Florence
The silhouette of Brunelleschi’s dome dominates Florence’s skyline, a concrete reminder of the city’s pioneering role in the Renaissance. Florence is a city in the Tuscany region of central Italy, perched on the Arno River, and its historic centre carries UNESCO World Heritage status. With roughly 380,000 residents, the compact urban fabric lets a visitor walk from the Ponte Vecchio to the Medici palaces in minutes.
Set between the rolling hills of Chianti and the Apennine foothills, Florence’s streets follow the medieval grid that still channels the Arno’s gentle curve. The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore rises from pink, green and white marble, its lantern visible for miles; Giotto’s Campanile offers a series of frescoed windows that frame the city’s rooftops. Across the river, the 14th‑century Ponte Vecchio retains its original goldsmith shops, while the Palazzo Vecchio’s crenellated tower watches the bustling market of Piazza della Signoria. In the Oltrarno district, artisan workshops line narrow lanes that echo the city’s historic guild system.
The Uffizi Gallery houses Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation,” while the Accademia presents Michelangelo’s marble David in a modest hall that belies its fame. The Palazzo Pitti anchors the Boboli Gardens, where geometric hedges and ancient Roman statues create a living museum of landscape design. Local cuisine centers on bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut T‑bone steak grilled over oak, and ribollita, a hearty bean and kale soup served in stone‑ware bowls. Seasonal events include the Scoppio del Carro fireworks on Easter Sunday and the historic Calcio Storico matches in June, where teams in Renaissance garb clash in a blend of football and combat.
Every summer the city’s museums and churches display more than 4,000 works by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and their contemporaries, a concentration that continues to draw scholars and tourists alike to the very streets where those masterpieces were first commissioned.
Where to stay in Florence
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Florence accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Hotel Horto Convento
A central garden gives Hotel Horto Convento an open outdoor focus in Florence, Italy. This 34-room hotel pairs its outdoor grounds with Art Deco architecture throughout the interior. Group events and parties are strictly prohibited across the property.
Florence itineraries
Explore hand-picked Florence itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
9 days · Rome, Monterosso al Mare, Florence, Venice +1
Family
Embark on a sun‑kissed Italian adventure where ancient piazzas, rolling vineyards, and the sparkling Mediterranean coast weave together a vibrant family getaway. You’ll wander Rome’s ancient forums, sip wine in Monti, cruise the dramatic Amalfi cliffs, and glide through Venice’s quiet lagoons, sampling gelato and market treats. Friendly locals and passionate hosts will share stories, cooking secrets, and hidden alleys, leaving your family with unforgettable memories of Italy’s warmth, flavor, and timeless charm.
Italy
28 days · Rome, Montepulciano, Siena, Levanto +2
Couple
Glenn and Joanne explored Italy’s timeless blend of history, cuisine, and scenery on a two‑week adventure. They traveled from Rome’s historic heart to Tuscany’s rolling hills, explored Florence’s Renaissance treasures, drifted through Venice’s canals, and concluded in Milan’s modern design scene. Along the way, friendly locals, knowledgeable guides, and vibrant markets offered authentic flavors and stories, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for Italy’s living heritage.
Italy
