The birthplace of the Renaissance
Surrounded by rolling Tuscan hills, the beautiful city of Florence is one of Europe’s most enchanting and historically influential cities. If anywhere in the world can claim to have shaped modern Western consciousness, it is Florence’s grand piazzas and palazzos.
Florentine art and architecture flourished throughout the Late Medieval period. One powerful banking family, the Medicis, rose out of this time to become de facto rulers of the city and were central to ushering in the Renaissance proper. Keen to display their wealth, they were patrons to scholars who scoured the libraries of Europe for Greek and Arabic works of natural science, philosophy and mathematics, and commissioned pieces by locals such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli.
Today, the marks of this great epoch cannot be missed in Florence. The world’s greatest Renaissance artworks and sculpture can be found at every turn in the historical centre, an area that can be traversed on foot in under an hour but would take infinitely longer to properly explore.
Centred around the Piazza della Signoria are the crenellated walls of the Palazzo Vecchio, the arches of Loggia dei Lanzi, under which one can find restored Roman sculptures and Cellini’s bronze Perseus, and the vast Palazzo degli Uffizi, home to the Medici’s collections.
Nearby is the Piazza del Duomo, flanked by the famous cathedral, Giotto’s towering Campanile, and the octagonal Florence Baptistery. The Bargello National Museum safeguards Italy‘s most comprehensive collection of Tuscan Renaissance sculpture, and to the north, the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze houses Michelangelo’s David. Cross the Ponte Vecchio to the quieter south bank of the Arno River to reach the Medici family palace and stroll through the sprawling Boboli Gardens. Pisa is also an easy day trip from the city, while the vineyards and villas surrounding are a destination in themselves.
Combined with a constant thrum of tourists, Florence can be overwhelming. Let our experts craft your time in this incredible city, with privately guided tours sculpted around your interests and passions, off the beaten track excursions and hand-picked hotels. We can also get you into our favourite restaurants, whether fine dining affairs with sweeping views or a hidden local gem tucked away from the crowds.
Highlights
Delve into the romance of the Renaissance as you visit the Duomo and Giotto’s Campanile along with the Academia Gallery, home of Michelangelo’s incredible David.
Discover the secrets of Italian cooking with a class led by an expert chef
Explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside and its scattered Medieval towns.
Marvel at the leaning tower of Pisa and ascend to the top of this incredible structure.
It’s one of the world’s most exciting cities for artistic and cultural richness and yet so unimposing. Florence is dotted with first-class restaurants, chilled out bars and a lot of fun for people of all ages. Make sure you head up to the Piazzale Michelangelo for the best view over the city!

Melania Siriu
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Florence
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Trip Inspiration
Where to go

Capri
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Emilia Romagna
Home to pretty coastal towns, elegant cities and is considered by many to be the country’s foodie capital.
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Lake Como
Picturesque towns and grand villas are scattered around the lake and exploring them is easy thanks to the ferry service.
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Matera
Matera is the jewel in Basilicata’s crown, a jumble of houses and churches perched on a plateau with deep canyons either side.
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Milan
Milan is Italy’s financial and industrial heart, a thoroughly modern European city with a great history not far under the surface.
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Piedmont
Nestled in the north west of the country and fringed by the French and Swiss Alps, Piedmont is one of Italy‘s most naturally beautiful regions.
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Portofino and Cinque Terre
Portofino, perched on its own peninsular, is Liguria’s glamorous heart and one of the most perfect fishing ports in the Mediterranean.
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Puglia
Puglia feels very different to the rest of the country and is the perfect place for those looking to get off the beaten track.
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Rome
Unmatched heritage blends across the ages to make a stroll through Rome endlessly surprising.
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Sardinia
Sardinia has its own unique identity, and its inhabitants are fiercely proud of their island which is as intriguing as it is beautiful.
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Sicily
Sicily has long been a melting pot of Mediterranean culture, a ruggedly beautiful island surrounded by sparkling seas.
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The Amalfi Coast
Draped along the cliffs on the southern side of the Sorrento Peninsula, between Salerno and the city of Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast is dramatic and glamorous.
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The Dolomites and the Alps
Soaring peaks, tooth-like crags and lush verdant slopes, the Dolomites are some of Italy’s most dramatic scenery.
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Tuscany
Tuscany has long drawn enamoured visitors, each after culture, wine, fine food and tangible history.
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Venice
An extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building may contain works by some of Europe's greatest artists.
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Verona
In the historical centre, modestly grand piazzas and a maze of streets are dotted with quietly humming cafes, artisan shops and high couture boutiques.
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When to visit
Italy is a year-round destination. Summers can get very hot and crowds do swell, so spring and early autumn are great times to visit. The best time to visit Tuscany is during the early autumn months of September and October, and the late spring months of April and May. During these periods temperatures are comfortable, and the rolling hills are peaceful. It’s an ideal time to visit vineyards, go bike riding and wander the streets of Florence.

Towns and cities
April–October

History and art
September–October

Coast and countryside
May–September
Italy travel guides
Plan your trip to Florence
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