Finding Your Way in Fabulous Florence

Florence Roofs (Photo credit: plemeljr)

By []Giovanni Balboni

In Tuscany, villas are famous as a desirable and typically Italian place to stay when visiting this eminent region. This large area in central Italy is best known for its turbulent history, its artistic attributes and its rich and fertile soils. People travel from all over the world to appreciate the architectural elegance of its cities, to explore its breath taking landscape, and to indulge in some of the most celebrated gastronomy Europe has to offer. There is no doubt that through the ages, nowhere in Italy has attracted more artists, poets and influential people than Tuscany. Villas dot the landscape, many of them elegantly adorned with grand facades and long winding driveways. Originally built for the elite and aristocracy many have now been turned into hotels or are privately owned.

Top Must See Attractions in Fabulous Florence

English: Photograph of Ponte Vecchio at night. Florence, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Giovanni Balboni

Florence must surely be one of the most famous cities in all of Tuscany. Villas here offer you the opportunity to stay in one of the region's most renowned cities, offering classic sights wherever you look.

While it is hard to narrow down the best sights Florence has to offer, we've tried to do just that. Here's a taste of what you can look forward to when you are in Florence.

Top Cities Worth Visiting in Tuscany

English: Il Duomo, in Florenece, Italy seen at night from Michelangelo's Piazza. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Giovanni Balboni

When you think of Tuscany you often think of rolling, sunburnt landscapes and it sometimes seems hard to believe that there are many cities that are worth seeing too. Here we have suggested four of the best to explore while you are there, although you would need a long holiday to see them all. However, in Tuscany, villa accommodation will allow you to do just that - and at your leisure.

5 Great Luxury Hotels in Florence

English: Savoy, Via Roma (Florence) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Alexander Brey
Some cities are best explored on foot and Florence is certainly one of them. It is therefore important to choose one of the luxury hotels in Florence which is within easy walking distance of the sights. Florence is a monument to the Renaissance, the cultural awakening during the 15th century, making this one of the greatest artistic cities to visit in the world. The wealthy patrons and influential families such as the Medici drew the best talent in Italy to create the legacy we can enjoy today. Marvel at the sights of Florence, and enjoy your stay in one of these centrally located, hand-picked luxury hotels in Florence.

A Brief Guide To Florence - Italy

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Author: Matthew Talbot

Florence
This opulent city situated on the River Arno is the capital of the province of Florence and the Italian territory of Tuscany. Florence (Firenze in Italian) is significantly known as the "Jewel of the Renaissance", it was the centre of European finance and trade during the medieval time. The historic centre of Florence is one of the most popular destination in Italy for good reason, and was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1982. With a Eurail pass you can experience the diverse culture of Florence. You'll drown in the city's abundance of food, music, art, science, philosophy, fashion and religion.

Top 5 Historical Sites in Florence

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Author: Kristel van Winkel

1. The Duomo

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore is the cathedral church or Duomo of Florence and is absolutely worth a visit. The building process begun in 1296 and was completed in 1436. The Duomo has a Gothic style and is a design of Arnolfo di Cambio. The complex includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile. The three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Duomo is one of Italy's largest churches and has the largest brick dome ever constructed. It is located at Piazza del Duomo, which is a very nice square, with terraces and shops. You could walk the stairs all the way to the top of the tower Giotto's Campile and have an amazing view over Florence.

Style City: Florence

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Style City: Florence

Florence is one of the most beautiful and inspirational cities in the world. Florence is where the Italian vernacular language was founded; it is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and of course is home to the famous and oldest bridge in Italy the "Ponte Vecchio", which is flanked on either side by magnificent, ornate jewellery shops that ...
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I Love Touring Florence Italy - Cathedral District Hotels

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The Florence Cathedral is also called the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or simply the Duomo. This majestic late Thirteenth Century to Fifteenth Century building defines Florence's center. Don't you dare miss this spectacular site. If you are in good enough physical shape you might try to climb the 463 steps to the top of the dome for a majestic view of Florence and its surroundings. Here are some hotels that you might consider which are located close to the Duomo. For your convenience we have listed these hotels in approximate order of cost, starting with the least expensive. We have personally verified that all hotels listed have an English-language website where you can obtain more information.

The Albergo Firenze is located only a block from the Duomo. It is located in the heart of Florence, between the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in all Florence. It offers 57 rooms, many of which are suitable for three or four people. So if you book far enough ahead, especially in the off-season this hotel may be a relatively inexpensive option. The hotel address is Piazza Donati 4, Duomo. It has a breakfast room.

The Hermitage Hotel is situated quite near the famous Ponte Vecchio, one of the world's most famous bridges with goldsmiths and jewelry shops. It has only 27 rooms and a lone suite so you may want to reserve early. You'll love the rooftop terrace and its garden. This is a three-star hotel and is priced accordingly. The hotel address is Vicolo Marzio 1, Piazza della Signoria.

The In Piazza della Signoria has ten antique-furnished bed and breakfast rooms and three apartments that contain a small kitchen. This is part of a Fifteenth Century Palace. The hotel address is Via dei Magazzini 2.

The Hotel Helvetia and Bristol has 54 rooms Search Amazon.com for Vino Con Vistaand 13 suites. Its guest list includes Igor Stravinsky, Bertrand Russell, and Enrico Fermi as well as many Italian artists, but hardly starving artists. There is a restaurant-bar. This hotel's address is Via dei Pescioni 2, Piazza della Repubblica.

The Hotel Savoy is quite near the Uffizi Gallery, a fantastic art museum open to the public for over four centuries, and the Ponte Vecchio. It belongs to the Rocco Forte Hotel chain of 13 European hotels with more coming in the Middle East. This hotel has 102 rooms and suites and offers a children's program and a restaurant. The hotel address is Piazza della Republica 7.


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Levi Reiss wrote or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but to tell the truth, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Check out his wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about (theory) and tasting (practice) organic and kosher wines.