The Best Villas for your stay in Florence

The best way of experiencing Florence like a true local is to find a beautiful villa to call home during your stay. Naturally there are plenty to choose from but here are the very best homes to make your own in this gorgeous renaissance city.
The villas of Florence provide space where the city has little. Many are on the outskirts; countryside dwellings with crisp gardens and cityscapes. After a day exploring museums and galleries, the peace they bring can be the perfect tonic. Those worried about having to forgo the red-domed Duomo or Michelangelo’s David shouldn’t be. Florence’s key landmarks are still easily accessed from most.
Tenuta del Podestà
Villa

Set in the romantic Florentine hills, Tenuta del Podestà is ideal for outdoor living. Its garden has a dipping pool, boules court and covered dining area. The two-bedroom, two-level villa holds up to six, while large French windows illuminate a comfortable living area. Those uninterested in the delights of the city – there are a few – should take the car and drive one hour to Chianti, the wine region.
Tuscan Sun Villa
Villa

Located just three miles from the city centre, Tuscan Sun Villa is tucked away in quiet Pian Dei Giullari. It’s here that Galileo Galilei was exiled in the 1600s, spending his time observing the stars. Follow his lead – although you may prefer to do it in the villa’s outside hot tub. The villa is decorated in muted tones allowing its views over the hills to take centre stage. Free bikes allow guests to explore the region.
Villa Michelangelo
Villa

In the attractive Palazzo Pitti district, Villa Michelangelo sits in one of Florence’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. Its close proximity to the city makes it a convenient base for a weekend escape. And although the property’s décor is muted, its views are certainly not. This is especially true from the outdoor pool which looks over Florence’s terracotta roofs and the Duomo’s dome.
Villa Fiorentina
Villa

Situated to the northeast of Florence, in sleepy Settignano, this character villa fuses contemporary and period furnishings to great effect. Its higgledy-piggledy interior is an antidote to uniform chain hotels – each room is a new adventure. The highlight of the property is (arguably) the outdoor pool, which is lined with sun loungers and guarded by a gently reclining statue. Head here in the evenings for a glass of trebbiano.
Poggio Imperiale Apartments
Apartment, Villa

This expansive family villa, built in 1860, has since been divided into nine, self-contained apartments. Each is decorated with antique furniture, terracotta floors and warm stucco walls. It sits close to Porta Romana, the most southern gate within the Oltrarno quarter, and offers easy access to Florence’s tourist hotspots. The complex also sits near the Boboli Gardens, a historic public gardens housing sculptures, fountains and a grand amphitheatre.
Pogio Bello
Villa

Dating from the 1400s, this property was once home to the Florentine Acciaioli family. It has retained its original glamour through priceless antiques and elaborate bed canopies. Fresh-from-the-oven pastries are served for breakfast and can be enjoyed in the communal lounge or large terrace garden. Make sure to ask for the torta di rose recipe from the hosts, it’s sure to impress at any dinner party.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.