Discover how to make the most of a long weekend in London, Florence and Rome, pairing celebrated landmarks with experiences beyond the city. A few days offers just enough time to settle into a destination’s rhythm, while still leaving space for a thoughtfully chosen day trip further afield.
Exploring in and around London
Begin your weekend in London at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, ideally located for the city’s cultural highlights. With world-renowned contemporary galleries on your doorstep, ease into your stay with a trip to Cork Street, before continuing with an evening at the theatre on nearby Shaftesbury Avenue.
By day two, rejuvenated, take a guided tour of London’s sculptural wonders led by art expert Maeve Doyle, or perhaps delve into the city’s past with our Heritage Walk, followed by a replenishing afternoon tea. As evening falls, slink into the naughty corner at Donovan Bar for a cocktail or two, or explore the buzzing environs of Soho just a few minutes’ walk away.
The delights of London are myriad and seemingly never-ending, but venturing outside the capital rewards curiosity richly. With a little help from our concierge team, venture to Oxford and explore historic colleges, take a private library tour, or drift along the river on a traditional punt. Your journey could also lead you to Windsor castle or to the flora and fauna of Windsor Great Park, where deer are often spotted.
From Florence to Chianti
In the heart of Florence, Hotel Savoy places you just moments from the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. From this elegant base, experience the city as a love letter to Florence itself, tracing Dante Alighieri’s romance with Beatrice through its historic streets. Close by, David awaits his greeting alongside Botticelli and Bronzino at the La Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. For those keen to explore the city’s fashion scene, Via de’ Tornabuoni – often called the city’s Salotto, offers an array of boutiques and jewellers. Beyond the Renaissance allure, a bespoke Ferrari drive into the Tuscan countryside invites you to discover the region’s irresistible charm.
Take a day trip from Florence to Siena, a city famous for its gothic grandeur. Visit UNESCO’s Piazza del Campo and the striking marble Duomo. Or, for a more rural escape, Chianti showcases Tuscany’s wild beauty, with vineyard-covered hills and a gentler pace of life. Spend the day between Greve, Panzano and Radda, enjoying private tastings before an unhurried al fresco lunch of refined regional dishes at Osteria di Fonterutoli. Return to Florence and perhaps conclude your culture-drenched weekend with a romantic riverside dinner at the Michelin-starred La Bottega del Buon Caffè.
Things to do in Rome and beyond
Much like Rome itself, Hotel de la Ville effortlessly blends beauty with storied architecture. Start your long weekend of artistic exploration atop the Spanish Steps before strolling down to Piazza di Spagna, wander its surrounding streets, perhaps pausing for a spot of retail therapy along Via dei Condotti, before exploring the tranquil grounds of Villa Medici.
On your second day, why not immerse yourself in Rome’s golden age of cinema at Cinecittà, where the glamour of ‘Hollywood on the Tiber’ is still alive. In the afternoon, retreat to Villa Borghese for a sweeter kind of romance, watching the sun set over the rooftops from the Pincio Terrace.
Just beyond Rome, the pace softens. In Tivoli, cascading waterfalls and lush greenery frame the grandeur of Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. Follow your visit with a long lunch at Taverna Quintilia. Alternatively, explore Ostia Antica, where remarkably preserved streets, temples and bathhouses reveal intricate mosaics. End your city break with a relaxing visit to the Irene Forte Spa, where holistic therapies restore balance and revitalise – a fitting close to your stay.
Book your own extended weekend with the help of our hotel teams in London, Florence, and Rome.
Planning a Long Weekend in London, Florence and Rome
Is three days enough to experience London, Florence or Rome?
Three days offers a well-balanced introduction, allowing time for key landmarks alongside a slower exploration of neighbourhoods and local culture.
Should you include a day trip during a long weekend?
Including a day trip can add depth to a short stay, offering a different perspective on the region without overwhelming the pace of the visit.
What are the most worthwhile day trips from Rome?
Tivoli and Ostia Antica are among the most rewarding, combining historical significance with a more relaxed setting beyond the city.
How easy is it to take day trips from London without a car?
Many destinations, including Oxford and Windsor, are easily accessible by train, making them ideal for a day beyond the city.
Which areas are best to stay in for a short visit?
Central locations such as Mayfair in London, the historic centre in Florence, and the Spanish Steps area in Rome allow for easy access to key sights and a more fluid experience of the city.
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