| World-renowned as the centre of the Renaissance | | | | relaxing and enjoying some of the better past-times, |
| movement and famous for its beautiful Tuscan | | | | such as the arts, shopping and gastronomy, Florence |
| surround, the ancient city of Florence has a history of | | | | boasts an array of leisure spots for simply watching |
| riches, boasting greats such as Da Vinci and Dante. In | | | | the world go by. Key sightseeing favourites in Florence |
| the 15th and 16th centuries, the powerful Medici family | | | | start from the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral with its |
| greatly influenced how Florence's culture would evolve. | | | | gigantic Duomo or Dome. The Ponte Vecchio bridge |
| It was one of the pioneering cities of medicine and | | | | has stunning views along the river and the Piazzale |
| science, along with arts and crafts in leather and gold. | | | | Michelangelo is an excellent viewpoint over Florence. |
| On Florence's Ponte Vecchio bridge, its artisan shops | | | | The three most important museums to visit when in |
| are hundreds of years old. | | | | Florence are the Uffizi, the Galleria dell'Academia with |
| Florence and its historical centre are hugely popular for | | | | Michaelangelo's David, or for Brunelleschi paintings, the |
| one of the biggest number of famous artworks, | | | | Bargello. For shopping in Florence, the city has a |
| cathedrals and palaces in the world, including the | | | | long-standing tradition with shoe-making and bags. |
| Duomo cathedral and Michaelangelo's David. With a | | | | Leather crafts over the centuries have turned out |
| plethora of Roman artifacts blending with Medieval | | | | some of the best quality in fashions. In turn, Florence is |
| buildings and Renaissance palaces, a walk around | | | | now home to some of the world's leading designers, |
| Florence's winding little streets will offer some amazing | | | | such as Cavalli, Gucci and Ferragamo. When shopping |
| views and that perfect backdrop for relaxing with an | | | | in Florence, bear in mind that this is a luxury shopping |
| Italian Caffe or an ice-cream. | | | | destination, with prestigious boutiques found mainly on |
| With its Southern European climate and valleys of | | | | the streets Tornabuoni and Vigna Nouva. |
| Tuscany, with hot summers and mild winters, Florence | | | | However, it is possible in Florence to hunt for some |
| has a love affair with its most globally known product; | | | | bargains. Crossing the river into Oltrarno, the Piazza |
| Chianti wine, which is created in the countryside south | | | | Santo Spirito and Piazza del Carmine have markets |
| of the city. | | | | every morning and a fleamarket on Sundays. Evenings |
| Pasta is of course popular in Florence, although the | | | | in Florence are best spend in a local trattoria, enjoying |
| local specialities are more focused on breads and | | | | the famed local produce with a glass of Chianti and |
| meats, for example Crostini, along with pizzas, steak | | | | some excellent company. For a livelier night time |
| and tripe. Grappa, the dessert wine, is also natively | | | | scene, the Piazza Santa Croce or Piazza del Carmine |
| Florentine, along with a certain ice-cream flavor which | | | | attract crowds of trendy locals thanks to a selection |
| was invented for the Medicis; Buontalenti. This flavor is | | | | of the best wine bars and lounges. |
| rum, honey and buttermilk. A great destination city for | | | | |