​On the Road Again: Florence, Pistoia, and the Real Deal of Travel

Just like last week, fresh from the road again—I spent a quick weekend in Florence and Pistoia at a travel trade show, soaking up Tuscany. Since I live in Rome, getting to Florence is easy—just a quick 1½-hour train ride. From there, tons of places are reachable within an hour by local or regional train—some experiences better than others. What’s your favorite quick getaway from a major city?

It felt good to be back in Florence. I’ve been there before, but one thing that always strikes me is how much a guide matters. It’s not just about knowing the facts; it’s about passion. Have you ever had a tour guide whose enthusiasm completely made your trip? I know that well—I married a Roman guide, Rosa, who won me over not just with her knowledge but with her love for Rome. That passion makes tours come alive.

That’s why I was a little disappointed with the tours we took in Florence. They were okay, but lacked energy. Lots of facts, lots of info, but not engaging. The second night’s tour felt like a mini-repeat of the first—same guide, same stories. Some people left early, and I can’t blame them. It’s not that the guide was bad, just... not inspiring. When tours are supposed to have different themes, repeating the same stuff just loses people. How do you know when a tour really clicks for you?

On the business side, the event itself was unusual. Instead of scheduled meetings, it was open-ended. We mostly sat around waiting for suppliers to visit—after about four hours in the morning and the same in the afternoon, I met maybe five or six people. I say this because not every event is a game changer for new partners. This one was more of an exception. If I’d known, I might have skipped it—but then I wouldn’t have discovered Pistoia, which turned out to be a lovely surprise. Ever found a hidden gem by accident like that?

Picking Pistoia: A Hidden Tuscan Gem
We had post-day tour options: Prato, Lucca, or Pistoia. Lucca’s a favorite of mine—I’ve been many times and recommend it to clients without hesitation—so that left Prato or Pistoia. Both are about an hour by train from Florence. With train strikes common in Italy (they hit during this trip too), I still made it to Pistoia—and it did not disappoint.

The guides there were full of passion for their city. Pistoia feels like a mini-Florence—you’ll see the Duomo and Baptistry, designed by the same architects as Florence’s masterpieces. It’s small, walkable, with around 100,000 people, and you can easily see the highlights in a day trip. Have you ever stumbled on a town that surprised you with its charm?

🌟 Pistoia: Tuscany’s Little Known Political Player
Tucked away in the middle of Tuscany, Pistoia has a deep historic vibe that goes beyond just its beauty. Back in the Middle Ages, it was an independent and powerful commune, and a rival to Florence that played a big role in regional politics. Later on, the Florentines absorbed it during the Renaissance, but it kept its importance as the provincial capital.

Nowadays, Pistoia still matters politically and economically. Its local government shapes policies on culture, the environment, and economic growth. It also pushes sustainable tourism and agriculture, helping Tuscany stay connected and strong. For those who want to dig deeper than the usual Florence or Lucca visits, Pistoia really adds a layer of Tuscany most people miss. Does political history add to your travel experience? Or do you prefer just soaking up the atmosphere?

Wrapping Up: The Realities of Travel and Why We’re Here
So overall, the weekend with Florence and Pistoia was solid. I made new contacts, caught up with others, and loved the energy from the Pistoia guides and the group.

But the weekend also got hit by reality—the outbreak of war in the Middle East. As someone in travel, this was a reminder that what we do isn’t always just about beautiful trips. A client canceled her trip to that region just a day before departure. I saw the impact on travel agency colleagues learning English during my classes—big uncertainties, real stress.

I try to be honest and straightforward here—travel advisors aren’t just order takers. We’re here when things go south, whether during 9/11, a recession, the pandemic, or now. We work tirelessly to support travelers through cancellations, emergencies, and all the chaos that life throws at us.

We’re in this for the long haul. Thanks for trusting those of us in travel—we’ve got your back, on every adventure and every unexpected bump along the way. Here’s hoping the events in the Middle East don’t linger too long, and that life—and travel—can move forward soon with peace and renewed confidence.

If you’ve been inspired by Pistoia or want help finding those lesser-known gems on your next trip, feel free to reach out. What’s the next adventure you’re dreaming of? I’d love to hear!