Italy:FLORENCE

Florence holiday guide

If you've got your airline tickets to Italy and plan travel to the northern Tuscany capital of Florence, you'll enjoy a holiday in a city regarded for centuries to be the most beautiful in the country.

You'll also be visiting a city regarded as the art capital of Europe, if not the world.

History:

Florence was founded by Julius Ceasar in 59BC but was of little consequence till the 12th century when it became a rich merchant city dominated by the dynasty of the Medici family. In the 1500s, this city was the centre of the Renaissance movement that gripped Europe.

Sunset is a great time to admire postcard views of Florence from the elevated position of the Plaza Michelangelo. 

Weather:

Florence weather can be very hot during summer. Evenings are cold to cool most of the year and many tourists consider it best to travel to Florence during the mild Mediterranean winter when there are less foreigners in town.

The crowds and traffic can be overwhelming during the peak holiday tourist season, particularly in July and August.

Florence travel tips:

If you travel to Florence by train, the most convenient tourist office upon arrival is just outside the train station at Piazza della Stazione 4.

The domestic airport at Florence about five kilometres north-west of the city is called Amerigo Vespucci Airport (also known as Peretola).

Various European airlines fly tickets direct to Florence.

A host of international airlines have mostly European ticket connections to America.

After your flight to Florence, catch Bus 62 for a 30 minute trip to Piazza della Stazione in the central city - if you're on a budget holiday to Italy and can't afford the more expensive taxis.

The nearest major international airport is Pisa's Galileo Galilei Airport, almost 100km west of Florence, with two to three connecting trains per hour.

The Stazione Santa Maria Novella in Florence has an Air Terminal where you can check in your holiday luggage and catch a train direct to your flight.

Communication within Florence:

Most bus stations in Florence are near the train station, servicing all

Tuscany towns, much of Umbria and most major cities in Italy such as Rome.

ATAF city buses travel to destinations all over the city from 6am to 1am.

Walking is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel through Florence so you can see the city's numerous holiday tourist attractions, despite ancient, narrow and sometimes cramped sidewalks.

If you catch a train to Florence and are looking for cheap nearby holiday accommodation as soon as you arrive, check out the many budget hotels just east of the train station around Via Faenza and Via Fiume.

Accomodation:

1)Minerva--This fourth-floor apartment provides spectacular views of historic Florence.
While the apartment is found in the center of the city, guests will enjoy its peace and comfort.

The living and dining room are spacious and light, with structure and columns from the Renaissance period. There are two bedrooms and bathrooms, to accomodate up to four people. For additional guests, there are several other apartments available for rent in the same building. There is a complete, built-in kitchen with a dishwasher and washing machine.

2)Mario Apartment--If you are planning to visit Florence in grand style, Mario Apartment, located in a landmark Renaissance building in the historic Plazza Santa Croce, is the perfect choice. The apartment has been tastefully decorated and is fully-equipped with many modern amenities.

Inside Mario, there are three bedrooms, two bathrooms to accomodate up to seven. The living/dining room area is elegant and spacious. A kitchen with dishwasher and refrigerator, along with pots and pans and dinnerware, provides for all of your dining needs.

3)Villa San Casciano--Staying at this spectacular 15th century Tuscan villa, only 20 minutes from Florence and right in the heart of the countryside among olive groves, vineyards and cypresses, is a truly ideal experience. Villa San Casciano is very private even though it is situated in a village where guests can walk to a café or restaurant. A private garden and parking area are at the front of the property facing the road, while the back of the villa has views of the beautiful Tuscan countryside.

4)Veduta di Montagna--Dating from the 13th century and located in a prime position for visiting Florence, Siena and the heart of Chianti, Veduta di Montagna has been cleverly restored to offer a very well-equipped family home. The 14 acres of private, landscaped gardens slope gently down to a large swimming pool nestling in the olive groves, set amidst extensive lawns bordered with flowers and the views to the Appenines and Apuan Alps are spectacular.

**The cheapest hotel accommodation we could find through a scan of several hundred Florence hotels in June 2004 was US$36. Prices were considerably higher in most other hotels.