Essential Tuscany

Florence

History

Florence, one of the most important cities in the world for the arts, was the cradle of the Renaissance, and the backdrop of great humanist, scientific, political and literary developments. The historic center has more artistic treasures per square mile than any other city in the world. Go on a cultural marathon or slow down to appreciate the surroundings and stroll down charming streets lined with cafes, trattorias and boutiques.

Sights To See

The Duomo of Florence
This landmark of Florence boasting Brunelleschis dome, Giottos bell tower and a intricate facade of white, green and pink marble houses centuries of history within its gothic walls. If you can handle the work out, take the time to walk up to the interior of the dome and admire the frescos. Learn more about the different styles and techniques that went into this massive beauty on our Romanesque and Gothic Architecture Tour.

Palazzo Pitti
Commissioned by the Pitti bankers in the mid 15th century, it was built by the Medici's in 1549 to serve as the family’s residence. Extension work that went up to 1839 gave it the appearance it has today. Together with other buildings of the adjoining Boboli Gardens the complex houses some of the finest Florentine museums. The Palatine Gallery has, in its splendid rooms frescoed by Pietro della Cortona, masterpieces from the 16th to 18th centuries collected by the Medici and their successors. The Modern Art Gallery contains a full range of Italian painting from Neoclassicism to the 20th century. The elegant and grandiose Boboli Gardens stretch over 45,000 squared meters offering fine views of the city and surrounding hills. Amongst its features are the amphitheater and the Ocean Fountain by Giambologna.

Boboli Gardens
Take a break from the city while getting lost in the wonderment of The Boboli Gardens. Originally built by Cosmo di Medici for his wife, these stunning gardens display intricate design features, elaborate courtyards and breathtaking grottos. These luxurious gardens have been a prize of Florence since the 16th century and deserve their esteemed reputation. Let us guide you through all that it has to offer on our Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens Tour.

Palazzo Vecchio
The Palazzo Vecchio, built back in 1314, served many purposes throughout the centuries. Seat of Florence’s governing body during the Middle Ages, it was also the home of the Medici until the mid 16th Century when Cosimo I moved to Palazzo Pitti. The tall tower can be seen from all over the city, a constant reminder of Florentine strength.

Salone dei Cinquecento
This Salone upstairs from the Palazzo Vecchio was built to accommodate the Council of 500 created by the monk Savonarola. This immense room has spectacular frescoes by Vasari showing important battles between Florence and Pisa and Florence and Siena, commissioned by Cosimo I, marking the Medici’s return to Florence after exile.

Ponte Vecchio
The busy bridge is lined with gold shops and jewellers. One of the most characteristic landmarks of Florence, the Old Bridge has an interesting history behind it, including bombings in 1944 and the flood of the Arno in 1966. See this with many other sights on our Florence Highlights Walking Tour.

The Uffizi Gallery
This Gallery represent an important collection of Italian and European paintings. Originally established to house the collections of Grand Duke Francesco I, it was constantly enriched under the patronage of the Medici Family. The Uffizi Gallery houses such famous artists as Giotto, Masaccio, Paolo Uccello, Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Perugino, Michelangelo, Raphael Sanzio, Titian, Caravaggio, and the list goes on. Plan on spending at least 4 hours to really appreciate what it has to offer.
Learn about our Guided Uffizi Tour.

Academia Gallery
The David by Michelangelo is one of the greatest of all the Renaissance’s marble sculptures. Also by the Florentine genius is the group of Four Slaves and St Matthew.

Dining

Tuscan cooking is known for its hearty foods prepared with simple fresh ingredients robust with flavour. Fresh ripe tomatoes, sweet basil, rich salty cheeses and extra virgin olive oil make every even the simplest dishes explode with flavour. In the city of Florence classic Tuscan cuisine can be married with innovative new chefs putting their own personal twists on classics.

Must Do’s

Take time in your morning to enjoy the Italian tradition of steaming rich expertly made caffè espresso with a flaky sweet Italian pastry. Italy’s perception of coffee is an art to be appreciated!

To call it ice cream would be an insult. Italian gelato is a craft taken seriously and is not to be missed. Treat yourself to a scoop or two from one of the many gelatos parlors around town. Look for a sign that proudly proclaims 'produzione propria' (homemade) and take a look at the gelato itself -- no matter what kind you plan to order, make sure the banana is gray, and the pistachio a natural, pasty pale olive to ensure the purest ingredients.

Our Recommendations

Aqua al 2
Garga
Il Latini
Il Pizzaiolo
La Giostra

Shopping

Also known for its trend setting styles, Florence is home to high fashion designers such as Ferragamo, Cavalli and Pucci. From the bargains at the San Lorenzo market to the high fashions on via Tournabouni you’ll be sure to find styles to suit all tastes and budgets. Indulge in two of Florence’s best traits on our Shopping and Wine Tour where you can visit the Florence Outlet Mall and save on major fashion brands such as Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, Sergio Rossi, Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, Valentino, Ferragamo, La Perla, Tod's, Hogan, and more.

Where to Stay

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