After the EcoMaratona Pratese: Florence

The Route: Prato → Florence Logistics: A regional train from Prato Centrale to Florence Santa Maria Novella, about 20 to 30 minutes. Trains are frequent on a weekday and less so on a Sunday, so check the timetable. A taxi from the park to the station is the awkward part. Marathon Month: October Duration: 1 night

Cascine di Tavola ──(taxi)──> Prato station ──(train, 20 to 30 min)──> Florence Santa Maria Novella

Florence is the obvious next stop. The historic centre is a compact grid between the Arno and the cathedral, and the whole of it is flat and walkable, which is the right kind of geography for a Monday after four laps of gravel.

October in Florence: daytime temperatures are usually 13 to 21 °C, with cooler mornings and some rain. The summer crowds have thinned but queues at the main sights are still long. Book timed tickets in advance.

Take a taxi from the park to Prato station, then the train. Check the Sunday timetable, since services are reduced, and note the last train if you plan to travel that evening.

Night one: the centre

Start with the cathedral, its dome and the baptistery. The dome is climbable, with several hundred steps, and is a poor idea after a marathon. Look at it from the square. The Uffizi Gallery holds the great Renaissance paintings and needs a booked ticket and a fixed time, so reserve well ahead and check the current price.

Walk along the Arno and across the Ponte Vecchio, the medieval bridge lined with jewellers' shops. The walk takes about half an hour. The Oltrarno on the far bank is quieter and full of small workshops.

Dinner should be booked ahead. Try bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick T-bone steak sold by weight, or the simpler ribollita, a bread and vegetable soup. Prices vary and the tourist streets are the most expensive.

Where to stay

A hotel near Santa Maria Novella station or in the centre suits one night. The station area has the most options and the easiest links to Prato and the airport. Book a refundable rate and confirm the check-in time.

Getting back

Take the train back to Prato in the morning, or head to the airport. Florence airport connects to the centre by tram. Check the timetables and allow extra time.