Italy

Celebrated as the most beautiful city in Italy and the heartland of the Renaissance movement, Florence is as captivating as it is historic.

Travellers’ Secrets

Made in Italy

Florence caters to all tastes and budgets, from the highest fashion labels to wonderful bargains in the markets.

Renowned for its fabulous shops, if you want to treat yourself to some genuine Made-in-Italy designer items, head to out-of-town outlets like The Mall at Leccio.

Tantalise your tastebuds

Florentine cuisine is widely revered and for tantalising Tuscan treats try Enoteca Pinchiorri, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in a sumptuous palazzo with a staggering wine cellar of more than 80,000 bottles. Make sure you book well in advance.

Another fabulous restaurant, that is both elegant and rustic – Ristorante Il Pozzo, is located in Monteriggioni (Siena). Here you can taste wonderful old Tuscan cooking where you can be sure the pasta and cakes are all hand-made, again bookings are recommended.

No shortage of things to see

Famous for its fine art and architecture, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Duomo is a striking feature of the skyline, this cathedral was built over hundreds of years.

Academy Gallery contains a fine collection of art work, its most famous exhibit is Michelangelo’s statue of David.

Originally a palace, this magnificent – Uffizi Gallery contains masterpieces by Giotto, Michelangelo, Caravaggio and botticelli to name just a few.

The oldest bridge in Florence, and the only one not destroyed during World War II – Ponte Vecchio contains many shops, mostly jewellers.