Beautiful Florence
It’s hard to know where to start when talking about the cultural and sightseeing opportunities in Florence as there are so many. Our walking tour round the city was the idea way to experience them, and I would recommend to my clients that if they want to learn the history and see all the official sights, book this excursion as there is a lot to be gained from it. It’s an ideal way to burn off all that fantastic Italian food too!
To name but a few of the main sights that mustn’t be missed are the famous Plazza Della Signoria - Florence’s main square. The Fountain of Neptune is the centre piece of the square and it is a bustling lively square crammed with culture and filled with several statues depicting historical events and famous people. The square is also home to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the top attractions in Florence displaying art from several famous artists including Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli. The Plazzo Vecchio ( Old Palace ) is also located in the square, with Ponte Vecchio (The Old bridge) another must - a 3 arched 14th Century bridge is lined with several jewellery and art shops and is a big tourist attraction.
The Duomo (Cathedral of Santa Maria Dei Fiori) is the famous red tiled-domed landmark adorning many of the pictures we see of Florence. This 13th century Duomo took 170 years to complete, and many of the hotels offer rooms with a Duomo view.
We stayed at the Brunelleschi Hotel which is mentioned in The Da Vinci Code and is created within a circular Byzantine 6th century tower and medieval church and although it retains its original character it also has a very modern feel to it too. For location you couldn't ask for any better as it is in the very centre of the city a few minutes’ walk away from the world famous shopping street. Perfect location and highly recommended.
We also visited the Savoy Hotel And the Helvetia Hotel again both fantastic locations both right in the heart of Florence. The Helvetia Hotel is a much more traditional property with no 2 rooms the same and each different colours shapes and sizes and displaying art work whilst the Savoy is very modern in its decor with pictures of shoes being displayed all over the hotel as the hotel believes that this is one of the items that is most widely brought whilst on a trip to Florence. Could be very true in my case!
For a more relaxed and low key break just a 10 minute drive from the city centre out in the beautiful Tuscan countryside there is the stunning Villa Cora. This hotel has the absolute wow factor and has to be seen to be believed. Although it is opulent and very grand the welcome from the staff and the general feel of the hotel is very much home from home as nothing is too much trouble and the service is second to none not to mention the food! there is also a beautiful outdoor pool area for guests and a roof top terrace which commands the most stunning views over the Tuscan country side. Several weddings are hosted at the Villa Cora and it’s easy to see why.
The Hotel Villa Medici is another property we visited and were hosted with the most amazing meal. This luxury city centre hotel is the option for a more relaxing location as it is away from the hustle and bustle of the centre yet only a 20 minute walk from the main attractions and shopping area. It does offer a free shuttle service to and from the centre for those who would prefer not to walk and it is the only luxury city centre hotel that offers an outdoor swimming pool. It also boasts a fitness centre and a sauna and steam room. This hotel most certainly gives off the wow factor as soon as you enter the doors and for a special occasion or just a few days of luxury this is a hotel I would have no hesitation in recommending.
The Hotel Il Salviatino is 3kms from the city centre set in beautiful landscaped gardens and was converted from a renaissance Palace in the 15th century. The hotel is full of character and with only 45 rooms is the perfect retreat for a romantic getaway. Free shuttle buses run from the hotel into the city centre. The unique restaurant is located in the old library serving an a la carte which we were lucky enough to sample.
So to summarise Florence is a year-round destination with something to offer for everyone. Culture, shopping, excellent food and only 50 minutes from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There's a wide variety of accommodation to suit all budgets. Give it a go and I know you will fall in love with this beautiful city - just as I did!