Firenze

Getting There

Fly with BA from Gatwick, not Heathrow. Ryanair goes from Bournmouth Airport, but nor every day. Both these arrive in Pisa, from which one can catch a train or bus.

Things To Do

Art, Architecture, Gardens, Food & Drink.

The centre of Florence is the Piazza del Duomo, the location of the famous Duomo and its bell tower, the Campanile. To the south of the Duomo is the Uffizi and the Bargello (part of the eastern district in the Rough Guide). They are two of the finest art galleries in Europe; the latter having a fine sculpture collection. Tickets for Florentine Museums can be booked online. It is next door to the Pallazo Vecchio, the republican town hall.

North of the Duomo is the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi and the Giardino dei Semplici (translated by Google). The latter has restricted opening times and at the backend of the week during the summer is open mornings only 'till 13:00.

On the other side of the river, there is another Garden, the Giardino Boboli as well as some more fine Palaces and the Plazza Santo Spirito, which has is surrounded by Cafes & Bars. The Modern Art Gallery is at the Pitti Palace in the Oltrarno.

Where to Stay

I shortlisted my hotel choices on del.icio.us (hotel+Florence).