Trip to Florence, Italy sounds like a dream vacation! This tiny city is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world. It is located in the heart of the idyllic Italian region of Tuscany. Compared to Rome or Venice, Florence is smaller and you will able to see its highlights in one day. Yet you need at least two days to feel the amazing atmosphere of this beautiful Italian city.
Florence could be a starting point for a romantic and adventurous travel around Tuscany`s vineyards, small historical towns, Medieval museums and monuments. At the evening it is great to return back and try excellent pasta, Fiorentina steak and drink local wine. We have selected some important and little known facts about trip to Florence that can help you better plan your vacation in the City of Romance.
How to get to Florence, Italy?
Apart from the local Vespucci Airport, there are two small airports close to Florence. The Bologna`s airport Guglielmo Marconi is about 6 km far from the central railway station. If you rent a car, it is good to know that the driving distance from the airport to Florence is about 66 miles (106 km). You will have the same options if flying to Pisa airport. The trip to Florence with a train will take about one hour.
You can also fly to the larger international airport Milan. Then you can take train or rent a car to Florence but it will be more expensive.
Trip To Florence: What to see
As a start, it is important to know that the historic center of this city is best explored on foot. Many of Florence`s highlights are within a short walk from one another. An easy way to get around it is with a motorbike. It is a joy to explore this Renaissance city on bike. Here are some of the most interesting places to see.
Palazzo Pitti, Florence
The first must-see place is Palazzo Pitti. It is on a hilltop, located south of the River Arno. The Palace was residence of many noble ruling families such as the Medici and the Lorraine. There are many galleries and museums in the building, housing some of the greatest artistic treasures. Here you can enjoy the beauty of the famous Boboli Gardens.
In the Palatine Gallery you can see Renaissance paintings which had been collected by the Medici. The exclusive collection includes works by Rubens, Raphael, Titian. Some of the paintings have been created during Baroque period. Additionally, visitors are able to see the rooms where Medici and Lorraine families lived. Inside the Pitti Palace there is also a collection of art 20th century as well as paintings, sculptures influenced by neo classics. Another interesting artefacts to see are precious stone objects such as vases. A wing of the Pitti Palace is dedicated to the fashion from the period 16th-19th centuries. There you can see dresses, costumes and accessories. Palazzo Pitti houses an impressive collection of jewels. There is also a magnificent porcelain collection.
For those who easy get annoyed by the museum atmosphere there is a splendid place – the open-air Boboli Gardens. This beautiful piece of land is a combination of lush vegetation, lakes, Renaissance statues, fountains and picturesque caves. It was created especially for the Medici and is extended over a large territory.
Ponte Vecchio, Florence
As your visit to Palazzo Pitti has finished, you can go along the pedestrian zone towards Piazza della Repubblica. Soon you will reach the oldest bridge in the area – Ponte Vecchio. It was built in 13th century. Since then many merchant stores started selling things to the people crossing the bridge. Since 16th century the bridge hosts only gold and jewelry shops.
Famous Squares in Florence
Continue your romantic walk under arches and architectural masterpieces following the popular Via dei Calzaiuoli. It links many of the most beautiful Florentine piazzas. There are some iconic squares in Florence that you must see and feel their spirit. Each of them is a masterpiece of its own.
Piazza della Signoria is one of the most magnetic places in this tiny Italian city. This place is full of travelers from all over the world. An integral part of this place is Palazzo Vecchio (The Old Palace) which was a Medici`s residence. Here you can take photos of a replica statue of The David by Michelangelo. To see the original, you have to buy ticket since it is exhibited in the Galleria dell’Accademia.
Piazza of Santa Maria Novella hosts marble obelisks. On the intimate Santa Croce square you can stop and have a lunch or dinner in a traditional Italian trattoria. Еnjoy the world-famous cuisine and wine at reasonable prices. After that, do not miss to enter the splendid marble building of the Santa Croce church. Then go to Piazza della Repubblica which is a vivid street art scene.
Getting around Florence
When planning a trip to Florence, consider visiting the surrounding countryside as well as nearest cities of Pisa, San Gimignano and Siena. The most convenient way to travel to Siena and Pisa is by train. Rental car is the best option to visit splendid Tuscany`s vineyards.
Wine tasting tours
Exploring the wine culture is one of the most interesting things during your stay in Italy. It is a good idea to include in your trip to Florence a wine tasting tour in the Chianti area. There are many other gourmet products you can try – cheese, olive oil, grappa, and local appetizers.
Pisa Leaning Tower
This small Italian city is world known for the Leaning Tower. Many visitors arrive here from Florence. It is recommendable to plan a walking tour from the train station through the city center, Piazza dei Miracoli(Square of Miracles), and finally reach the main architectural attraction.
Still, there are many other things that deserve a prime spot on your trip to Florence. This beautiful city hides many less-visited gems! They might be the reason to visit this city again.