Florence City Breaks

Florence at a glance

The jewel of Italy, Florence is the historic capital city of romantic Tuscany. With a wealth of history, culture and art, the city’s beauty permeates both inside and outside its Renaissance architecture, presenting a truly magnificent destination to explore.

The city skyline of Florence has changed little since the 16th century when it was one of the most important cities for trade and finance in Europe. Heralded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence was home to renowned artists, wealthy noble families and ruling popes. Much of the city’s grand past is still in evidence today in grand architectural works such as the Gothic Duomo and the Romanesque Palazzo Vecchio.

A large concentration of art galleries and museums are also found within the city, showcasing some of the best of Renaissance masterpieces. One of the oldest and most well-known art museums in the world, the Uffizi, is housed within an opulent palace that was built as a base for the Tribunal and a storage centre to preserve the state archives. Today the museum maintains an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and frescos from Florence and around the world.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

• Iconic sites
• Art and culture
• Stunning architecture

Getting around

A public bus system operates throughout Florence. Bus tickets are good for a set period of time (usually 90 minutes) and can be purchased at any authorized ATAF sales point (typically newsagents and bars) for single or multiple trips.

Most buses operated by ATAF have three doors. The front and rear doors are for getting on the bus. The middle door is for getting off.

Shopping

With a tradition of fine clothing dating back to the 1300’s it comes as no surprise that fashion leaders such as Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and Emilio Pucci call Florence home. Many of these high-end designers feature their items in the popular chic shopping street of Via de’Tornabuoni and the surrounding area, where fashion luxury boutiques rule.

Street markets, antique shops and independent fashion stores can also be found throughout the city, sure to please a variety of tastes and budgets.

Dining in Florence

Florence is a feast for the senses and your taste buds will not be disappointed either. Some of the best Italian food can be found in the restaurants of Florence.

Try Piazza Santa Spirito, a lovely tree lined square with a mouth-watering selection of eateries!

One of the most important vineyard regions in Tuscany, wine is one of Florence’s main economic staples. Here you will find both innovative Supertuscan blends as well as time preserved specialties.

Must-try local dishes:

• Crostini toscani – round slices of bread topped with chicken-liver paté
• Ribollita – a hearty Tuscan soup consisting of cannellini beans, leftover bread and a mix of vegetables including carrots, cabbage, beans and onions
• Cantuccini with vin santo – Almond biscuits served with a glass of sweet wine for dipping

Osprey Holidays top tips

Cross the Ponte Vecchio and wander up to the Boboli Gardens for stunning views across the terracotta roof tops. A pleasant surprise is the little summer house nestled in amongst the trees in the garden where you can stop for coffee and a bite to eat!

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Florence designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

• All travel and transfers on days of your choice
• Accommodation from our handpicked range of Florence hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.