Florence overview
Set in Tuscany, on the banks of the River Arno, Florence, is historically and architecturally fascinating. One of Italy's best loved cities, it provides a haven for art lovers; boasting the colourful renaissance architecture of the Duomo plus a multitude of museums and galleries including the world famous Uffizi.
Tuscany provides such a wealth of beauty and riches that you cannot possibly see all that it has to offer in one holiday. Visitors to Florence will want to spend time luxuriating in all that it has to offer: its art and architecture, its colourful history and traditional cuisine. However, if time allows, you should definitely visit neighbouring Fiesole, just 8km to the northeast.
Fiesole boasts an austere cathedral, some exhilarating hill walks and fantastic views of Florence below. Day trips to Pisa and the prosperous provincial capital of Lucca, to the west, are a must; and the rolling hills of Chianti leading to Siena, 70km south, are delightful to explore.
Map
Climate
The climate in this area of Italy can be hot and humid during the high summer months and the best times to visit are spring and autumn when temperatures are less extreme. It rains more between November and March, and winter weather can be chilly although this is a good time to visit as the city is less crowded.
Did you know?
Florence Nightingale, famous for revolutionizing the field of nursing, was named for the city of her birth and in 1339 Florence became the first city in Europe with paved streets.
Florence hotels
Grand Hotel Villa Cora
Superbly located in a tranquil setting amidst plane tree woods in the Oltrarno area a few steps from the Boboli Gardens this splendid 19th century villa has recently
been restored to encapsulate its former glories.
Grand Hotel Villa Medici
Originally an 18th century noble palace, Grand Hotel Villa Medici is a luxurious hotel combining a harmonious blend of classical Florentine décor and refined modern styles.
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Hotel Brunelleschi
Hotel Brunelleschi is a delightful and popular hotel ideally located in the very heart of historic Florence
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Hotel Helvetia & Bristol
In the heart of Florence, opposite the Palazzo Strozzi, Hotel Helvetia & Bristol is a magnificent 19th century mansion
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Hotel Lungarno
Located on the river Arno's south bank, the recently refurbished Hotel Lungarno offers beautiful interior with precious furnishings
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Hotel Savoy
Splendidly located on Piazza della Repubblica, just a short walk from Ponte Vecchio and the Uffzi Gallery
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The Westin Excelsior
In a highly enviable location on the banks of the River Arno, boasting wonderful views and just a short stroll from the famous Ponte Vecchio
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Villa La Massa
Situated on the banks of the River Arno, Hotel Villa La Massa is a stunning 16th century mansion surrounded by beautiful lush parkland
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Villa San Michele
Set in the Tuscan hills, overlooking Florence which is 7km away and originally built as a monastery in the 15th century
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Map
Climate
The climate in this area of Italy can be hot and humid during the high summer months and the best times to visit are spring and autumn when temperatures are less extreme. It rains more between November and March, and winter weather can be chilly although this is a good time to visit as the city is less crowded.
Did you know?
Florence Nightingale, famous for revolutionizing the field of nursing, was named for the city of her birth and in 1339 Florence became the first city in Europe with paved streets.
Florence sightseeing
Nearly all the main sights in this delightful Renaissance city lie within the centro storico, however, there is so much classical art that even given the city's small size, it is impossible to see it all in a short visit. There are nearly 70 museums and art galleries, numerous palaces, and 24 historic churches including San Lorenzo, the first Renaissance church, Brancacci chapel with its sublime frescoes, the cavernous Santa Maria Novella, and Santa Croce brimming with art treasures.
Central Florence is dominated by the splendid Piazza del Duomo and the Duomo Cathedral which soars high above the surrounding buildings.
For a bird's eye view, climb up into Brunelleschi's magnificent dome or the equally impressive campanile designed by Giotto. Nestling between Palazzo Vecchio in the showpiece Piazza della Signoria, and the River Arno, the Uffizi Gallery houses one of the world's most important collections: exhibited in chronological order, paintings comprise the cream of Italian and European art from the 13th to 18th centuries including works by, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and Rembrandt.
Visit Florence's oldest bridge, the beautiful Ponte Vecchio lined with sophisticated jewellers' and goldsmiths' workshops overhanging the river, and stroll through the delightful Boboli Gardens.
Florence is an excellent base to explore towns and villages within the Tuscany region.
Map
Climate
The climate in this area of Italy can be hot and humid during the high summer months and the best times to visit are spring and autumn when temperatures are less extreme. It rains more between November and March, and winter weather can be chilly although this is a good time to visit as the city is less crowded.
Did you know?
Florence Nightingale, famous for revolutionizing the field of nursing, was named for the city of her birth and in 1339 Florence became the first city in Europe with paved streets.
Florence cuisine
The emphasis in Tuscan cuisine is straightforward, simply prepared country fare making full use of primary ingredients from the bounty of Tuscany's fertile land. Tuscan olive oil, widely regarded as the best in the world, is dark green with a rich peppery flavour and is used in varying degrees on everything from soup to salad. Crusty Tuscan bread, traditionally unsalted and never eaten with butter, is served with every meal and is a basic ingredient in many dishes.
Dinner begins at 7.30ish and normally consists of four courses, antipasto (try fettunta, toasted bread with garlic and oil), primo (soup, pasta or risotto), secondo (main course of meat, game or fish) and dolci, dessert. Contorni (vegetable side dishes such as artichoke or grilled mushrooms) are ordered separately either with, or after the main course.
Map
Climate
The climate in this area of Italy can be hot and humid during the high summer months and the best times to visit are spring and autumn when temperatures are less extreme. It rains more between November and March, and winter weather can be chilly although this is a good time to visit as the city is less crowded.
Did you know?
Florence Nightingale, famous for revolutionizing the field of nursing, was named for the city of her birth and in 1339 Florence became the first city in Europe with paved streets.
Florence offers
Grand Hotel Villa Cora
Superbly located in a tranquil setting amidst plane tree woods in the Oltrarno area a few steps from the Boboli Gardens this splendid 19th century villa has recently
been restored to encapsulate its former glories.
1 offer
Grand Hotel Villa Medici
Originally an 18th century noble palace, Grand Hotel Villa Medici is a luxurious hotel combining a harmonious blend of classical Florentine décor and refined modern styles.
3 offers
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-
Hotel Savoy
Splendidly located on Piazza della Repubblica, just a short walk from Ponte Vecchio and the Uffzi Gallery
3 offers
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The Westin Excelsior
In a highly enviable location on the banks of the River Arno, boasting wonderful views and just a short stroll from the famous Ponte Vecchio
2 offers
-
-
Map
Climate
The climate in this area of Italy can be hot and humid during the high summer months and the best times to visit are spring and autumn when temperatures are less extreme. It rains more between November and March, and winter weather can be chilly although this is a good time to visit as the city is less crowded.
Did you know?
Florence Nightingale, famous for revolutionizing the field of nursing, was named for the city of her birth and in 1339 Florence became the first city in Europe with paved streets.