Florence may not be the capital city of Italy, but it is the heart and soul - a place of divine art, outstanding shopping and cobbled streets that seem to breathe romance into the air. As the art and culture lovers' destination of choice, it's not surprising that Florence is also the 'boutique' Italian city! There are some exceptional boutique hotels here, too.
For a wow factor when you come home in the evening, stay at the 16th century All-Suites Palazzo Magnani Feroni. This boutique hotel is a more a landmark than a establishment - the classical grandeur of the architecture and the excellent service leave guests feeling like Florentine aristocrats, and very at home in a palace...
What Not to Miss in Florence
The Duomo
There may be more than a handful of cathedrals in Italy, but Florence's masterpiece has always stood out from the crowd. Unlike so many other plain religious buildings, its a stunning mix of green, white and pink marble - making is resemble an impressionist painting or a giant wedding cake rather than a church.
Stand outside in the piazza and marvel at the colors towering above the crowds of visitors, then head inside to explore an excellent collection of art and artifacts.
The Ponte Vecchio
This historic bridge over the River Arno is famous for more than its architecture - jewelery shops. With little shops lining both sides of the narrow bridge, the Ponte Vecchio sparkles with the glitter of thousands of diamonds in the windows.
Even if some of the items are too expensive for a shopping spree, it's worth coming here just for the atmosphere of jostling tourists and hard sells - and to admire the craftsmanship in the every display.
The Local Vinyards
Florence is situated in the heart of Tuscany - a beautiful rural region which is well known for its wine. Sit down at any wine bar in the city and you'll be treated to a vast range of local vintages that will all taste superb.
The best time for a relaxing glass is during the Italian aperitivo hours - early evening, before dinner. Take a table in a piazza if its a warm evening and enjoy a bottle from the Tuscan hills, along with (often complimentary) plates of appetizing snacks, whilst you watch the dolce vita in full swing.
The Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's most famous art collections, The Uffizi Gallery is housed in a grand palace. But it's the art work within its walls that make this Florence's premier tourist destination - put together over 500 years, it includes work by such art-world stars as Da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo.
For a wow factor when you come home in the evening, stay at the 16th century All-Suites Palazzo Magnani Feroni. This boutique hotel is a more a landmark than a establishment - the classical grandeur of the architecture and the excellent service leave guests feeling like Florentine aristocrats, and very at home in a palace...
What Not to Miss in Florence
The Duomo
There may be more than a handful of cathedrals in Italy, but Florence's masterpiece has always stood out from the crowd. Unlike so many other plain religious buildings, its a stunning mix of green, white and pink marble - making is resemble an impressionist painting or a giant wedding cake rather than a church.
Stand outside in the piazza and marvel at the colors towering above the crowds of visitors, then head inside to explore an excellent collection of art and artifacts.
The Ponte Vecchio
This historic bridge over the River Arno is famous for more than its architecture - jewelery shops. With little shops lining both sides of the narrow bridge, the Ponte Vecchio sparkles with the glitter of thousands of diamonds in the windows.
Even if some of the items are too expensive for a shopping spree, it's worth coming here just for the atmosphere of jostling tourists and hard sells - and to admire the craftsmanship in the every display.
The Local Vinyards
Florence is situated in the heart of Tuscany - a beautiful rural region which is well known for its wine. Sit down at any wine bar in the city and you'll be treated to a vast range of local vintages that will all taste superb.
The best time for a relaxing glass is during the Italian aperitivo hours - early evening, before dinner. Take a table in a piazza if its a warm evening and enjoy a bottle from the Tuscan hills, along with (often complimentary) plates of appetizing snacks, whilst you watch the dolce vita in full swing.
The Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's most famous art collections, The Uffizi Gallery is housed in a grand palace. But it's the art work within its walls that make this Florence's premier tourist destination - put together over 500 years, it includes work by such art-world stars as Da Vinci, Raphael and Michelangelo.
1 comment:
Boutique hotels are always individual and are therefore extremely unlikely to be found amongst the homogeneity of large chain hotel groups
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