The story follows the journey of Lucy Honeychurch, a young and sheltered Englishwoman who is on a trip to Italy with her older cousin, Charlotte Bartlett. They are staying at the Pension Bertolini in Florence. While in Italy, Lucy and Charlotte meet a variety of other English tourists, including the unconventional and free-spirited George Emerson and his father, Mr. Emerson.

During their stay in Florence, Lucy has a chance encounter with George that sets in motion a series of events. The encounter leads to a kiss between Lucy and George, which shakes her understanding of herself and the societal expectations placed upon her. She is torn between her growing feelings for George and the conventional expectations of her upper-middle-class upbringing, which dictate that she should marry the respectable but dull Cecil Vyse.

Upon returning to England, Lucy becomes engaged to Cecil Vyse, but the engagement is threatened by her unresolved feelings for George Emerson. The novel explores the contrast between the repressive, conventional values of English society and the liberating experiences she had in Italy.

As Lucy grapples with her emotions and societal pressures, she must ultimately make a choice that will determine her future and her pursuit of true love and happiness.