At a Glance
BRAG International’s Tuscany bike tour starts with a shuttle from Florence to San Gimignano on Day 1. The tour also ends in Florence, with a guided walking tour and a pasta-making class on Day 6. Spending 24 hours in Florence before the tour gives you time to recover from jet lag and see the parts of the city the group tour won’t cover.
| Fly into | Florence Airport (FLR), or Pisa or Rome plus a train |
| Arrive | The day before the tour starts |
| Stay | One night in central Florence |
| Next morning | Meet the BRAG shuttle to San Gimignano |
| First tour hotel | Hotel La Collegiata, San Gimignano |
Two more options are covered below:
- Skip Florence and arrive a day early in San Gimignano.
- Stay on after the tour with two extra days in Florence.
Getting into Florence
From Florence Airport (FLR)
FLR is only about 3 miles from the city center, so arriving here is easy.
- Taxi: Fixed fare of €25 on weekdays and €27 on Sundays and at night. The ride takes 15 to 25 minutes.
- T2 Tram: €1.70 and about 20 minutes to Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station. Trams run every few minutes.
- Best for: The taxi, if you have a week’s worth of luggage. The tram, if you’re packing light.
From Rome
- High-speed trains run from Roma Termini to Florence SMN in about 1 hour 35 minutes.
- Book on Trenitalia or Italo for the best fares.
Where to Stay for 24 Hours in Florence
Florence’s historic center is compact, so almost anywhere inside it works. Staying near the Duomo or Piazza della Repubblica puts you within a 15-minute walk of nearly everything.
For a Splurge
- Grand Hotel Cavour Florence: Where BRAG is staying on the last night
- Hotel Brunelleschi: Built around a medieval tower, steps from the Duomo.
- Portrait Firenze: Elegant suites on the Arno with views of the Ponte Vecchio.
- Hotel Savoy: Classic luxury right on Piazza della Repubblica.
Affordable and Central
- Hotel Davanzati: A warm, family-run favorite near Piazza della Repubblica.
- Hotel Pendini: Old-world rooms overlooking Piazza della Repubblica.
- Hotel Casci: A friendly, family-run hotel near the Duomo and San Lorenzo.
Near the Train Station
- Hotel Santa Maria Novella: A polished hotel on the piazza of the same name.
- Hotel L’Orologio: Modern and comfortable, a short walk from SMN station.
Things to Do in 24 Hours in Florence
On Day 6 of the tour, the group takes a guided walking tour of Florence’s most famous sights. So on your own day, focus on the museums and neighborhoods that walking tour won’t reach.
Afternoon: Pick One Great Museum
- The Accademia Gallery: Home to Michelangelo’s David. A visit takes about an hour, which is perfect for a jet-lagged afternoon.
- The Uffizi Gallery: Botticelli, Leonardo, and Raphael. Plan on two to three hours.
- Book ahead: Timed tickets are essential. Both museums are open Sundays and closed Mondays, so arrival day is your chance.
Evening: Sunset and the Oltrarno
- Walk across the Arno: Explore the Oltrarno, the artisan neighborhood on the south side of the river.
- Piazzale Michelangelo: Climb up for the best sunset view of the city. In mid-October, sunset is around 6:30 p.m.
- Dinner: Stay in the Oltrarno for a relaxed trattoria meal (see Where to Eat below).
Next Morning: Easy Start
- Stand at the bar for a cappuccino and pastry, the Italian way.
- Browse the food stalls at Mercato Centrale if you have time before the shuttle.
- Save the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the Ponte Vecchio for the Day 6 walking tour.
Where to Eat
- Trattoria 4 Leoni: A cozy Oltrarno classic with Tuscan dishes and outdoor tables on a small piazza.
- All’Antico Vinaio: Famous overstuffed sandwiches. Expect a line, but it moves fast.
- Mercato Centrale: The upstairs food hall has something for everyone and stays open late.
- Vivoli: One of the city’s oldest gelato shops, tucked near Santa Croce.
Tip: Save the pasta for Day 6. You’ll learn to make it yourself with a Florentine nonna.
Prefer to Skip Florence? Arrive a Day Early in San Gimignano
Florence is busy, especially after an overnight flight. For a quieter start, go straight to San Gimignano and settle in at the tour hotel a day early.
How It Works
- Land in Florence and arrange a private transfer or taxi to San Gimignano (about 1 hour, often €100 or more). The train and bus route (via Poggibonsi) takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and Sunday service is limited, so it’s not ideal with luggage.
- Book an extra night at Hotel La Collegiata on your own, directly with the hotel.
- Important: Tell the front desk you’re with the BRAG group arriving the next day. That way, the hotel can keep you in the same room and you won’t have to move.
Why It Works
- One transfer and you’re done. No city navigating on your jet-lag day.
- No hotel change. Unpack once and wait for the group to arrive.
- San Gimignano at its best. Day-trippers leave by late afternoon, so evenings are quiet and beautiful.
Things to Do in San Gimignano
- Piazza della Cisterna: The town’s triangular main square, ringed by medieval towers.
- Torre Grossa: Climb the tallest tower for sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside.
- The Duomo (Collegiata): Plain on the outside, but covered in vivid frescoes inside.
- Gelateria Dondoli: Award-winning gelato right on Piazza della Cisterna.
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano: Try the local white wine at a wine bar or enoteca in town.
- Sunset from the Rocca: The small fortress park at the top of town has lovely views.
Note: La Collegiata sits about a mile outside the town walls. It’s a pleasant walk or a short taxi ride into the center.
Stay On: Two More Days in Florence After the Tour
The tour ends in Florence on Day 7 after breakfast at Hotel Cavour. Since you’re already there, two extra days is an easy way to see the city at a slower pace.
Where to Stay
- Extend at Hotel Cavour: Book two extra nights on your own and tell the front desk you’re with the BRAG group. That way, you can stay in the same room.
- Prefer a change of scene? Any hotel in the “Where to Stay” section above works well.
Day 1 After the Tour (Sunday)
- See what you missed: Visit whichever museum you skipped before the tour, the Uffizi or the Accademia.
- Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens: Palace art collections and hillside gardens in the Oltrarno.
- Evening: Dinner in the Santa Croce neighborhood, followed by a stroll along the Arno.
Day 2 After the Tour (Monday)
Most state museums close on Mondays, including the Uffizi, Accademia, and Palazzo Pitti. The Boboli Gardens also close on the last Monday of each month, which includes October 25, 2027. Plan around it with these options:
- Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome: Open daily, but you must reserve a timed slot in advance.
- Palazzo Vecchio: Florence’s town hall and museum, with a tower climb over Piazza della Signoria.
- Santa Croce: The resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli.
- Day trip to Lucca: About 1 hour 20 minutes by train. Rent a bike and ride the tree-lined path on top of the city walls. It’s a perfect cyclist’s farewell to Tuscany.
Things to Know and Be Aware Of
Tickets and Timing
- Book ahead: Reserve timed tickets for the Accademia (about €24), the Uffizi (about €25), and the Duomo dome climb (included in a €30 pass).
- Monday closures: Most state museums close on Mondays. Plan museum visits for other days.
- Free Sundays: State museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. Expect big crowds.
Money
- City tax: Florence charges a nightly tourist tax of roughly €3.50 to €8 per person, depending on your hotel’s star rating. It’s paid at the hotel and isn’t included in most online rates.
- Coperto: Many restaurants add a small per-person cover charge. It’s normal, not a scam.
- Tipping: Not expected. Rounding up or leaving a euro or two for good service is plenty.
- Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted. Carry some euros for small cafés and gelato shops.
Getting Around
- Walk: The center is compact and mostly car-free.
- Don’t drive into the center: Florence’s ZTL (limited traffic zone) uses cameras, and fines arrive by mail months later.
- Validate paper train tickets: For regional trains, stamp your paper ticket in the machine on the platform before boarding. Digital tickets don’t need this.
Weather and Dress
- October weather: Usually mild, with days in the 60s and 70s°F. Rain is possible, so pack a light rain jacket.
- Churches: Cover shoulders and knees to enter the Duomo and other churches.
Etiquette
- Say “Buongiorno” first: Greet shopkeepers and servers when you walk in.
- English: Widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas. A simple “grazie” goes a long way.
Ready for Tuscany
Your 24 hours in Florence sets you up for the week ahead. You’ll meet the group rested, shuttle to San Gimignano, and settle in for an authentic Florentine dinner. From there, you’ll ride through Siena and the Chianti hills before the grand finish back in Florence.
Whether you spend 24 hours in Florence, a quiet extra night in San Gimignano, or two more days after the tour, a little extra time makes the whole trip better.
Explore the Tuscany itinerary and reserve your spot →
Questions about travel logistics or extending your stay? Contact the BRAG team or call 404.382.7747. We’re happy to help you plan.
