| A visit to the beautiful city of Florence is a must for | | | | great place to stop for a rest in an open air cafe. |
| anyone taking a tour of Italy. Florence is a melting | | | | The square has been the political center of Florence |
| pot of culture and history and has a wide range of | | | | for centuries and is dominated by the Palazzo |
| world class art galleries and museums. Even if you are | | | | Vecchio with a copy of the statue of David by |
| not a museum lover, just taking a walk through the | | | | Michelangelo in front of the palace. Right next to the |
| center of Florence, and taking in the stunning | | | | Piazza della Signoria is the promenade Via dei |
| architecture can be very enjoyable. | | | | Calzaiuoli, a lively shopping street, connecting with the |
| Whether you are in Florence for a day or for a | | | | Duomo of Florence - a popular place in the evenings |
| week, there are some things that you cannot afford | | | | with locals and visitors alike. During the summer you |
| to miss. | | | | can go on a romantic carriage ride through Florence, |
| 1. The Duomo - Florence's cathedral is easy to spot | | | | beginning in Piazza della Signoria. |
| with its huge terracotta colored dome. It is one of | | | | 4. Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens - This palace is a |
| Florence's most distinctive sights and is the result of | | | | magnificent building and houses lots of interesting |
| years of work spanning six centuries. Arrive early to | | | | galleries and museums. It is also the entrance to the |
| miss the crowds and if you have the energy you can | | | | Boboli Gardens, which is a relaxing place to go to |
| climb the 463 steps to the top of the cupola and be | | | | take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. |
| rewarded by a fantastic view over the city. | | | | It is filled with statues and fountains and if you can |
| Alternatively climb the 414 steps up to the top of | | | | make it all the way to the top of the hill, some |
| the bell tower for a slightly different view. | | | | beautiful views of Florence. |
| 2. The Uffizi - This is one of the most popular | | | | 5. A wander along the Arno and over the Ponte |
| museums in Florence and a must for art lovers. The | | | | Vecchio - A walk along the river Arno is a great way |
| Uffizi is home to the finest collection of Renaissance | | | | to end your day of sightseeing. The Ponte Vecchio |
| paintings in the world and boasts around 1700 | | | | crosses the River Arno and houses many goldsmiths, |
| paintings and 300 sculptures, as well as a number of | | | | jeweler's shops and medieval workshops that |
| tapestries and other artifacts. There are 45 rooms | | | | overhang the bridge. The best time to view the |
| containing works from famous artists such as | | | | bridge is at sunset, followed by a walk along the |
| Leonardo da Vinci , Michelangelo, Botticelli, Dante, | | | | bridge after dusk, when the lights on the bridge |
| Titian and Rubens. | | | | reflect on the River Arno and everything seems |
| 3. The Palazzo della Signoria - this lively square has | | | | almost magical. |
| lots of restaurants, bars and ice cream shops and is a | | | | |