Places/Italy

Tuscany

Florence

A small city that contains more art than a weekend can use, surrounded by hills that can.

Florence is compact enough to walk and dense enough to exhaust you by the second afternoon if every room is a museum. See one great collection. Spend the other day in the Oltrarno and, if you can, out of the city.

The Duomo’s exterior is free and sufficient for many people. The climb is a narrow stair and a decision about claustrophobia, not a required rite.

See

• The Uffizi or the Accademia, not both on the same day

  Book the time. If you only want David, say so and go to the Accademia. If you want the city explained in paint, the Uffizi.

• Oltrarno

  Santo Spirito, workshops, a coffee. This is the side of the river that still has errands.

• A viewpoint you earn

  San Miniato in the morning, or Piazzale Michelangelo if you accept company. The walk up is the better half.

• One town in the hills

  Fiesole by bus if you want a short escape. Siena is a day, not an hour, and wants its own lunch.