Things to do at/nearby Villa il Poggiale?

There is a pool on site. Relax and enjoy the beautiful Tuscan scenery by the pool.

Explore the nearby town—San Casciano In Val di Pesa.

Visit a nearby vineyard or olive oil taste room. We will be happy to help you find one.

Things to do in Florence?

Piazzale Michelangelo

A neoclassical-style piazza built by Giuseppe Poggi in the 19th century offers some of the best panoramic views of Florence's historic center.

Galleria dell'Accademia

Europe's first school of drawing. This mesuem of art is famous for its several sculptures by Michelangelo, notably his David, in addition to a collection of 15th and 16th century paintings. Make sure to book tickets ahead of time here: https://www.accademia.org/buy-tickets/#google_vignette

Duomo

This consists of Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the third largest cathedral in the world, and Piazza del Duomo, the surrounding square with restaurants and shops. By purchasing a ticket, you can climb 463 steps in the Cattredrale to the cupola for panoramic views of Florence.

Piazza della Signoria

A historic plaza, the political heart of the city, and home to significant monuments like the Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi, and Uffizi Gallery.

Ponte Vecchio

Erected during Roman times, this is the most ancient and photographed bridge in Florence. It is characterized by three arches and two wide arcades on each side housing the famous and unusual "botteghe" or shops.

Where to eat in Florence?

Fine Dining:

Chic Nonna

Elevated gourmet experience by chef Vito Mollica. The restaurant is situated inside the newly refurbished Palazzo Portinari in the heart of Florence.

Enoteca Pinchiorri

Old school luxury with excellent food, the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in Florence in the antique palace Jacometti-Ciofi.

Gucci Osteria

An intimate restaurant by world-renowned chef Massimo Bottura (founder of the three Michelin-star restaurant Osteria Francescana in Modena). The osteria forms part of the Gucci garden, in the eclectic palazzo in Piazza della Signoria.

TRATTORIA-STYLE:

Da Giovanni (Centro)

A good, solid trattoria for all sorts of Tuscan specialties. The bistecca Fiorentina is excellent here. It can get crowded, so keep 13 Gobbi (also in Centro) in mind as an alternative.

Le Tre Panche (Ponte Vecchio)

This neighborhood hole-in-the-wall with three semi-communal tables has metamorphized into a fancy central location and a terrace with an amazing view over the monuments. Make sure to specify an outside table, and the menu has become very tourist-typical recently, so stick to the truffle-laden items, the place’s original focus (the tortelli is better than the tagliolini).

Fuori Porta (San Niccolo)

Characteristic, small osteria just outside the historic gates that serves excellent crostone – not quite pizza, cheese melted on top of toasted bread, covered with toppings of your choice.

Santo Bevitore (Oltrarno)

Another restaurant in the running for best in town. An upgraded trattoria serves classic dishes with considerable style and some unusual flavors.

Essenziale (Cestello)

A great modernist version of Tuscan classics. Their tasting menu is really worthwhile.

Marina di Santo Spirito (Santo Spirito)

This is a secret address that we don’t give out readily. Good fish places are rare in Florence. This one is fantastic – we always let the owner choose, with a €65 tasting menu.

Great Aperitivo Bars:

La Terrazza at the Continentale (Centro) – cool, great views

Santa Rosa (San Frediano) – garden-like, lovely indoor/outdoor spot

Il Santino (Oltrarno) – great wines, small plates

Volume (Piazza Santo Spirito) – a lot going on in Santo Spirito, and this is a good place to take it all in

La Serra di Torrigiani (Oltrarno) – a new outdoor (i.e. weather-appropriate) place in the middle of the famed Torrigiani gardens; skip the food, soak up the ambiance!

The terrace of Hotel Palazzo Guadagni (Piazza Santo Spirito) – not many people know about this throwback to an earlier era, with an unparalleled view

Great Gelato:

La Sorbettiera (Piazza Tasso and Piazza Santo Spirito)

Vivaldi (San Niccolo; not to be confused with Vivoli, which is past its prime)

Gelateria di Neri (Centro) – the best selection of chocolates

Sbrino – a small chain of very good gelaterie)

Procopio (Sant Ambrogio) – very creative mixed flavors

Great Panini:

Ino (Centro, near the Uffizi) – amazing bread, select ingredients

Sergio Pollini (Sant Ambrigio) – a cart where you can sample lampredotto or trippa fiorentina

Il Trippaio di Sant Ambrogio (Sant Ambrogio) – an alternative to Sergio Pollini, in case it’s rainy

Great Pizza:

Gusta Pizza (Santo Spirito) – very good Neapolitan pizza

Il Pizzaiolo (San’Ambrogio area) – very good Neapolitan pizza

Al solito posto (San frediano via del’ orto)

Fun day trips?

Montepulciano

A medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy. Surrounded by vineyards, known for its vino nobile red wine.

Siena

A city in central Italy’s Tuscany region, distinguished by its medieval brick buildings.

Cortona

A blended Renaissance-medieval, hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy. The movie Under the Tuscan Sun takes place here.

Cinque Terre

A string of centuries-old seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. It consists of 5 towns, colorful houses, and vineyards clinging to the steep terraces. Very popular tourist destination, so be aware of potential crowds!