|
 |
|
| Firenze, Tuscany, Italy |
Straddling the River Arno, Florence is the historic capital of the Tuscany region, which lies on the central west coast of the Italian Republic. Considered to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, the city is the cultural capital of Tuscany and known for its magnificent art and architecture. This beautiful town, aglow with earthy colours, is a bustling tourist destination and a very photogenic city!! Due to the significance of the town, the historic centre was declared a UNESCO World heritage Site in 1982.
Originally established in 59 B.C. by the Romans, the city became a rich and powerful centre during the middle ages, when the Medici family effectively controlled the city. At this time Florence was a centre for medieval trade and finance through which the city became the economic backbone of the so called ‘Cities of Art’, which are Lucca, Pisa, Sienna and San Gimignano. The Medici’s were known for their patronage of artists, which offered the creative opportunity needed to ignite the Renaissance period, and which attracted people like Leonardo Da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo to the city. Fortunately Florence city retains much of this treasure in the Uffizi, one of the world’s great art galleries, the Bargello Palace which houses the National Art Museum where you can see some sculptures by Michelangelo, Donatello and others, or the Accademia which highlights Michelangelo’s ‘David’.
The city itself is full of wonderful architecture from the medieval design of the Ponte Vecchio, the bridge over the River Arno that is almost fully enclosed with shops, to the magnificent domed Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, usually called the Duomo, the Campanile Tower and the Baptistery with its awesome doors!! Walking around the Piazza della Signoria is an experience never forgotten, this is the historic centre of Florence surrounded by historic buildings, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Palace of the Tribunale della Mercanzia, the Uffizzi Gallery, the Ugucciono Palace, and in the square is the copy of Michelangelo’s ‘David’ and the Fountain of Neptune!! This area is the declared World heritage Site – hardly surprising eh!!
Florence was also home to the ‘Supreme Poet’, as Dante is known in Italy, who had a significant impact on the language by writing the ‘Divine Comedy’ which created a new phase in Florentine history!! It was through this ‘Commedia’ that Dante used for the first time the Florentine language of the day, making his works able to be read by everybody, sinc, up until then writings were in Latin, which was reserved for the religious orders. This literary work established the Florentine language as the language of Italy, and which has become the modern day Italian. This also set the stage for more of the population, to have greater opportunity for better literacy throughout the country!!
|
|
| |
| Accommodation | Tours |  |
|
Sheraton Firenze Hotel & Conference Centre
Florence
 |  Sheraton Firenze is a modern and sophisticated hotel tucked away in the surrounding hills, and only five kilometres from the city centre. Explore the surrounding area with the complimentary shuttle service to and from the city centre. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, excellent service and a wid... |
Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli
Florence
|  The Hilton Garden Inn is strategically located in the middle of a park in the northern part of Florence in the Tuscan province. This area is called the 'New City' of Florence and encompasses the new university, the new tribunal and local offices of major companies. The Duomo Cathedral, the airport... |
Holiday Inn Florence
Florence
| Holiday Inn Florence Hotel is located in the southern residential area of Florence, near the exit florence south (firenze Sud) of Motorway A1, direction "Viale Europa" and is only 10 minutes from the historical centre of this fascinating city. Being outside the city centre has its advantageous, wit... |
Hilton Florence Metropole Hotel
Florence
|  The hotel is approximately 4 km from the International airport and there is a free shuttle which takes ten minutes to Florence's main attractions. It is a modern property and is decorated to blend classic contemporary style with functional design and discreet elegance. The hotel is well suited for... |
Hotel Villa Gabriele D'Annunzio
Florence
 |  This modern Tuscan villa-style hotel with neo-classical features is situtated three kilometres from Florence city centre and eight kilometres from the airport. With an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lawns and small patios dotted with loungers and pool furniture it offers an oasis not normally ... |
|
|
Best of Italy
11 days |  Start in Rome on this unforgettable holiday and enjoy highlight visits like St. Peter’s Square and Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. In Orvieto, atop a volcanic rock, ride a funicular to the cathedral, before continuing to your spa resort in Tuscany... |
Simple Italy
12 days |  Few places dazzle and overload your senses like Italy, where every region teases, tempts, and delivers something memorable. You’re booked to roam in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Vatican City, but to appreciate smaller pockets of pleasure, slow your roll or curb your flow by securing a relaxing gondol... |
European Whirl
12 days |  European Whirl visits 8 countries in 12 days. See the sights of Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France & the United Kingdom. The famous and beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Innsbruck, Venice, Rome, Florence, Lucerne and Paris with all the hidden wonders in between. You'll drive... |
Winter Wanderer
24 days |  It’s the perfect excursion for a winter dream holiday! Winter in Europe is packed with activities to try and places to explore. This tour visits 11 countries, each with its own unique flavour and attractions. Some of the highlights of the tour include driving along the French Riviera, exploring the ... |
Mediterranean Highlights
13 days |  Explore some of the most magical destinations on the Mediterranean. Enjoy the nightlife and fine foods of Spain, sit back and soak up the sun while you star gaze at the celebrities on the French Riviera before travelling through Monaco to Italy and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Florence with its Basili... |
Italy's Great Cities
9 days |  This trip will show you the highlight cities of Italy, covering all the notable features from St. Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum and the Forum in Rome to Michelangelo’s David and the cathedral in Florence and St. Mark’s Basilica and Doges’ Palace with the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. Local... |
The Cinque Terre Explored
8 days |  The Cinque Terre (meaning ‘Five Lands’ in Italian) gets its name from the five picturesque villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The area has been proclaimed a major national park and is a unique part of Italy. For over a thousand years people have lived in this dram... |
European Encounter
16 days |  The European Encounter tour is perfect for adventurers and romantics alike. You’ll have the opportunity to take a bicycle tour of the Dutch countryside, go white water rafting in Austria, take in a Parisian cabaret show and enjoy a relaxing gondola ride in Venice all on the same tour! If that sounds... |
Italian Espresso
8 days | Like a well-made espresso, this tour is a short, strong hit of all things Italian! Walk in the footsteps of Roman Emperors & throw your 3 coins in the Trevi fountain. Enjoy traditional Tuscan hospitality, art & architecture in Renaissance Florence. Then finish up by wandering the tiny streets of Ven... |
Italy's Best
13 days | Italy is home to a wealth of "bests" and this holiday features them all. Experience Rome with its famed archaeological sites; Florence, "Cradle of the Renaissance;" Pisa's infamous Leaning Tower; the unique floating city of Venice; and Pompeii's remarkable archaeological site. You'll also visit Mila... |
|
|
|
|
|
| |