Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Florence: Insider Secrets To The Renaissance City

by Corinna Cooke

Are you worried the only things you’ll see in Florence are the massive crowds? Discover how to avoid the long lines and enjoy the city’s best-kept secrets. If you fear wasting time waiting in long lines with hordes of tourists and are overwhelmed by the number of attractions in Florence, if you’re struggling to fit in the top sights on your incredible vacation, this is the book for you. Best-selling Italy travel author and boutique tour guide Corinna Cooke has spent a lifetime studying the city’s every secret. Now she shares her expert advice for exploring the cultural wonders of this amazing destination so you can avoid the jam-packed masses and soak up each stress-free moment. Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Insider Secrets To The Renaissance City is the ultimate guide to uncovering the real story of this fascinating historical icon. Catering to every possible desire, from uncrowded walks through the lives of Dante and Michelangelo to the author’s favorite restaurants and specialty stores, you’ll be immersed in the city’s breathtaking heart and soul. See the hidden facets of Florence missed by so many and be invigorated by one of the world’s most beautiful locales. In Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Florence, you’ll - Clear strategies for enjoying the big sights without the anxiety of long wait-times - Little known locations and the juicy stories behind them that bring the city to life - Palaces, piazzas, museums, and churches off the beaten track that exude Florentine culture - The best markets, shops, restaurants, and fascinating places you simply must sample - A “What’s Nearby?” section for every site to help you maximize your time, tips to fit everything into your day, and much, much more! Glam Italia! 101 Fabulous Things To Do In Florence is the third exhilarating book in the Glam Italia! How To Travel Italy series. If you like genuine history, passionate guides, and being an in-the-know visitor, then you’ll love Corinna Cooke’s eye-opening resource.

Genres: Italy, Travel

437 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2020

About the author

Hi! I’m Corinna.
I am an International Makeup Artist, Travel Blogger, former Magazine Beauty Director, and very proudly, a Best Selling Author.

I write books about my greatest passion in life, traveling in Italy. Every day that I’m not in Italy I am daydreaming about being there.

When I was growing up I wanted to be an archaeologist. I dreamed about digs in exotic locales around the world, discovering ancient ruins and celebrating lost cultures. That bubble burst when I realized I didn’t like getting dirty. So I became a Makeup Artist instead, traveling the world, studying history and art and learning languages along the way.

Like the masses before me I completely fell in love with Italy.
I love the culture, the history, the art, architecture and music, the food the wine and above all, the people.

Unlike most countries, with Italy the more new places you stumble upon the more you realize you’ve barely skimmed the tip of the iceberg. So I still have a lifetime of discovery ahead of me!
I spend as much time as possible in Italy each year. As well as my personal travel, every summer I take small groups of women on boutique, private Glam Italia tours .

I grew up in New Zealand and have lived around the globe on continents and islands and in some of the most exciting cities in the world. At this time I live in the wild beauty that is Arizona, where every sunset seems more spectacular than the one before and 9 months of the year the weather is perfect. (The other 3 months are a little toasty)

"Open my heart and you will see
Graved inside of it, “Italy”
– Robert Browning

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In gathering ideas and setting priorities for my first trip to Italy, I found a podcast called Untold Italy that featured Corinna Cooke as a guest. I love her practical tips, and the perspective that differentiates a “traveler” from a “tourist.” So I picked up her first book, closely followed by the remaining 3.
(“Glam” in the titles comes from prioritizing comfort and doing beautiful things, by saving where you can. She has excellent strategies, and in less than 2 months I now have enough travel points for my flight.)

She is all about having an immersive experience, getting off the beaten path, finding hidden gems, but still seeing, feeling, and tasting what you’re going to Italy for. Her top travel planning question is “what do you want to experience?” and we go from there.

Along the way, she tells fabulous tales behind the artists, churches, patrons, and ruins—
definitely enough to see sights on your own, but also enough to help you decide if something is worth it to you to get a guided tour.

The books have a few line drawings at chapter headers, maybe a map or two particular to a discussion, and no photographs at all. They are not
visual planners but storytelling ones, with the added bonus of “what’s nearby,” so you can easily figure out walks that group sites together. Almost a do-it-yourself tour guide builder, that fits nicely with her understanding that most of us travel on a budget.

After my trip I’ll know whether to boost the ratings to 5 stars!

[Brie Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY recommend! I read it, highlighted, marked pages, and brought it to Florence with me. This book opened up the beautiful rich history and magic that Florence has to offer with little unknown gems you’d otherwise pass by without ever knowing. Every recommendation she had did not disappoint, especially on the authentic gelato! I’d of been eating just regular old ice cream without her guidance. This was an easy read but I paused a lot to google and do extra research to create my Florence itinerary. I will say some places on her where to eat have closed so be mindful of that. I only had 3 days in Florence but I feel I got to truly appreciate what I did see. It just so happened that our VRBO was in the same building as Jimmys Leather Shop and they were so kind and helpful I wish we had time to stop and try on some selections they picked out for us. No doubt we will be coming back to see them again!

[Fuschia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with so much info! I read both the kindle and hard copy version. The kindle version is handy to save highlighted sections but also enjoyed flipping through the hard copy. Planning a 2-week trip to Tuscany and so looking forward to visiting many of the sites listed. Love the in-depth descriptions. I only wish the book had tons more maps (and in color) as I’m having to mark up several of my own maps with the author’s suggestions. It would be really helpful to have detailed maps of all sites mentioned (beyond the b/w versions of a few throughout the book). I have the time to see Florence beyond the 24-48 hour dash of many visitors so a bit overwhelmed with all the options (in a good way)! Would like to see specific suggested itineraries (beyond the walking tours as those don’t appeal to me). Highly recommend! The enthusiasm and love of Italy of the author is inspiring!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t get to read this much before I left so it ended up as a reference book while I was there. Really packed full of helpful tips and information. Thankfully the search feature exists in the Kindle app. I will definitely hold on to it and use it for my next visit to look for more things mentioned. I went to 8 nights and saw so much but this book left me with so much more. Don’t read if you are only going for the 2/3 days they say Florence needs (maybe if you are just going to the famous locations you can do it in 2). Easy read. Many quirky interesting things. Useful and handy tips. Entertaining too :)

[Matt Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

She really did give insider secrets. We spent seven days in Florence but wasn't my favorite city in Italy. Too crowded, not very pretty, and I never felt like I saw the soul of the city.
That being said, we had some great experiences there. The two best restaurants came out of this book. Not small places, but good food and friendly people. Her tips on avoiding the crowds were spot on, and her recommendations for smaller less crowded venues were great.

[Debbie Gascoyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really great. I'd recommend it to anyone planning or actually partaking of a trip to Florence. She focusses on things that are off the beaten tourist trap, and even with the major sites offers details and interesting things to look for. Much more than the usual "10 must-see things in wherever" I'm glad I have it on Kindle because I shall take it with me if and when I go to Florence.

[Michael Podles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very broad in its interests. The author gives great advice on so many different areas of Florence. Whatever your particular interest you will find great information here. From my point of view I am interested in art and history and food. I read it once and then again more slowly making notes and skipping sections that don’t interest me ( shopping). Thanks Corinna for such a gem!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I'm traveling to Florence next month and after reading this book I feel ready for my first visit there. Helpful recommendations on tours and what to see that I know I never would of thought to even look for, along with shopping and restaurant spots. If you're going to Florence I strongly suggest reading this book.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem of a book. You won’t find photos, maps or floor plans - get them off google. What you will find is good practical advice that is well written in an engaging style. You will get a potted history, advice on queues and best times to visit and a hundred little snippets of things to look out for at each of Florence’s seemingly endless attractions.

I am now armed with a lists of “must do” “do if I can” and “not for me” attractions and a far too long list of bars and restaurants I’d like to try.

I think I’d have enjoyed this even if I’d not been about to visit - it was a great introduction to Florence. I’ve even just watched 3 series about the Medici on Netflix thanks to this book - she should be on commission!

I will certainly pick up more books by this author if they are relevant to future trips.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing guide book with fantastic, less touristy recommendations. I especially appreciate how the author gives you her honest opinion on each spot mentioned and if she thinks they are really worth the hype. The maps included throughout the book are very helpful- I recommend making a dot of where you are staying on each map so you have an idea of how far everything is from you.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this pre our trip to Florence - I didn't take it along (is fairly hefty) but wish I had. The author clearly knows her city well and we saw some fabulous places during our stay from the notes I'd made. Certainly wouldn't have noticed the wine windows or Michaelangelos graffiti! Next time I will take the book along to dip into as we realise we missed a few bits from gaps in my notes...

[Carmen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome - not your average travel book

Not your average travel book, this has in-depth information for the not so seasoned traveler! Well-written, love the way the book is laid out too. I highly recommend this book.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is just SO MUCH information. It’s helpful, but overwhelming because it doesn’t really help me figure out how to spend a day. I need an itinerary, more maps, spacial awareness. Rick Steve’s walking tour and site ratings is more helpful, I think.

[Vanessa burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful book

Planning a trip for my 50th birthday in 2022, have made so many notes, will have to 're read, can't wait to go.

[Dennis Patters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I lived 8 yrs in Florence and still learned from this book. An excellent and fun read. Highly recommended. Superb

[Denis Guyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book, easy to read, informative, entertaining and amusing.

[Sarah Taffet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bellisimo! I’m ready for Florence😎

[Emer Ní Fhoghlú · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice, could benefit from a proofreader as there are noticeable typos. Otherwise excellent

[Barb]

Loved it! I need more! Is there a book 4 coming?

[Clare Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know this looks cheesy af but it was actually a book I read front to back because it was about the history of Florence and was actually very interested heehe

[Nita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insider's view of Florence, including the fascinating history around many of the main sights. This book was written pre-pandemic so a few of the restaurants that she recommended are no longer in business.