Excursions in Florence

Florence is home to great painters, the place where almost a third of the world's artistic treasures are kept, and the city where Bartolomeo Cristofori invented the piano. It was in Florence in 1339 that paved streets first appeared in Europe. This is where Amerigo Vespucci and the famous nurse Florence Nightingale were born.

Holidays in Italy

Florence is roughly divided into four parts, named after the most important churches. Three of them are on the right bank of the Arno River:

• Santa Croce;
• San Giovanni;
• Santa Maria Novella.

The only neighborhood south of the river is Santo Spirito, where besides visiting museums, churches, palaces and parks, one can also find wood carvers, jewelers and mosaic experts, craft professionals who are still active nowadays.

Each district has its own remarkable features, which can be discovered in walking tours. To have a special insightful trip, refer to the services of an English-speaking guide, who will tell at great length of curious facts.

A sightseeing tour will also help getting a general sense of Florence. You will learn the history of the city in general terms and will see the local landmarks.

What should be at the forefront of a Florence tour?

The city has so many attractions that a detailed study of every single piece of them will take more than a day, even in a tow of an experienced guide. Some guides can give you a tour, comprising visits to the best places. Arriving in Florence, every visitor shall certainly see:

• the Uffizi Gallery;
• Ponte Vecchio Bridge;
• The Cathedral.

Ascending the Cathedral with the magnificent dome by Filippo Brunelleschi will grant you a bunch of impressions. It is necessary to overcome 463 steps before a magnificent panoramic view of the city will come into view!

A 16th-century pharmacy, founded by the brothers of the mendicant monastic order, is among of the most unusual Florentine attractions.

Usually tour guides love to demonstrate the daily life of residents to the tourists. Market place is the best spot here to meet each other. Farmer markets exist in any neighborhood of the city, but the two-story Mercato Centrale of the 19th century is the most popular. It has plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and spices. On the second floor there is a food court serving traditional Florentine meat, pasta, pizza and gelato.

The most beautiful squares

Any city in the world contains a lot of remarkable squares. Big and small ones. Eye-pleasing and absolutely common. In Florence – every square is a work of art. They are surrounded by palaces and cathedrals, fountains, multiple statues are crowned their glory. Book up your own excursion and visit the most fascinating Florentine squares:

• Duomo;
• Signoria;
• Santa Croce.

The tour guide will certainly bring you to the Republic Square. The bustling market was in this place in the Middle Ages, and today luxurious hotels, bars and restaurants impress here by their beauty. Unfortunately, all of the ancient buildings were destroyed in the 19th century as part of the attempt re-plan the city and re-form the city center when Florence was briefly in a status of Italian Capital.

Do not miss piazzale Michelangelo, which offers a cityscape similar to a postcard view. You can reach this place through the tiny streets of the San Niccolo area, where you are likely to come across the studio of Clet Abraham (a famous French artist).