Florence in 1 Day for Couples - Roundtrip private minivan from Chianti (Tuscany on Wheels)
In Collaboration with Authentic Italy Adventures. Updated on February 13, 2026.
A relaxed full-day trip from Chianti to Florence by private minivan. Enjoy a guided drop-off, leisurely walks through Renaissance streets, an intimate rooftop aperitivo, and a scenic photo stop at Piazzale Michelangelo — all paced for couples who want culture, good food and memorable moments together.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Authentic Italy Adventures, inspired by the tour Florence Day Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Roundtrip private minivan from Chianti (Tuscany on Wheels)
- Explore Florence at your own pace — markets, Duomo and Uffizi options
- Rooftop aperitivo for a romantic moment
- Panoramic photo stop at Piazzale Michelangelo
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day Florence trip starting from the Tuscany on Wheels office in the Chianti area, with guided drop-off and free time in the historic centre; includes a rooftop aperitivo and a panoramic photo stop before returning.
Meet & Depart — Tuscany on Wheels office (Chianti)
Meet your driver and guide at the Tuscany on Wheels office in the Chianti countryside. Quick check-in, vehicle briefing and depart towards Florence in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early so you can settle into a front-row seat for countryside views — ask for the passenger seat for the best photos.
- Bring a light jacket: the minivan is air-conditioned and hilltop mornings can be cool even in May.
- If you’d like a private pick-up from a B&B nearby, request it at booking (the operator can often arrange nearby collection with advance notice).
Brief orientation & guided drop-off — Florence (Piazza della Calza)
Quick orientation from your driving guide: suggested walking routes, insider tips on timing and where to meet back for departure. Drop-off in central Florence so you can begin exploring on foot.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for a short, romantic walking loop to avoid the busiest streets — they’ll mark a route on your phone.
- Confirm the exact meet-up time and a visible landmark (e.g., the guide will confirm a bench or fountain) to avoid confusion later.
- Keep the guide's phone number handy in case you run late — they often wait nearby when you’re enjoying the city.
Stroll & discover — Mercato Centrale (independent exploration)
Wander through Mercato Centrale's vibrant stalls to sample local cheeses, fresh focaccia and small bites — perfect for sharing a few tastes together.
Tips from local experts:
- Sample smaller portions from different stalls so you can taste more things together without feeling too full.
- Head to the upstairs food hall for a quieter table and a view over the stalls — great for a relaxed chat.
- Markets can be busy mid-morning; keep bags zipped and phones tucked away to avoid pickpockets while you enjoy the hustle.
Duomo & Cathedral Square — admire the exterior (self-guided)
Explore Piazza del Duomo and take in Brunelleschi's dome, Giotto's bell tower and the Baptistery. Ideal for iconic photos together and short museum/terrace options if you pre-book.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want to climb the Duomo or campanile, pre-book tickets online to avoid long queues and time pressure.
- For a romantic photo, ascend to the small terraces around the cathedral at mid-morning for softer light and fewer crowds.
- There are benches along the square — take a 10-minute break to people-watch and sip a drink from a nearby café.
Lunch — Trattoria Zà Zà (classic Florentine cuisine)
Enjoy a cozy lunch at Trattoria Zà Zà, known for Tuscan specialties and a warm atmosphere — ideal for couples seeking authentic regional dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a cosy table in a corner for more intimacy — tell the host you're celebrating and they may seat you accordingly.
- Try sharing a platter as a starter (e.g., crostini and charcuterie) so you can sample multiple classic dishes.
- Ask for the house wine recommendation — it's a great value and pairs well with meat and pasta dishes.
Optional visit — Uffizi Gallery (short timed visit)
If you pre-book, enjoy a concise 1-hour visit to the Uffizi to see highlights: Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' and other Renaissance masterpieces.
Tips from local experts:
- Pre-book skip-the-line tickets for a 60–75 minute highlights tour to avoid long waits and tired feet.
- Focus on a few masterpieces rather than trying to see the whole museum — it keeps the visit intimate and memorable.
- Use the audio guide's themed routes (e.g., 'romantic masterpieces') to connect the art to couple-friendly stories.
Oltrarno stroll — artisan shops & Piazzetta Santo Spirito
Cross the Ponte Vecchio and wander the Oltrarno's quieter artisan streets. Browse handmade leather, jewelry and ceramics; stop at Piazza Santo Spirito for a relaxed moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Head into small artisan workshops — you can often meet the maker and pick up a unique couple’s memento.
- Piazza Santo Spirito has small cafes and benches — sit and share a pastry while watching local life unfold.
- The Oltrarno is hillier and slightly quieter; hold hands and take the slower streets for more intimate photo opportunities.
Sweet pause — Gelato at Gelateria dei Neri
Treat yourselves to artisan gelato — a simple, delicious shared moment ideal for couples wandering the historic centre.
Tips from local experts:
- Share a cup with two spoons — try one classic (e.g., stracciatella) and one unexpected flavor to compare.
- Avoid sitting in front of the busiest shopfront; cross to a quieter side street where you can enjoy your gelato peacefully.
- Ask for small sample tastes before committing — the staff are usually happy to let you try unusual flavors.
Rooftop aperitivo — La Terrazza (Rinascente Terrazza) — romantic special moment
Enjoy an intimate rooftop aperitivo on the Rinascente terrace overlooking the Duomo — a curated, romantic pause with drinks and city views.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table by the railing for the best Duomo views — arrive slightly early to secure the spot if it's busy.
- Order a spritz or a glass of local Vernaccia and share a light cicchetti plate for a relaxed, romantic taste of Tuscany.
- Keep the moment unhurried — this is the 'special moment' in your day: take photos, toast, and soak in the panorama together.
Piazzale Michelangelo — brief panoramic photo stop
Meet the minivan and driver for a short stop at Piazzale Michelangelo to capture a sweeping panorama of Florence — a classic photo-op to end your city time.
Tips from local experts:
- For the best photos, take advantage of the viewpoint's ledges and the busts for framing — staff often recommend the left side for less glare mid-afternoon.
- Bring a small travel tripod or use portrait mode on your phone for a professional-looking couples shot.
- Watch your belongings on crowded viewpoints; keep wallets and phones in front pockets or zipped bags while you pose.
Return drive to Chianti — arrive back at Tuscany on Wheels
Relax on the return minivan trip through the Tuscan countryside as your driver returns you to the meeting point in the Chianti area.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the chance to rest and review photos together — drivers typically keep the A/C comfortable but ask if you'd like a window down for fresh air.
- If you enjoyed the guide, ask for local wine or trattoria recommendations for the evening back in Chianti.
- Confirm estimated arrival time with the driver in case you'd like them to drop you closer to your accommodation in the area.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 9 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Experience, Shopping, Culture, Meal, Neighborhood, Break, Outdoor |
