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FLORENCE

Florence

The birthplace of the Renaissance; a city overflowing with art and astounding architecture, Florence is almost overwhelming in its riches. Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s Venus and Giotto’s Madonnas: you’ll want to feast your eyes on all of them. Find a perch among the sculptures in the 14th century Loggia della Signoria near the Uffizi Gallery and enjoy the buskers, or window-shop along the 13th century Ponte Vecchio, the bridge across the Arno River that is lined with glittering jewellery shops. People-watch outside the Duomo, Florence’s extraordinary marble cathedral.






SOME THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN FLORENCE


Art in Florence ART

A great place for art buffs to see some fabulous artworks. Two of the main galleries are the Uffizi and Accademia. Book a combo ticket with a guide to learn about the works. These galleries house famous works such as Michelangelo’s David (Accademia) and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venice (Uffizi). 

Markets MARKETS
 

If you’re after leather, head to the San Lorenzo Markets for bags and jackets. For a real foodie market check out the Sant’ Ambrogio market, it’s a great spot to either have lunch or pick up goodies for a picnic.

The Duomo THE DUOMO
 

Finished around 1367, the cathedral is decorated in pink, white and green marble and stands proudly above the surrounding buildings. Take a tour of the Baptistry secret passages. 
Giotto's Bell Tower GIOTTO'S BELL TOWER
 

Attached to the Duomo, the 400 odd steps to the top can be hard work (and is not for those with a fear of tight spaces as it is narrow in places) but the view over Florence from the top is superb. 
Piazzale Michelangelo PIAZZALE MICHELANGELO
 

About a 20 minute walk from the Duomo (or a short bus ride) this is half piazza and half parking lot BUT it is a great spot for fantastic views over Florence and the Arno Valley.

Ponte Vecchio PONTE VECCHIO

The only bridge in Florence to have been spared by German bombs in WWII, it is lined with jewellery stores, art galleries and souvenir shops, and most definitely worth a wander across. It’s a photographer’s delight! 
Leaning Tower of Pisa LEANING TOWER OF PISA
 

About an hour’s drive out of Florence through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, you arrive in Pisa. Explore the surrounding remarkable buildings and have your photo taken holding up the tower. 

Siena, San Gimignano and Greve SIENA, SAN GIMIGNANO AND GREVE
 

See some of the nearby countryside and the rolling hills of Chianti on a day tour to a hilltop town. 
Florence Palazzo Vechio and Arnolfo Tower Sunset Tour FLORENCE PALAZZO VECHIO AND ARNOLFO TOWER SUNSET TOUR
 

As the sun goes down walk around the one-time fortress, Palazzo Vecchio and hear tales of its past. Admire the Hall of The Five Hundred and soak up magical sunset city views from the battlements and Arnolfo Tower.
Tuscany Bike Tour TUSCANY BIKE TOUR
 

Enjoy yourself on this fully guided bike tour of the outskirts of Florence and the Tuscan Countryside. Change your pace and the scenery, feel the cool breeze, breathe the fresh air, and really see Tuscany from a different perspective!
Cooking Class and Market Tour COOKING CLASS AND MARKET TOUR IN TUSCANY
 

On this full day experience search for fresh, local produce at the market to prepare a typical Tuscan pasta, roast pork and dessert. Then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour, complemented by Tuscan wine. 



FLORENCE ACCOMMODATION


Here's a taste of some of our favourite hotel and apartment-hotel options in Florence.
Come in-store or send us an enquiry to help us find the best accommodation for you.

Hotel Cosimo de Medici
HOTEL COSIMO DE MEDICI
★★★
The original rose window of the reception room shows signs of the 17th century palace, and the gazebo in the internal courtyard is the ideal place for a glass of wine during summer or to relax before a magical night out in the city. Located close to central station and just a short walk to the Duomo.
Hotel Rosso 23
HOTEL ROSSO 23
 ★★★
Jump straight off the train and be able to walk to the hotel as it is located close to the station in a pedestrian zoned street overlooking the magnificent Santa Maria Novella square. This hotel is modern in its style but gives the pleasure of a stay in a perfectly preserved historic building.
Residence La Contessina
RESIDENCE LA CONTESSINA
 ★★★
Just minutes from the train station and close to the Central market, the Duomo is an easy walk from here. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, these duplex apartments are family owned and operated, and are set around an internal courtyard. Rooms have high renaissance arched ceilings, antique furnishings and lots of natural light.
Gallery Art Hotel
GALLERY ART HOTEL
 ★★★★
Set in a quiet courtyard near the Arno, Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Strozzi. This contemporary boutique hotel was dreamed up by Michele Bönan, a Florentine architect, and is a favourite local meeting place in the heart of Florence. Enjoy a quiet moment in the lounge-library, or indulge in Eastern cuisine at Fusion Bar & Restaurant.








WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU ALONG THE WAY



This is just a taste of the information and advice we have available through our House of Travel consultants.
Enquire below or pop in-store and talk to one of our travel experts today.

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