If you love art… FLORENCE
What to do
Soak up Renaissance beauty at the Uffizi Gallery. Here you’ll find a treasure trove of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci must-sees.
Visit the Il Duomo di Firenze or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The pink, white and green marble is impressive and the architecture was revolutionary for its time. Climb the 463 steps up the dome to admire the frescos of the Last Judgement by Giorgio Vasari.
Stroll through the sculptured Boboli Gardens, which slope behind the Palazzo Pitti. The panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape and the collection of classical sculptures are worth the visit.
The Vasari Corridor was built by the Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici in the 16th century to avoid walking through the streets. Today, the kilometre-long passageway houses a collection of splendid self portraits.
Celebrating the art of fashion, make sure to learn more about Florence’s influential designers. The Salvatore Ferragamo museum at the Palazzo Spini offers great insight into the designer’s life.
What to eat 1 Gelato
Rumour has it that Florence is the birthplace of gelato, and you won’t be short of family-run spots with a gelato of your dreams. Speciality flavours include Tuscan rose and lavender, or try classic salted caramel, pistachio, chocolate or fruit.
2 Florentine steak
The largest T-bone steak you’ll ever see – these vary from 1-4kgs, fire grilled and seasoned with salt. Definitely one to share with your posse.
3 Tagliatelle ai funghi procini e tartufo
Local to this area, truffle and porcini mushrooms form the basis of this dish. Tossed with long and flat pasta, it’s both flavourful and simple.
4 Tagliere
This meat and cheese platter is a great appetiser or light meal. It usually contains prosciutto, salami and Florentine salami alongside pecorino cheeses. Yum!