Romantic weekend break ideas whilst in Florence, Italy

Capital of the Italian region of Tuscany, Florence is a beautifully romantic city steeped in ancient history.  Fashionable, cosmopolitan and opulent, the city is the perfect place to visit for couples to enjoy a quiet weekend away.

On your visit to Florence, take in a few of our recommended sights as part of your perfect romantic break.

Find your muse

As the home of one of Europe’s finest Renaissance era painters, Michelangelo, Florence is the perfect place for you to find your inner artist.  There are plenty of galleries through which you can wander arm in arm with your love, taking in some of the most beautiful art on display anywhere in the world.

Michaelangelo’s masterpiece, David

 

Galleria dell’Accademia was the first school of art in Europe and houses, amongst other things, the original marble sculpture of David by Michelangelo.  The gallery has an extensive collection of 15th and 16th century paintings accompanied by excellent narrative on how painting styles have developed through the years.  It’s worth booking your tickets in advance to avoid what can be very long queues to get in to see Michelangelo’s David which is by far the most striking attraction in the gallery.

If you are an aspiring artist, Accademia del Giglio offers one or two day drawing and painting courses at its studio in Florence.  A one-day course will allow you to learn some of the basics of life drawing that you will be able to perfect back at home with your partner as your muse.

The food of love

Italian food is considered to be one of the finest cuisines in the world. Healthy, delicious and varied, Italian cookery is an art as much as the music, painting and sculpture that some of Florence’s most famous sons have created.

On your trip to Florence, why not take the opportunity to enjoy a half day cookery course and learn exactly how to create some of the fine Tuscan recipes you will see in the restaurants around the city? Silvia Maccari runs a course from her home in Florence which starts at 8.30 AM with a trip to the local market to source fresh ingredients and ends with a leisurely lunch of your own making perfect accompaniment to a large glass of Chianti.

If your idea of a romantic break includes eating out, Florence has a multitude of wonderful restaurants that are perfect for a romantic candlelit dinner for two. Osteria Cafe Italiano on Via dell’Isola delle Stinche is popular with visiting celebrities and locals alike and serves hearty Tuscan fare in a relaxed ambience with candlelit tables on its private terrace outside.

The big question

If your trip to Florence is one where you’re intending to pop the question, there can be few better places to choose a ring than on Florence’s Ponte Vecchio.

Florence’s Ponte Veccio

With open workshops and jewellery designers lining the street, you can either select something from the sparkling array on offer, or meet with a designer to have something made just for you.

Evening promenade

If what you want from your break is to spend some quality time with your partner rather than spend your trip haring from one activity to another, the old town is perfect for wandering around arm in arm; sitting outside little cafes and watching the world go by.

At dusk, you may wish to join the locals on the evening promenade along Via dei Calzaiuoli.  In the early evening, this wide avenue is full of couples walking hand in hand and accompanied by street performers playing gentle music.  What better way to build up an appetite for a romantic meal in beautiful surroundings?

Conclusion

Every part of the Florentine experience is steeped in romance.  Whether you choose an active break or one where you simply soak up the atmosphere, Florence is a beautiful city to which you can escape with your paramour. Make sure you hire a car from a site like carrentals to take in all the sites the city has to offer.

Image credits: Wikipedia 1 and 2

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