Your guide to travel and experience Florence, Italy
Of the many ancient settlements in Florentine Chianti, San Casciano Val di Pesa is certainly among my favorites. Though its name was somewhat tarnished by reports of The Monster of Florence (shadowy perpetrator/s of a series of gruesome double murders between 1968-1985) this village has a wealth of far more desirable features for which it deserves recognition: its historic origins,
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Summer is most people’s preferred time to travel. I am of the opposite persuasion. During summer I work in the city as licensed Florence tour guide and await the eventual subsiding of the Death Valley temperatures. To me, summer means escaping to the Tuscan countryside. So, here are my favorite 10 Tuscan villages to visit! They look like they were made
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The Hospital of the Innocents (Ospedale degli Innocenti) has been loved by many generations of Florentines. Finally, it has been renovated, reorganized, and reopened as the Museum of the Innocents, or Innocenti Museum, telling the story of this ancient institute from its origins to the present through artefacts, testimonies, architecture, and works of art. It is certainly one of my
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Standing somewhat unpropitiously in the middle of a ring of traffic, on a verdurous hill with elegant marblework, the English cemetery of Florence is without question the most magnificent of urban roundabouts. Everybody who passes is intrigued by this great green and marble island looming over the busy boulevard on which they drive, but hardly anyone decides to stop, cross
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Vinci, a small and charming village in the Florentine hills is, is famous around the world as the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, the presence of the Renaissance genius remains pervasive, celebrated enthusiastically by the denizens of this quaint ancient Tuscan settlement. It is unsurprising that the following list heavily features the town’s favorite son, but it is not
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Located a few minutes’ walk away from Piazzale Michelangelo, The Porte Sante Cemetery (the Holy Gates) of Florence is a special place for several reasons. Not only is it one of the greatest monumental cemeteries in Tuscany, rich in artworks and being the final resting-place for many important figures, it stands in a position of immense grandeur. Stretching all around
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Having immersed yourself in Florence’s crowded museums and bustling nightlife, a vespa tour getaway makes for a perfect finale to your Tuscan experience. On one of those vespa tours in Tuscany and Florence you can spend a day taking in the region’s bucolic landscapes, rambling through ancient villages, and sampling delicious local products. Aside from the fun of the ride
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Steak is a serious thing. I am asked about Florentine steak almost as often as I am asked about Michelangelo and I have had the immense pleasure of researching the subject accordingly. After advising you on where to eat Florentine steak in Florence, however, I would like to serve up some basic information on the dish. So, at the end
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Cycling is a great way to explore Florence and its surroundings! Just like many other florentines, I love riding my bike on the cobblestone covered alleys and on the hills that are embracing the city. If you are thinking about taking one of the many guided bike tours in Florence… well, let me tell you that’s a good idea! There
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Flying on a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience. A balloon flight in Tuscany, over the sweet hills of Chianti, is even more stunning. I did this experience one year ago, and it was one of the most thrilling things I have ever made in Tuscany. I liked it so much that I totally recommend it to everyone who wants
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