Things To Do

Select a destination card to switch mini-guides below.

Florence Mini-Guide

Top Florence picks near the historic center. Hours and ticket rules can change-please double-check before heading out.

Florence Duomo exterior at sunset

★ Duomo & Dome Climb

Florence’s signature skyline. If you do one climb, make it Brunelleschi’s Dome.

Michelangelo's David statue at the Accademia Gallery

★ Michelangelo’s David

Quick museum, one masterpiece—absolutely worth it.

Interior gallery hall with Renaissance artwork in Florence

Art Picks

If you want a museum day, pick one and enjoy it—no need to overpack the schedule.

View across Florence rooftops and river during golden hour

Walks & Quick Hits

Easy, high-reward Florence: bridges, piazzas, and sunset viewpoints.

Historic church facade in central Florence

Sunday Mass Times

Three beautiful options in the center with reliable schedules.

Cocktails on a Florence rooftop terrace at dusk

Sunday Welcome Drinks 🍸

Sunday • 7:00 PM (come & go)

Angel Roofbar & Dining (Hotel Calimala Rooftop)

Join us for casual drinks & light bites with a great view. No RSVP needed—drop in anytime 7:00–10:00 PM.

Open Map
Boutique hotel room near Florence historic center

Where to Stay

Stay in/near the historic center for walkability. Oltrarno is also great.

Tuscan dinner table with steak, pasta, and wine

Restaurants

Steak, pasta, and a famous sandwich—short list, no stress.

Aperitivo cocktails with Florence skyline in the background

Cocktails & Rooftops

Aperitivo is the move. These are great near the center.

Colorful gelato in cups from a Florence gelateria

Gelato Stops

Daily gelato is non-negotiable. These are reliable favorites.

Florence tram passing through a city street

Getting Around

Florence is a walking city—use tram/bus/taxi for longer hops.

Montespertoli & Empoli Mini-Guide

Arrival-day notes near Tenuta i Massini-most guests will be on property once the shuttle arrives. Hours and ticket rules can change-please double-check before heading out.

Empoli-area lunch table with Tuscan countryside in the background

Restaurants (Empoli Area)

If you have time before arriving (or you're staying off-site), these are the closest easy wins.

Welcome dinner pizza setup at Tenuta i Massini

Festa della Pizza 🍕 (Welcome Dinner)

Monday - 5:00 PM

Tenuta i Massini

A welcome dinner and a pizza class led by local Tuscan chefs, come hungry and ready to have fun!

Watch Clip
Tenuta i Massini on-site amenity map preview

Tenuta i Massini - Amenities & Maps

Pool, tennis, lake, gardens, and space to relax-maps and highlights here.

Restaurants (Empoli Area)

These are the venue's hand-picked suggestions-simple, reliable, and close by.

Best for Monday lunch (Sept 8):

  • Trattoria Sciabolino (open lunch & dinner; closed Thursdays)
  • Napule (open lunch & dinner daily; Sundays dinner only)

Full list:

  1. "Panoramic Restaurant"
    Sophisticated cuisine paired with unforgettable panoramic views.
    Open every evening except Tuesday. Open for lunch on Sundays.
    Tags: Vegetarian options - Gluten free options
  2. "Trattoria Sciabolino"
    Homemade Tuscany flavors crafted with passion.
    Open for lunch and dinner, closed on Thursdays.
    Tags: Vegetarian options
  3. "Agriturismo Montemagnoli"
    Traditional Tuscan cuisine served with genuine hospitality.
    Closed on Mondays. Open for dinner Tuesday to Friday, lunch and dinner on Saturday, and lunch on Sunday.
    Tags: Vegetarian options - Gluten free options
  4. "Restaurant Molino 2.0"
    Local traditional cuisine reinvented with a modern touch by talented young chefs, set in a historic mill with stunning river views in Montelupo Fiorentino.
    Closed on Mondays. Open for dinner daily, lunch only on Sundays.
    Tags: Vegetarian options - Gluten free options
  5. "Napule"
    Authentic Neapolitan flavors crafted with passion and high-quality ingredients.
    Open for lunch and dinner daily, except Sundays when only dinner is served.
    Tags: Vegetarian options

Festa della Pizza 🍕

  • What: Welcome dinner & pizza class ("Festa della Pizza")
  • Chef note: Our chef and his team are a very famous pizzaiolo crew-expect a fun, hands-on flow while you prepare your own pizza, taught by the chefs.
  • When: 5:00 PM
  • Where: Tenuta i Massini (see estate map for reception area)
  • Vibe: casual, social, high-energy start to the week

Tenuta i Massini - Amenities & Maps

Quick positioning

  • Tenuta i Massini and Antica Fattoria di Paterno are part of the same group and are about ~1 km apart, connected by shared countryside land.

On-site amenities (from your estate map & venue info)

  • Swimming pool & shaded outdoor lounging; the venue describes a countryside pool experience and outdoor social areas (including BBQ-style convivial spaces).
  • Tennis court (on-site).
  • Lake / "laghetto" on the property (described as a semi-hidden, romantic feature).
  • Party Room (indoor hangout space shown on the map).
  • Reception / main event area (shown on the map).
  • Wooded pocket ("boschetto") & gardens in a fenced park setting; the venue describes a fully fenced estate park with woods and multiple garden areas.
  • Parking & EV charging available on-site.

Suites / stay basics (useful for guest expectations)

  • Tenuta i Massini highlights 10 suites/apartments, with free Wi-Fi, A/C, and typical in-apartment comforts (e.g., Nespresso & kettle), plus dedicated outdoor space and reserved pool area per lodging.

Optional "experiences" (only if guests ask / if time allows)

  • The venue lists experiences such as winery visits (Chianti area), bird watching, trekking/hiking and biking, horseback riding, plus yoga and cooking classes on-site.

Lucca & Pisa

Walled-city charm, tower climbs, and a quick Leaning Tower finale-designed as an easy day trip. Hours and ticket rules can change-please double-check before heading out.

Tree-lined promenade atop Lucca's Renaissance walls

The Walled City of Lucca

Walk Lucca's tree-lined walls, wander Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, then climb Lucca iconic towers.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Piazza dei Miracoli

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Timed Leaning Tower climb & Miracoli photos & a quick bite: Pisa is a perfect 90-minute stop.

Macelleria Tuccori Mariano storefront sign in Lucca

Tuccori Butcher Shop

Quick family hello at Macelleria Tuccori Mariano - a classic Lucca butcher shop stop & bites.

Lucca street view near Puccini's Birth Home museum

Puccini's Lucca

Puccini was born in Lucca - visit the Birth Home museum for a short high-culture hit anytime.

Map and sunglasses on a table, signaling a day trip plan

Trip Notes (What to Expect)

Full-day loop from Florence by car: walking, stairs, and photo stops fill this route all day.

Aerial view of Lucca's historic center within its walls

Featured Event

Lucca & Pisa Day Trip

Lucca walls & towers, a quick family stop, then Pisa's Leaning Tower to close the day.

Printed ticket stubs and a phone on a table

Tickets & Timing

Pisa Tower is timed and sells out; book early. Lucca towers use the city ticketing site-easy.

Facade details and interior atmosphere in Lucca

Lucca Interior "Hits"

Duomo di San Martino & Palazzo Pfanner gardens make beautiful interior stops in Lucca center.

Piazza dei Miracoli lawns with Pisa monuments in the background

Piazza dei Miracoli (More)

Beyond the Tower: Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto-the full Piazza dei Miracoli set too.

Romanesque church exterior in the hamlet of Lammari near Lucca

Lammari Photo Stop

A quick pass-through in Lammari (Capannori) for photos at San Cristoforo's Romanesque church.

A bicycle leaning near a scenic walkway, suggesting a casual ride

Bike the Walls

Bike the walls like locals - a flat, scenic loop with views over rooftops and gardens around.

The Walled City of Lucca

Lucca's famous walls form a wide, tree-lined loop around the historic center-perfect for walking or cycling.

  • What makes it special: intact Renaissance-era defenses turned into a public promenade
  • Easy route: walls -> Piazza dell'Anfiteatro -> Torre Guinigi & Torre delle Ore
  • Good to know: opening times for towers vary; booking ahead is recommended

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Tower climb uses time-slotted entry. If you want to climb, booking early is the move.

  • Plan: timed Tower climb & Piazza dei Miracoli photos & quick snack
  • Tickets: official sales typically open about 90 days before the visit date
  • Tip: pick a time that matches the day's driving flow (late afternoon works well)

Macelleria Tuccori Mariano

Quick family hello & a classic Lucca food moment. We'll keep it short and keep the day moving.

  • Address: Via Santa Croce, 40 - Lucca
  • Hours: Mon-Sat 08:00-20:00 (closed Sunday)
  • Stop style: 30-45 minutes (hello & small bites)

Puccini Museum (Birth Home)

Lucca is Giacomo Puccini's hometown. This is a perfect one-hour culture option.

  • Best for: a quick cultural stop with real Lucca identity
  • Early September note: the museum is typically open daily in the April-Sept season
  • Time: 30-60 minutes

Trip Notes (What to Expect)

This is a full-day loop with multiple walking segments and stairs (tower climbs). Comfortable shoes win.

  • Effort level: moderate (lots of walking & optional tower stairs)
  • Bring: water, sun protection, and a small day bag
  • Style: we keep stops moving-there's a lot to see without rushing

Tickets & Timing

The Leaning Tower climb is time-slotted and can sell out. Lucca's towers use the city booking platform.

  • Pisa: official tickets generally open ~90 days before the visit date
  • Lucca: Torre Guinigi & Torre delle Ore are bookable via the Comune platform
  • Reality: final timing depends on the Pisa Tower time slot we can secure

Lucca & Pisa Day Trip (Highlights)

This is the big-picture flow. A detailed itinerary will be shared with everyone who RSVPs.

  • 08:00 Depart Florence (drive)
  • ~09:15 Lammari pass-through & quick photos at Chiesa di San Cristoforo
  • 10:00-13:15 Lucca core: walls walk/bike & Piazza dell'Anfiteatro & tower climbs
  • ~13:20 Tuccori butcher shop (family hello) - 30-45 min
  • ~14:05 Lunch in Lucca
  • 15:15-16:35 Duomo di San Martino & Palazzo Pfanner
  • ~17:05-18:25 Pisa: Leaning Tower (timed climb) & Miracoli photos & quick bite
  • ~20:00 Back to Florence

Lucca Interior "Hits"

Two easy wins for interiors and atmosphere-great contrast to the walls and tower climbs.

  • Duomo di San Martino: cathedral & museum options (tickets/info via the cathedral museum)
  • Palazzo Pfanner: famous garden & museum (seasonal opening; tickets online)

Piazza dei Miracoli (More Than the Tower)

If you have extra time, the Square of Miracles is a full monument set beyond the Tower climb.

  • Monuments: Cathedral, Baptistery, Camposanto & museums
  • Flow: Tower climb (timed) -> photos -> quick monument add-on if time allows

Lammari Photo Stop (San Cristoforo)

A quick, photogenic stop near Lucca: a Romanesque church in the hamlet of Lammari (Capannori).

  • Stop style: brief-photos & stretch & keep moving
  • Why it's here: it sits naturally along the Lucca approach

Bike the Walls

The walls are wide and flat-cycling is one of the most Lucca ways to see the city quickly.

  • Time: 30-60 minutes for a relaxed loop
  • How: rent a bike near the walls and cruise the promenade

Greater Tuscany Day Trips

Vineyards, hill towns, thermal pools, and the postcard landscapes that define Tuscany.

Siena skyline with terracotta rooftops

★ Siena (Classic Day Trip)

Piazza del Campo, Siena Duomo, and a timeless medieval core - perfect for a day trip anytime.

A vineyard-lined road through Chianti hills

★ Chianti Road (SR222)

Drive SR222 for vineyards, hill towns, and long lunches - pick two stops, then relax all day.

Cypress-lined road in Val d'Orcia countryside

Val d'Orcia (UNESCO Views)

Cypress roads and golden hilltop - choose Pienza or Montepulciano for classic views en route.

Tuscan hill town street scene in Arezzo or Cortona

Arezzo & Cortona (On-the-Way)

On the Rome-Florence corridor: art, hill-town views, and an easy lunch stop with local charm.

Map and road sign for Tuscan day trip planning

How to Do These Trips

Train-friendly stops are easy; countryside gems are best by car/driver - quick planning tips.

Tuscan villa and vineyards at golden hour

Tuesday, September 8 (Wedding Day)

The Most Anticipated Event in All of Tuscany ✨

Clear your calendar. Tuscany’s headline event this September is… ours.

Wine glasses and Tuscan antipasti on a table

Taste of Tuscany

Order Tuscany with confidence: Chianti Classico, Brunello, Vino Nobile, plus local favorites.

Stone walls and towers of Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni (Walled Village)

A tiny walled village between Siena and Florence - quick, cinematic, and photo-perfect stops!

Outdoor thermal pool in Tuscany with steam

Rapolano Terme (Thermal Pools)

Thermal pools near Siena for a relaxed reset day - warm water, spa time, countryside air too.

Rows of vines at sunset in Tuscany

Wine Regions (3 Labels)

Three labels to know: Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Rolling clay hills of the Crete Senesi landscape

Crete Senesi (Lunar Hills)

Clay hills and lunar landscapes just outside Siena - quiet roads, big skies, unreal textures.

Siena (Classic Day Trip)

A medieval city built around Piazza del Campo with one of Italy’s most memorable cathedral complexes.

  • Start: Piazza del Campo & Torre del Mangia area
  • Don’t miss: Siena Cathedral complex (Duomo & Piccolomini Library)
  • Vibe: Slow wander through the contrade streets and pick a cafe you like

Chianti Road (SR222)

The classic countryside drive: vineyards, olive groves, hill towns, viewpoints, and long lunches.

  • Keep it simple: choose 2 towns & one lunch reservation
  • Easy stops: Greve, Castellina, or Radda
  • Pro move: stop often for viewpoints—this route is the whole point

Val d'Orcia (UNESCO Views)

Tuscany’s most “postcard” landscape—cypress roads, golden hills, and perfectly framed towns.

  • Pick 2 stops: Pienza (views & pecorino) and/or Montepulciano (dramatic hill town)
  • Best pace: full day by car/driver
  • Photo timing: late afternoon light is the cheat code

Arezzo & Cortona (On-the-Way)

Two great “break up the ride” towns—Arezzo for art and squares, Cortona for classic hill-town views.

  • Arezzo: Piazza Grande & Basilica of San Francesco (frescoes)
  • Cortona: hill-town streets & viewpoints (Etruscan roots)
  • Train tip: start with Arezzo as the easiest rail stop

How to Do These Trips

Most countryside days are best by car/driver. Trains shine for the “on-the-way” cities.

  • Best by train: Arezzo (simple rail stop)
  • Best by car/driver: Chianti Road, Siena, Val d'Orcia
  • Planning rule: one anchor town & 1–2 small stops = perfect pace

Tuesday, September 8 (Wedding Day)

The main event. The day we’ve all been waiting for.

  • 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Breakfast
  • 3:30 PM: Guest arrival at Paterno
  • 4:00 PM: Ceremony
  • 5:30 PM: Aperitivo
  • 7:00 PM: Dinner
  • 8:30 PM: First Dance
  • 2:00 AM: Last Dance - Final Shuttles.

Taste of Tuscany

If you’re ordering blind, these are the safest “Tuscany at its best” choices.

  • Wines: Chianti Classico (Gallo Nero), Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano
  • Food staples: pici pasta, pecorino, cinghiale (wild boar), ribollita (seasonal)
  • Booking tip: winery tastings usually require reservations

Monteriggioni (Walled Village)

A tiny fortified village that feels like a movie set—perfect as a short, high-impact stop.

  • Time: 45–90 minutes is plenty
  • Best pairing: Siena or the Chianti drive
  • Do: walk the walls area & quick drink & photos

Rapolano Terme (Thermal Pools)

A relaxing reset day near Siena. Two main spa parks make it simple to plan.

  • Pick one: Terme Antica Querciolaia or Terme San Giovanni
  • Bring: swimsuit & sandals (and a light cover-up for walking around)
  • Best pairing: Crete Senesi scenic drive or Siena day trip

Wine Regions (3 Labels)

These three names cover most “best bottle on the menu” moments in Tuscany.

  • Chianti Classico: the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) zone
  • Brunello di Montalcino: powerful, structured, and iconic
  • Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: elegant Sangiovese from a gorgeous hill town

Crete Senesi (Lunar Hills)

Clay hills and wide skies southeast of Siena—quiet roads, unreal textures, and big photo energy.

  • Best by: car/driver (this is a scenery-first day)
  • Pairs well with: Rapolano Terme or Siena
  • Where to aim: the Asciano area for classic Crete landscapes

Rome Mini-Guide

Top Rome picks-tap a card for details & map pins. Hours and ticket rules can change-please double-check before heading out.

Rome skyline and rooftops near Centro Storico

Where to Stay

Best areas depending on your vibe-walkable, classic, or quieter.

Rome metro train arriving at an underground platform

Getting Around

Walk the center. Metro/taxi when you need to save time.

Museum gallery interior with classical sculptures in Rome

Museums (Beyond Vatican)

If you want a museum day, pick one-Rome rewards focus.

Colorful gelato display in a Rome gelateria

Gelato Stops

Daily gelato is non-negotiable. These are reliable favorites.

The Colosseum exterior in morning light

★ Colosseum & Roman Forum

Iconic, but timed entry is real-book ahead and go early.

Train platform departure board for travel north from Rome

★ Getting to the Wedding

Rome to Florence to shuttle is easiest. Backup routes listed.

St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican skyline at sunrise

★ Vatican City & St. Peter's Basilica

Sistine Chapel & Michelangelo's dome views-worth a morning.

Cocktail bar scene in Rome at night

Nightlife (Music & Cocktails)

Aperitivo bars & a couple live-music spots that actually hit.

Shoppers walking along a fashion street in central Rome

Shopping Areas

Designer streets, markets, and "wanderable" zones.

Trevi Fountain and historic Roman architecture

Other Things to See

The greatest hits-perfect for a self-guided "Rome walk."

Roman pasta and pizza spread on a trattoria table

Top Restaurants (Rome Classics)

Cacio e pepe, carbonara, artichokes, pizza-short list, no stress.

Where to Stay

Best neighborhoods:

  • Centro Storico (most walkable, classic "Rome at your door")
  • Monti (cool, close to Colosseum, great food)
  • Trastevere (night energy & charming streets)
  • Prati (clean, easy for Vatican mornings)

Tip: If you are taking an early train north, staying closer to Termini can simplify departure.

Getting Around

  • Walk first: most "core" sights are 10-25 minutes apart.
  • Metro: A / B / C lines are best for long hops across the city.
  • Tickets: BIT is valid 100 minutes (metro is one journey); price €1.50.
  • Contactless: ATAC tap&go works on buses/trams/metro; "best fare" logic applies based on usage.
  • Taxis: official city call service 060609 (ChiamaTaxi).
  • Cooperative options: 06 3570 (Radiotaxi 3570) and 06 6645 (ProntoTaxi 6645).

Museums (Beyond Vatican)

  • Galleria Borghese (masterpieces; reservations are mandatory).
  • Capitoline Museums (Rome's greatest "city museum" collection).
  • If you still want more: National Roman Museum (Palazzo Massimo) for ancient Rome deep cuts.

Gelato Stops

  • Gelateria del Teatro
  • Giolitti
  • Fatamorgana
  • Come il Latte

Colosseum & Roman Forum

  • Plan: timed entry & 2-4 hours total (Colosseum & Forum/Palatine).
  • Best time: first slots of the day or late afternoon.
  • Booking rules: time-slot reservations are required; tickets typically open 30 days ahead.
  • Tickets are issued in the holder's name; bring ID.

Vatican City & St. Peter's Basilica

Best "2-part" plan:

  • St. Peter's Basilica (security line; plan early) - official visitor services are on the Basilica site.
  • Dome (Cupola) climb: challenging but legendary-551 steps (or 320 with lift).
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: use the official ticket portal at tickets.museivaticani.va.

Top Restaurants (Rome Classics)

  • Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (legendary Roman staples & deli/wine energy)
  • Armando al Pantheon (classic trattoria; great lunch anchor near sights)
  • Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere icon; expect lines-go early)
  • Flavio al Velavevodetto (Testaccio, Roman classics done right)
  • SantoPalato (modern Roman; worth a reservation)
  • Pizzarium Bonci (casual "best slice" option)

Nightlife (Music & Cocktails)

  • Drink Kong (cocktails)
  • Jerry Thomas Speakeasy (cocktails; check entry rules)
  • Freni e Frizioni (Trastevere aperitivo)
  • Gregory's Jazz Club (live jazz)

Shopping Areas

  • Via del Corso (main artery; easy stroll)
  • Via dei Condotti / Spanish Steps (luxury)
  • Campo de' Fiori market (daytime energy)
  • Via dei Giubbonari (shopping street near Campo)
  • Monti (boutiques & vintage)

Other Things to See

  • Pantheon
  • Trevi Fountain
  • Piazza Navona
  • Spanish Steps
  • Trastevere evening wander
  • Castel Sant'Angelo (great sunset river walk nearby)

Getting to the Wedding

  • Best option (recommended): High-speed train Roma Termini to Firenze S. M. Novella, then catch the wedding shuttle (see Schedule/Travel page for pickup details).
  • Alternative (closer rail & taxi): train toward Empoli (venue area) or Castelfiorentino, then taxi or coordinate pickup. Castelfiorentino is on the Florence-Siena line and connects via Empoli.
  • Drive option: rent a car and drive to the venue; park on-site (confirm parking instructions on arrival).
  • Ride-with-someone option: coordinate with friends arriving earlier (best for flexibility and stops).

Do this: Piazza del Duomo & (optional) Dome climb

Best time: early morning or late afternoon

Quick tip: The Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays due to worship (Mass is still held).

Plan: timed entry & 60–90 minutes inside

Pair with: Duomo area (easy walk)

  • Uffizi Gallery (Renaissance greatest hits)
  • Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens (palace & gardens)
  • Bargello Museum (sculpture & quieter vibe)
  • Ponte Vecchio → river stroll (golden hour is perfect)
  • Oltrarno wander (artisan streets & local bars)
  • Piazza della Signoria (open-air sculpture vibe)
  • Sunset: Piazzale Michelangelo (arrive ~60 min before)
  • Optional Sept 7 tradition: Festa della Rificolona (paper lantern festival), typically from ~8pm near Piazza SS. Annunziata—fun to catch before/after drinks.

Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore): 9:00 • 10:30 • 12:00 • 18:00

Santa Croce: 11:00 • 18:00

Santa Maria Novella (Jul–Sep): 10:30 • 18:00

Note: The Cathedral is closed to sightseeing on Sundays due to worship.

Where: Angel Roofbar & Dining (Hotel Calimala rooftop)

When: 7:00 PM (arrive whenever—no formal start)

Vibe: cocktails & shareable bites & skyline views

  • 701 Rooftop Bar (Gallery Hotel Art)
  • Locale Firenze (cocktails)

Best areas: Centro Storico (walk everywhere) • Oltrarno (slightly quieter, still central)

Hotel ideas (walkable):

  • Hotel Calimala
  • Gallery Hotel Art (near 701 Rooftop)
  • Hotel Spadai
  • Hotel Lungarno

Tip: If you’re training to Tuscany the next day, consider being closer to Santa Maria Novella station.

  • Florentine steak: Trattoria Dall’Oste
  • Classic Tuscan: Trattoria Zà Zà
  • Oltrarno favorite: Il Santo Bevitore
  • Iconic sandwich: All’Antico Vinaio
  • Angel Roofbar & Dining (meet-up location)
  • 701 Rooftop Bar (Duomo views)
  • Locale Firenze (cocktail bar)
  • Gelateria dei Neri
  • La Carraia
  • Perché No!
  • Walk first: most highlights are 5–20 minutes apart
  • Tram & bus tickets: single ticket commonly €1.70 (check latest)
  • Pay contactless on board: “Tip Tap” works on buses & trams (tap rules differ by line type)
  • Taxis: two main cooperatives—call 055 4242 or 055 4390
  • Bike / e-bike share: RideMovi app (scan & ride)