The Westin Excelsior, Florence

In 2017, I studied abroad for a semester in Florence, Italy, and just about died and went to pasta heaven! From January through May, I ate like a queen. I honestly have no idea how I afforded to eat out as much as I did. But it was worth every cent! As soon as I was confirmed into the Lorenzo de'Medici program, various friends of friends sent their recommendations and guides for Florence to me. I inherited a wealth of inside knowledge about Florence like the secret bakeries, wine windows, and where to find the cute bartenders. I referred to these guides religiously in the first few weeks of getting my footing before establishing my own favorites around the city and starting my own Florence food guide. There's no doubt in my mind that there are newer additions to the Florence restaurant scene since I was there in 2017. This is just a compilation of my favorite places in Florence from someone who lived there for 5 months! This food guide is like my original Google Doc bullet point list had a baby with my food Instagram, @my600lblife. I've removed any eateries that are no longer in business but kept all my original commentary from 20-year-old Maeve who apparently was only concerned a good deal. Some of them make me giggle and cringe a little but they're authentically me and it's just like my favorite saying, "If you're not cringing, you're not growing." I've included a lengthy list of tips for dining in Italy, a breakdown of the Italian courses and their English translation, and of course, my favorite (and not so favorite) restaurants in Florence including pasta, pizza, panino, caffe, aperitivo, gelato & more! Please tag me on any pictures on Instagram (@maevecutts) so I can live vicariously through your travels to Florence! As always, I'm happy to help you plan a custom itinerary for your trip to Florence! Just reach out to me directly (:

Some research based shortlisted hotels in Europe & Asia. All are central locations. Book away if you like any and you're welcome to share your feedback as I haven't stayed in most. Find me on Insta @nehastravelworld if you want to see my travels :) You can get personalised guide for any of the destinations by simply scheduling your first travel consultation or by signing up for one of the curated recommendations packages on Thatch!!! Destination included in this guide: (keeps getting updated) Asia: Bali, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka Amsterdam, Brussels, Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Sevilla), Lisbon, Vienna, Italy (Rome, Naples, Tuscany, Florence, Cinque Terre, Lake Como, Puglia, Amalfi Coast)

THE DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE TO THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ITALY - ROME, FLORENCE, VENICE, & MORE 🇮🇹 I've been fortunate enough to visit Italy multiple times and even more fortunate to have been guided by true Italian friends. Here, I take all that I've learned from those travels and distill it into one perfect itinerary that hits the big highlights. This itinerary is a great fit for first-timers since it'll take you to the absolute must-see spots in Italy. You certainly won't see all the boot has to offer (just plan on coming back for future trips, plural, to make that happen), but you'll see the most iconic places at a reasonable, enjoyable pace. You'll be able to soak up all the history, food, wine, and dolce vita these cities have to offer. After this first taste, you'll be dying to come back for more! 🗺️ Main Itinerary Stops: - Rome | 2 full days / 3 nights - Orvieto | Pit stop - Tuscany // Montalcino | 2 full days / 3 nights - Siena | Pit stop - Florence | 2 full days / 3 nights - Tivoli | Pit stop - Rome | Overnight for return flight 🗺️ Optional Extension Stops: - Pisa | Day trip (+ extra night in Florence) - Bologna | Pit stop - Venice | 2 full days / 3 nights - Modena | 1 full day / 1 night here or nearby