Home of Italy's and arguably the world's greatest collection of art, Florence has long been celebrated as the most beautiful city in Italy. There is an unrivalled collection of churches, galleries and museums. In addition, the delicious food and wine of Tuscany can be sampled over leisurely lunch or dinner in a number of locally owned restaurants. There is plenty here to detain you for several days but only if you intend to visit the museums as the best of Florence is to be found indoors. If you prefer scenery then after two days you could consider heading off in pursuit of hilltop towns in the Chianti region to the south of the city, or on into the heart of the Tuscan countryside.
5 things not to miss :
1 - Cathedral. The cathedral and Bapistry are fine
examples of Florentine Gothic architecture. Dedicated to Santa Maria della
Fiore the churches enormous dome dominates the city, symbolosing the power
of the city over the surrounding area. Its a seemingly endless treck to the
viewing platform at the moment, in high summer this is going to be just too
uncomfortable but on a cool Spring or Autumn day it will allow you fine views
over the city.
2 - Uffizi. An imcomparable collection of works
with thousands of paintings from medieval to modern. Queues for entrance are
always long, we recommend you save time by booking the tickets in advance,
you must specify a time and be there to enter then. There will also be a queue
for tickets so get there early. Tickets can be booked by clicking here.
3 - Ponte Vecchio. The name derives from the fact
that this is the oldest bridge to cross the Arno river at it's narrowest point.
The bridge is famous for its jewellery, built into the structure of the bridge
are numerous little workshops making lovely designs.
4 - Palazzo Pitto. Ex-residence of the Medici family
which once ruled Florence. There are at least five works by Raphael which
are worthy of particular note. By taking il biglietto cumulativo, you have
three days to visit Pitto and Boboli gardens.
5 - Take a day trip. If you don't have time after
Florence to explore the Tuscan countryside then we suggest that you take one
day out and do this. There are numerous day trips available from the city,
for example see the Chianti wine region, or Siena a fine walled city home
to the world's best Palio, or medieval games, there is also the chance to
see Pisa and the gravity defying tower.
