Florence – is full of ancient treasures and is the birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence is a vibrant living museum that celebrates the great works of Michelangelo, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli.
This classic destination has the world’s largest collection of Renaissance art and of lavish architecture, it is often referred to as being one enormous museum or gallery, with more art treasures per square meter than any other city on earth.
Florence is nestled on the banks of the river Arno, below the wooded foothills of the Appennines, this beautiful and romantic city makes a classic choice for a short break or for an exciting weekend of discovery.
How to explore Florence: Florence encourages discovery and is best enjoyed (and easily explored) on foot. Be sure to wear a sturdy (but stylish) pair of walking boots in order to visit the many fascinating palaces, museums and galleries. If visiting Florence for the first time start by getting lost, simply wander around the city without referring to your guide or map, feel yourself being drawn in amongst the lavish architecture that crowds the ancient and narrow shadowed streets. Continue strolling around the elegant buildings and piazzas and you will soon understand why Florence inspired so many artists to produce many pieces of beauty and wonder.
What to see in Florence: Visit the Uffizi gallery, one of the most interesting and oldest galleries in the world. It houses an impressive collection of works from the Renaissance period and was commissioned largely by the Medici family, works include Botticelli’s (Birth of Venus). Also visit the Galleria Dell’ Accademia, which contains Michelangelo’s original David.
The magnificent Cathedral dominates the city with excellent views from its famous cupola and Giotto’s Bell Tower. Take a stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge or enjoy the beautiful Pitti Palace and its lovely gardens. For the best views of the city take a stroll from Porta Romana to Piazzale Michelangelo and then onto San Miniato al Monte to visit one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Italy.
Eating out in Florence: Florence has many restaurants serving traditional Tuscan and international cuisine. Some of the best authentic eateries are the small friendly trattoria around the Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Try one of the local Tuscan wines (Chianti). The top-floor café of the La Rinascente department store has great views, plus excellent coffee and pastries.
Shopping in Florence: Italian fashion can be found at the Via della Vigna Nuova. For the best deals check out the out-of-town outlet stores, plus the flea market of Piazza Ciompi for more bargains, also visit the large street market at San Lorenzo. The medieval Ponte Vecchio is famous for hand-crafted jewellery and traditional goldsmiths.
Popular Pre-Bookable Florence Excursions:
The 3 hour city tour of Florence – Be prepared, you pack-in a lot of culture on this tour, including: Brunelleschi’s Cupola, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Baptistry. Palazzo Pitti (or Bargello Museum or Medici Chapels), the Palatine Gallery, the Piazzale Michelangelo, the Church of Santa Croce and the Galleria Dell’Accademia which houses Michelangelo’s original statue of David.
Pisa afternoon tour – A trip to the site of Italy’s famous leaning tower, plus the Piazza dei Cavalieri, Piazza dei Miracoli and the Cathedral and Baptistry.
San Gimignano and Siena – A full day tour (at least 9 hours) taking you through the picturesque Tuscan countryside to the fascinating medieval hilltop village of San Gimignano, then onto Siena, the famous venue for the Palio horse race.
Chianti countryside wine tour – A very popular excursion (and welcome break from the heat of the city) visiting the Chianti countryside, includes a visit to a Castle Farm for wine tasting and traditional snacks.
Airport Transfers: Pisa. Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA) serves Florence. The airport is located one mile (2km) northeast of Pisa. A bus service from the airport departs regularly to Pisa city centre. Trains from Pisa Centrale station connect to Florence and other cities in the region. Taxis are also available, the average fare within Pisa ranges from €4 to €8. Taxi drivers are required to switch on their meters before each journey. From Pisa, there is a coach service to the centre of Florence that takes approx 1hour 30min.
Florence – once visited always remembered.
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