I T A L Y
F L O R E N C E
O V E R V I E W
Founded by Julius Caesar, Florence is the Jewel of the Renaissance and a byword for Tuscany. This city offers a stunning panorama of Italian history and culture, equally captivating for first-time or repeat visitors.
It’s hard to imagine another city so dominated by one building – Brunelleschi’s Duomo, with the largest masonry dome in the world – the way Florence is, or another city which has had such an enormous impact on so many other places.
And if that weren’t enough, there is also the Uffizi gallery to consider, an art destination justifying the entire trip in its own right.
Here's what we think should form the core of your experience:
Art & History
Once an essential stop on the historic European Grand Tour, Florence remains an unparalleled art center in Europe.
The treasures of the Uffizi and the statue of David are about as iconic as art gets, and in many ways just the beginning of Florence’s artistic offerings.
Cusine
Rich hearty tagliatelles and papardellas make up some of the favourite pasta mainstays in Florence, and the city is rightfully famous for its incredible sandwiches.
The single most iconic Florentine dish however, is probably the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a steak dish as old as the city itself, whose name can be traced back to the san lorenzo festival and the Medici family.
Add to this already fairly intoxicating assortment wonderful local wines and and truffles, and you have the makings of an unforgettable experience.
Shopping & Lifestyle
Florence’s offerings are legendary. Some favorites to consider include perfumes – in particular, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the oldest pharmacy in the world, dating to 1221, and still growing the herbs used in its beautiful perfumes and medicinal concoctions in its private gardens.
Florence is a city rich in artisanal works of all sorts, but perhaps its most famous product is the locally tanned leather, still manufactured with the same sustainable recipes dating back into the dawn of time. In recent years, it’s become more and more difficult to weed out the inferior offerings peddled as Florentine leather from the real thing.
All the more reason to take one of our expert private tour guides with you, who can also help you navigate Florence’s artisanal jewelry shops and a wide range of vintage shopping as well.