Extraordinary Things to Do in Florence this Summer
Framed by artistic and architectural wonders of the Renaissance, Florence is a natural setting for outdoor events. Hotel Savoy has created a series of outdoor experiences for its guests in and around the city, aglow under summer’s burnished sun.
While there is no shortage of remarkable outdoor dining spots in Florence, Hotel Savoy has gone the extra mile to provide guests with an unforgettable and unusual experience. Just a few steps away from the hotel, our guests can indulge in a delicious private dinner on the rooftop of a historic palace owned by one of Florence’s most noble families, while drinking in the beautiful Florentine skyline.
Organic pizza and gelato making classes
Florence is bursting with exquisite art and architecture, but those craving nature can head to the rolling hills of Chianti, where vineyards blend into olive groves and guests can take part in organic pizza and gelato making classes on a farm in Villa Olmo in Impruneta – just twenty-five minutes from the city centre. Chianti, one of the most fascinating regions of Tuscany, is celebrated for its peasant culture and fine cuisine and is also where the famous red Chianti DOCG is produced.
No trip to Florence is complete without a taste of fine Tuscan wines: our guests can indulge in a wine tasting experience with sommelier Paolo Piccardi, either outside on the hotel terrace amidst the vibrant Emilio Pucci decor, or in the comfort of their Olga Polizzi-designed suite. Piccardi will share his favourite wines and give guests his valuable perspective on the region’s fantastic vineyards and the future of wine drinking.
There are many reasons to visit Florence during the summer, but one of them is the opportunity to enjoy a performance at the Roman theatre in nearby Fiesole with its panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Each year a historic outdoor festival, the ‘Estate Fiesolana’, includes classical concerts, comedy shows and theatre performances. There are also plenty of historical sites and churches to explore in this ancient Etruscan and Roman town.
Over 700 years since the death of Dante Alighieri, trace Italy’s most celebrated poet through Florence’s narrow medieval streets after indulging in a full breakfast served at the outdoor terrace of the Hotel Savoy’s Irene restaurant.
Forty-five minutes from Hotel Savoy, near to San Gimignano, Cusona Castle, owned by the Guicciardini Strozzi Family, is a must. Princesses Irina and Natalia Strozzi accompany guests on tours of the 1,000-year-old property and host a range of experiences. Guests can try painting lessons in the garden or wine tasting and a tour of the historic cellars.
Art lovers, meanwhile, will enjoy a trip to see Reaching for the Stars, an exhibition at the Palazzo Strozzi until 18th June which showcases works by Sarah Lucas, Damien Hirst and Cindy Sherman. Or make sure to visit the Florence Opera to enjoy a concert directed by Zubin Mehta, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino honorary director.
For a truly memorable birthday activity or special occasion, book a truffle hunting experience led by our local guide, followed by an exquisite lunch served in a private country house in the undulating terrain of Bagno a Ripoli, a 25-minute drive from the Hotel Savoy. Here, reconnect with the natural world and enjoy the ritual of one of Florence’s most treasured traditions.
Extraordinary experiences await you at Hotel Savoy in Florence. To curate a wonderful itinerary for your next visit, email our reservations team at reservations.savoy@roccofortehotels.com or call +39 055 27 35 1.
