9 Experiences to Fall in Love with the Renaissance City: Florence, Italy

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There are so many amazing experiences in Florence, Italy that finding time to do all of them may be a challenge! Cradled in a valley crowned by hills, this memorable area is not short on natural beauty. When it comes to man-made allure, the “Renaissance City” is aptly named. Florence is the home of world-class works of art, including Michelangelo’s heralded marble at the Accademia and Renaissance masterpieces. The centuries-old city is steeped in history, as well, with buildings dating back to the early years of civilization.

If you are wondering where to start when planning a group incentive trip or meeting, you are in luck. What follows is a guide to some of the best experiences that will make your participants fall in love with Florence.

1 – EXPLORE SECRET PASSAGEWAYS AT PALAZZO VECCHIO

If visiting a palace is on your bucket list, Palazzo Vecchio – known as the “old palace” of Florence – fits the bill and then some. Currently serving as Florence’s city hall, this building has a storied history and an equally impressive art collection. Italian poet, Dante Alighieri’s death mask is among the prized pieces. And that is not the only delight offered by Palazzo Vecchio. You can take a tour of mysterious secret passageways, peer into prison cells that kept Savonarola captive and ascend the tower that crowns this real-life palace.

2 – DAZZLE YOUR SENSES WITH A DOME COMMISSIONED BY A FAMOUS FLORENTINE FAMILY

A museum that often flies under the radar of tourists is the Museo delle Cappelle Medicee (the Medici Chapels), which is surprising given its astonishing beauty. It was built between the 15^th and 19th centuries by the infamous aristocratic Medici family and is the burial place of nearly 50 dynasties. The Cappella dei Principi (Chapel of Princes) houses the second-largest dome in Florence. Sparkling jewels vie with luxe marble from the ceiling all the way down to the floor, creating frescoes you will not soon forget. The smaller chapel, Sagrestia Nuova (New Sacristy) is where you will find Michelangelo’s first architectural work and see statues carved by Michelangelo himself.

3 – GET A BIRD’S EYE VIEW FROM THE HIGHEST POINT IN FLORENCE

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, commonly referred to as the Duomo, holds the distinction of having the highest tower in Florence. If you make the trek up a staircase built with 463 steps, your reward is a bird’s eye view from the highest point in the Renaissance City. When the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower rose from the ground in the 15^th century, it was the biggest church in the world. This soaring structure is now the third largest in Europe.

4 – GO TO MARKET WITH THE LOCALS AT TWO-STORY MERCATO CENTRALE

You might never look at grocery shopping the same way again after you have been to Mercato Centrale. Vendors selling culinary goods such as cheese, fruit, fish, and meat set up their storefronts alongside those marketing spices and oils. Venture to the second floor of the 19^th century building to a food court where you can refuel on Italian eats like truffles, Florentine meat or veggie burgers, fried fish, dumplings and gelato. Since you will be shopping and dining alongside locals, you can consider this an authentic Italian experience.

5 – PRACTICE SELF-CARE AT A GORGEOUS 13^TH CENTURY PHARMACY

Over 800 years ago herbal remedies were once revered as the cure for whatever might ail you. It was during this time in history that Dominican friars founded Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. These days, the 13^th century pharmacy sells a variety of natural preparations ranging from cosmetics, wellness products, home fragrances, and luxurious perfumes. You can also get a fascinating history lesson while visiting. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time at Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, you get to do so in a gorgeous setting replete with stunning chandeliers and frescoes.

6 – SHOP FOR FINELY CRAFTED LEATHER GOODS FROM LOCAL VENDORS

Florentine was widely renowned during the Renaissance for crafting finely made leatherwork. You can still find many high-quality leather goods sold by local vendors here today – handbags, jackets, gloves, and belts among them. The wide range of price points, from street stalls to high-end shops, make leather wares accessible for visitors with any budget.

7 – STROLL DOWN GARDEN PATHS BURSTING WITH BLOOMS AND BOASTING A SWEEPING CITY VIEW

It may be less frequented than the Boboli Gardens, but Giardino Bardini is no less enchanting. The former private garden is the site of walking paths bordered by colorful flowers, including a purple wisteria arch that blooms in April. You will get a sweeping view of the city below, both from the garden paths and from the top of a striking baroque staircase. A small but lovely bar here offers elegant libations and the chance to stay a while in the divine surroundings.

8 – MAKE PASTA ALONGSIDE A CHEF WITH EXPERIENCE IN MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANTS

What is better than dining on freshly made pasta in Italy? Making it yourself under the tutelage of a chef who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants. This is exactly what those who take Chef Michele Gualtieri’s Pasta Class Florence soon find out. During the three-house course, Chef Gualtieri will teach you his skilled techniques to prepare fresh pasta by hand. The Bologna-born chef has a warm, bubbly personality that will endear you to him even as you feel awestruck at his culinary prowess. And the best part? At the conclusion of the class, you get to savor authentic Italian pasta made with your own hands.

9 – GET YOUR MIND BLOWN BY A WORLD-FAMOUS COLLECTION OF ARTISTIC MASTERPIECES

It is easy to see why the Uffizi is the most famous and lauded art gallery in Florence. The collection of artistic masterpieces found within its walls is astounding. Legendary works of art found at the Uffizi include The Birth of Venus and other pieces done by Botticelli. The splendor of this museum is not limited to the inside. Italian artist Giorgio Vasari designed the architecture of the building, which is a sight to behold in and of itself.

If there is one city that seems to have it all – great art, pleasing natural settings, fascinating history, and delectable cuisine – Florence certainly meets the criteria. When you arrange for your top performers or meeting attendees to try any of the experiences in this guide, you can rest assured they will enjoy the very best the Renaissance City has to offer.

Ready for adventure in magnificent Florence? Contact Gavel International for more information about travel incentives and corporate meeting planning in Florence, Italy.

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Jim Bozzelli

With over 34 years of experience, Jim is fluent in the ins and outs of the meeting and event world. His tenacity and creativity as a strategist have ensured that incentive programs and corporate meetings are highly polished while simultaneously achieving big-picture goals and objectives. Before focusing exclusively on corporate events and incentive programs, he enjoyed over 10 years of success managing and directing national and international sales. During this time, he worked closely with hotels and convention bureaus. His expertise was recognized with rapid promotions along the way. Over 18 years ago he joined the Gavel International team where he works tirelessly with clients to make their events shine by analyzing data, setting goals, negotiating contracts, as well as setting and managing budgets. He is currently the Vice President of Gavel International.