Archive for January, 2009

Six Fantastic Attractions in Florence, Italy

When you go to Florence, Italy there are six fantastic attractions that you have to see. If you don’t see them, then you are completely missing out.

The first is the Battistero. This is a baptistery that is in the shape of an octagon. It has a Roman style to it, so it sort of gives you a glimpse into the past.

The second is the Bargello. This museum was once used as a prison. It is hard to believe when you walk inside because there is such a great amount of Renaissance art hanging around.

The Campanile was designed by Giotto and is quite magnificent. It is a marble bell tower, but it is going to give you a workout. Why is this? Well, it’s because it has over 400 steps. It is a really good idea when you’re going up that you not count your steps for the fact that you can make the journey even more exhausting doing that.

You then have the Uffizi Gallery. You have probably heard of this magnificent place. Some of the most famous pieces of art are housed here, so you may want to buy your tickets in advanced. Many people have been known to stand in line for hours and never get in for a tour.

The Duomo was completed in 1436 and is an amazing cathedral. However, it is not just for looks, but you can attend mass there if you wish.

Lastly, you have the Piazza della signoria, which is a famous plaza. In 1497, the Piazza was where the bonfire of the vanities happened. The Neptune Fountain is also found here and it dates back to sometime in the 1500s.

If all of this sounds exciting to you, then you need to go. This is the holiday of a lifetime, so you can’t miss it. You’ve seen Renaissance art and amazing architecture in books, but it is an entirely different experience when you see it in person.

How Hard Is It To Find The Right Hotel In Florence?

Florence, Italy is an incredible tourist city, which means there are plenty of things to see, plenty of food to eat, and, yes, there are plenty of places to stay. Actually, there are so many places to stay that you might find your head spinning 360 degrees at high speeds because you are not quite sure where it is you can stay.

If you are not sure where to stay, you need to create a checklist for yourself. That checklist should include:

• How much driving do you intend on doing?
• Do you want to be able to walk to most of your destinations?
• Do you want a quiet hotel or one that sits in the middle of the bustling city?
• Do you want to feel like you are at home or do you want to feel as far away from home as possible?
• Do you have kids that will be going with you?
• Do you want to be able to cook in your room or will you be eating out and bringing small snacks with you?
• Do you want room service?
• What sort of amenities do you want?
• Do you want a wellness hotel that will offer you spa treatments?
• What sights are most important to you?

You need to go through and ask yourself all of these questions. It is then that you can review what the hotels, villas, apartments, farm houses, and bed in breakfasts in Florence, Italy offer you.

Make sure that you spend time with the decision making process so that you can ensure that you are within budget and that you are staying at a place that has everything you could possibly need. It is that that will make your trip even more pleasant.

Florence: It May Not Be The Cheapest, But It Is Fabulous

Florence may not be the cheapest of cities to take your holiday, but it is certainly the most fabulous.

This has a lot to do with the amount of history contained within the city. There are very modern and fashionable locations mixed in with what could be compared to a medieval effect. This gothic feeling has a lot to do with the ancient architecture that exists within the city.

In addition to the excellent architecture, you have genuine Italian cuisine. Some may classify some of the dining experiences in Florence as glamorous because of the treatment that the customers receive when they walk through the door. They are treated with respect, they have the opportunity to taste the best Tuscan wines, and they are able to taste the food for what it was meant to be. It is 100% natural. Many of the ingredients are grown right in the area. For example, Tuscany is well known for its olive groves and olive oil is a staple within Tuscan food.

However, although a Florence vacation may seem expensive, you can cut the costs. There are plenty of affordable tours, budget lodging, and there are less expensive restaurants to dine at. There are ways to get around the cost.

All you have to do is plan out your trip accordingly. Do you research on the Internet, make reservations in advance for your lodging, events, and exhibits. That way you have a good idea of how much it will cost you and you can budget your money.

No matter how much you spend, a holiday in Florence is something that is unforgettable. You’ll be very glad that you came. You never know, it might become a tradition for you to visit Florence once per year. It certainly relaxes you enough to make you never want to leave.