Tag Archives: Florence tourist board

Things to do in Florence

Posted on by

Florence is filled with fantastic food and staggering art; much is still the same hundreds of years after the masters lived and worked here. From the top of the startlingly huge Duomo, the city seems quiet and calm but, down on the cobbled streets, tourists flood the cafes and galleries, everyone eager to get a glimpse of authentic Italian life and history. Everything is within walking distance and in just one weekend I managed to see many of the main attractions, and tried at least six gelato shops!

To stay

Residenza d’Epoca in Piazza della Signoria: this charming little B&B is perfectly located for a weekend of sightseeing… just at the corner of Piazza della Signoria. The rooms are spacious and grand, bathrooms are filled with Etro toiletries and breakfast is served at a lovely communal table with the other guests.
Il Salviatino: this heavenly five star hotel is just outside the main city, but is so worth the fifteen minute drive. A 15th century villa perched on a hilltop – the views are beautiful and the facilities are divine. Memorable and magical.
JK Place: this is the ideal small boutique hotel for those hoping for a place with both five-star luxury and character. A few minutes walk from the main train station and the main attractions, it is as convenient as it is lovely.

To eat

Il Palagio, Four Seasons: The hotel is in the Santa Croce area slightly removed from the main city centre. It is one of the most special Four Seasons I have ever visited, with huge private garden and a top notch Michelin star restaurant serving wonderful Italian dishes and wines.
Il Pizzaiuolo: hands down the best pizza in town, this little eatery is always packed. Locals and the odd tourist huddle round tables gorging on the freshest Neapolitan pizzas. Opt for a glass of Prosecco to wash it all down.
Ice-cream at Grom, Perche No! and Emporio: we tried all the gelato we could find, indulging in several cones a day. Every shop is slightly different, offering their own special flavours and using particular secret techniques. For luxury creaminess Grom is the place to go, Perche No! offers incredible flavours and Emporio is a lovely stopover on the south side of the river.

To drink

Rivoire: this busy café is a landmark chocolatier and pasticceria. Enjoy your coffee while watching the chaos of Florence’s most popular square, Piazza della Signoria.
Volume: sit at the bar and observe the weird and wonderful surroundings while enjoying a fruity cocktail or a calorific crepe. Located in the hip area of Piazza Santo Spirito.

To see

Michelangelo’s David – housed in the Academia, expect giant queues for this famous statue. For express entrance invest in a Firenze card which will get you in super fast!
The Uffizi: holding perhaps the most famous collection of art in the world and it should be the first stop on your Florence to do list. Room 10 holds the most familiar paintings, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera.

To do

Climb to the top of the Duomo:  You will be quite taken aback when you first see the great Duomo, an amazing architectural feat. Climb to the top (prepare for several hundred steps) and enjoy the views of Florence.
Wander across the Vecchio bridge: The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone “closed-spandrel segmental arch” bridge over the Arno River. Try to visit early in the morning to avoid the painfully slow dawdling tourists, and grab a bargain from one of the numerous gold jewellery shops. If you are very lucky you may be able to arrange a walk though the special passageway from the Duomo across the bridge.
Take a photo: much to my delight we stumbled across this vintage black and white Fotoautomatica machine on Via Dell Agnolo. For just 2 euros you can take four different shots, which appear a few minutes later in retro black and white. Strike your best Italian pose!

To shop

Mio Concept Store: this shop is designed by Lenotta Studio and sells a fun collection of bits and bobs, ranging from designer gifts and jewellery to unusual kitchenware.
Il Papiro: is the one of the oldest stationery shops in Florence and is so popular with British tourists that they are soon opening a branch in London. Offering personalised alphabet stationery and beautiful hand marbled paper, it is very easy to spend a fortune in this beautiful shop.
Pharmaceutia: Opened in 1612 by Dominican friars this pharmacy is certainly one of a kind. Here you will find ornate bottles of colognes, oils and elixirs all concocted from historic formulae. If you want one souvenir I’d recommend the Acqua della Regina perfume.

To visit

Gucci Museum: A stylish and slick alternative to the work of the great masters, for fashionistas this museum is a must. See all the fashion triumphs and admire the leather bags, gorgeous accessories and Gucci frocks, all arranged beautifully.
Museo di Palazzo Vecchio: This massive, Romanesque palace is among the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria with its copy of Michelangelo’s David as well the gallery of statues in the adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi, it is one of the most significant public squares in Italy.
San Marco Monastery: This lovely convent is free to see but is open at odd times. Admire the Madonna and Child alterpiece by Fra Angelico and light a candle for a loved one.

Out of Town: Conquer two cities by flying in to Pisa and pop over to see the leaning tower before travelling home.

Many thanks to Firenze Cards and the Florence Tourist board for their help with this trip.

Il Salviatino, Florence

Posted on by

Those wishing to escape the tourist-packed streets of Florence will find a bucolic 15th century villa perched on a hilltop just fifteen minutes drive away. Il Salviatino is a fairtytale retreat that we were lucky enough to experience for our last night in Tuscany. Driving up after dark, it felt oddly like a James Bond hideaway, shielded by trees and glowing in the moonlight. We were warmly greeted; the check-in process is surprisingly untraditional with no formal reception or pretentious lobby. When we arrived the staff were in a flurry, changing things round after a light rain shower. We were offered a cocktail while our bags were taken through to our room. Sitting out on the candlelit terrace, starfruit adorned cocktail in hand, we could admire our breathtaking surroundings.

Our Salviati De Luxe room was exceptionally distinctive, with exposed brickwork and a half-moon window looked out to the terrace below. The heavy curtains kept the room pitch black when desired, but when open allowed dewy Tuscan daylight to flood in. The very low but very plush bed sat on a beautifully worn antique red carpet, looking regal and inviting. On the walls hung gold-framed old paintings but the lighting and style of the room was modern and chic.

The bathroom was equally impressive with a freestanding ornate sink and a marvellous huge bath for long soaks. The separate sit down rain shower included disco-like lighting (little LEDs flash as you scrub!) – all very contemporary and cool. Toiletries are bespoke made for the hotel: a smart collection of red and silver organic olive oil based products. The other amenities one might expect of such a grand, special hotel: complimentary mineral water, a Nespresso machine and best of all, a plasma TV with a free selection of recent films to watch (usually this extra would add at least another £10 to the bill).

After a long bath, I slept like a baby enveloped in the cosy thick Tuscan linen. When I awoke and opened the curtains, I again had a feeling of disbelief at the stunning view. Breakfast is served out on the terrace, so that guests can make the most of the warm weather and beautiful surroundings. A traditional Italian breakfast tray was delivered to each table, comprising pastries, fresh fruit, cheese, yoghurt and cold meats… other requirements can be ordered, though we found our tray to be more than adequate, along with some strong coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice. Fresh and delicious, it was the perfect wake up remedy, sadly the wasps thought so too and it was a real struggle batting them away.

Wandering around the gardens after breakfast we were given a taste of the Il Salviatino property and all it has to offer. The spa and outdoor pools are perhaps the most picturesque, the luminescent turquoise water gleaming marvellously amongst the dark green foliage. Oh, what I would have done at that moment to spend another day (or week) in this sanctuary of serenity and sun. Those wishing to discover the artistic treasures of Florence can take the complimentary shuttle bus which runs from the hotel gates.

Il Salviatino is truly a place you imagine in your dreams as the ideal holiday location. Within reach of a city of culture and beauty and yet removed to the solitude of the hills, it couldn’t be a better balance.

More information and book here.

salviatino.com

Many thanks to the Florence Tourist Board for their help with the trip.

Residenza d’Epoca in Piazza della Signoria, Florence

Posted on by

This simple, friendly B&B could not be better located. Occupying an old townhouse next door to the Gucci Museum, Residenza d’Epoca looks out over Florence’s Piazza della Signoria.

Our weekend in Florence began with a disastrous journey to Pisa. Thanks to Ryanair – the crappiest airline of all time, we missed the final train (Pisa-Florence) and had to wait 90 minutes for a bus. After coughing up more cash, waiting around hungry for hours and generally sulking about our bad luck, the bus pulled up finally ready to escort us to the beautiful Italian city of art, food and love. It was in the short but memorable taxi ride from the bus station to Residenza d’Epoca that we saw our first glimpse of Florence’s incredible buildings, most obviously the Duomo.

There was no fuss when we arrived, thank god since we were very ready for bed. The ten rooms are all individually decorated and each named after a renowned Florentine figure. Our room (Galileo) was traditional but felt rather bare with a bed, table, TV on an easel, a worn antique chest of drawers and a humble painting hung on the white wall. For me there was not quite enough light even with the shutters open.

The bathroom was functional and spacious, the funky Etro toiletries adding some colour and flair to the otherwise classic layout. In the morning breakfast is served in the main dining room, where all the guests gather before going out to explore the city. We gulped down a glass of orange juice and croissant before setting off to see Michelangelo’s ‘David’!

This B&B is by no means perfect, minor annoyances became evident after a few hours, but it is clean, comfortable and most importantly has huge character.  With neighbours like Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery, some of Italy’s most famous Renaissance art is right on your doorstep; no-one can deny that this location is unbeatable.

More information and book here.

www.inpiazzadellasignoria.com

With many thanks to the Florence Tourist Board.