Florence Trip

After the first days in Rome, we went further north. Our itinerary was designed for several weeks - from the end of January to February 9, 2026, and the main purpose of the trip was the Carnival of Venice. But there were several more cities I wanted to see before Venice, so Florence was the next stop.

The road from Rome to Florence

In the morning we packed up and went to Roma Termini train station. After the hustle and bustle of Rome, the train seemed like an almost ideal way to continue the journey: I sat down, put my suitcase away, looked out the window - and after a while the urban landscape began to gradually change.

The trip from Rome to Florence took about an hour and a half. We decided not to take a car in advance, because in the historical centers of Italian cities it hinders rather than helps. In addition, the Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station is located almost in the center, so after arrival you did not have to waste time on a long journey.

First impression of Florence

When we left the station, we immediately felt a completely different atmosphere. After the large-scale Rome, Florence seemed more compact and calm. There is no need to constantly use transport here - many of the main places are within walking distance of each other.

It was cool, as it should be at the end of January, but the weather turned out to be quite comfortable for a walk. We left our things and almost immediately went to the historical center. I didn't want to build a detailed route, but just to get a little comfortable in the city.

The first evening in the city

The first thing we did was go to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Even after the Colosseum and other impressive places in Rome, the Florence Duomo was able to surprise. Brunelleschi's huge dome towered over the surrounding buildings, and the square itself was filled with people, despite the winter season.

Interior

From the cathedral, we continued along the narrow streets to the Piazza della Signoria, and then to the Arno. By evening, the city had become even more interesting - there were fewer tourists, the buildings were illuminated, and dusk was gradually falling over the river.

I found myself thinking that this is the format of travel that I like the most: not trying to see everything in one day, but leaving time just to take a walk and feel the city.

We had a few days ahead in Florence, followed by Bologna and Verona. And with each passing city, we had to get closer to the main goal of this trip - Venice and its carnival.