at Antico Ristorante Paoli 1827, one of the city’s oldest restaurants. The menu was filled with traditional Tuscan dishes, and we could not resist the Florentine steak and risotto, paired with a rich glass of red wine. It was the perfect way to end our time in Florence.
Day trip to Cinque Terre and Pisa
One of the highlights of our trip was a full-day excursion to Cinque Terre and Pisa. We started early, meeting our group around 7 in the morning before taking a two-hour coach ride to La Spezia, where we caught the train to Cinque Terre.
Our first stop was Manarola, one of the most beautiful villages along the coast. We walked through its colourful streets, stopped for coffee and pastries at Il Porticciolo, and took in the breathtaking sea views. Next, we headed to Monterosso, where we explored more of the village and enjoyed an incredible seafood lunch at Da Eraldo.
In the afternoon, we travelled to Pisa and had just enough time to see the Leaning Tower, wander through the nearby markets, and grab a gelato before heading back to Florence for a quiet evening.
The best part about traveling in April was that we avoided the crowds. Although we only had a couple of hours to see the different villages, I would definitely recommend booking a longer stay in both Cinque Terre and Pisa. However, if you’re short on time like I was, this tour offers a great introduction.
Click here to book the tour: Pisa and Cinque Terre Day Trip by Train from Florence
More hotels worth booking in Florence …
Perfect for travellers seeking modern comfort near Florence’s iconic sights. Business travellers benefit from well-equipped meeting spaces, while couples and solo explorers enjoy a stylish, relaxing base for exploring the city.
Perfect for travellers seeking modern comfort in central Florence. Guests can enjoy its rooftop terrace with stunning city views, a chic lounge for relaxing after sightseeing, and stylish, minimally designed rooms.
This trip was in partnership with First Choice Holidays, to explore more of my itineraries and hotel recommendations head over to the First Choice Insiders Hub!
For more behind-the-scenes moments from my travels, follow me on Instagram and TikTok.
Thanks for reading!
Lian x
