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Florence Holidays

For a tiny city-state, Florence enjoys an enormous reputation for art, scholarship, architecture and science that belies its concentrated size. Contemporary Florence spills into the lush Tuscan countryside, but the hub of its centro storico, a treasure trove of culture, stylish living and epicurean thrills, can be crossed at a leisurely pace within half an hour. The compact nature of this honey-coloured enclave lends it an intimate atmosphere, zealously preserved by a municipality that ferociously defends ancient civic liberties whose martial and banking skills not only once ruled the papacy, but also had a profound influence on shaping European culture for over five centuries.

Florence is an erudite university centre, bursting with youthful enthusiasm and a down to earth population, who rejoice in a philosophical way of life dedicated to eating, drinking and romantic pleasures. Easy if you are one of its privileged citizens to take its lofty Renaissance accomplishments for granted, but successive generations of visitors have come here to grasp its magnificence and leave with their cheeks flushed by the city's gilded beauty.

A few short steps from Santa Maria Novella railway station stands Florence's Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore), Europe's fourth largest church and famed for its orange-tiled dome. The Baptistry, with its soaring Campanile designed by Giotto in 1334, traces its origins to the 4th century with its provenance inscribed on bronze doors. Meandering, cobbled lanes lead to the Piazza della Signoria and its famous Palazzo Vecchio, a monumental icon to the city founders' independent republicanism.

Close by, the Galleria degli Uffizi houses Italy's greatest collection of paintings, its magnificent interiors exhibiting priceless works including Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus', where he reveals the lithesome grace of his mistress who posed as a model for many of his presentations of pagan goddesses and saintly madonnas.

Walking through Florence, an overwhelming number of historic places reveal Michelangelo's statuary and lead curious eyes to pry at Palazzo Pitti and its Boboli Gardens graced by ornamental lakes and dominated by a hill on which Forte di Belvedere warns amorous couples against the intrusion of vengeful husbands. From Piazza della Signoria avid shoppers can discover the ancient quarter of San Lorenzo (named after The Magnificent). Here rises a 19th century palazzo built in stone, iron and glass consecrated to the Tuscan passion for food with galleries of butchers, greengrocers and pasta counters.

Huddling round this is a maze of al fresco stalls, retailing high quality leather goods and stylish apparel, and for those in search of the ultra chic, the district of Oltrarno, traditionally an artisans' quarter, has become one of the most illustrious fashion centres in the world.
Smart boutiques line its Borgo San Iacopo, whose tributary lanes are punctuated with exclusive restaurants, cosy bars and trattorie, specialising in delicious traditional Tuscan cuisine. Crossing the River Arno on the Ponte Vecchio, an ancient bridge crammed with jewellery workshops and goldsmith's shops, is a must during your stay in this Renaissance capital of Tuscany.

Our Favourite Hotels in Florence

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  Hotel Alba

  Comprised of three ancient buildings, the Hotel Alba stands besides the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella and 800 metres from the Duomo in the historical centre of Florence. The buildings surround the ...

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  Hotel Balestri

  Hotel Balestri is in the heart of the Santa Croce district of Florence and within walking distance of all the main attractions, including the Ponte Vecchio. Rooms all have air conditioning and guests ...

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  Hotel Berchielli

  Hotel Berchielli is situated in one of the best locations in the city on the banks of the River Arno only moments away from the world famous Ponte Vecchio. Conveniently, Piazza della Signoria and the ...

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  Brunelleschi

  Just moments away from the Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, the Hotel Brunelleschi is a unique hotel built around the sixth century Byzantine tower La Pagliazza, the medieval church of San Mich...

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  Hotel Fenice Palace

  Originally an 18th century palazzo, renovated in 2006, the Fenice Palace provides modest and good value accommodation in the heart of Tuscany's capital. It lies near to major sights including the Duom...

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  Grand Hotel Adriatico

  This modern and spacious Grand Hotel Adriatico is well located near Piazza di Ognissanti, with only a 15 minute walk to the Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery.
  
  Facilities include the comforta...

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  Grand Hotel Baglioni

  Centrally positioned within the cultural triangle formed by the Duomo, San Lorenzo and Santa Maria Novella, the 18th century Grand Hotel Baglioni was once the residence to the Carrega Bertolini Prince...

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  Hotel Helvetia & Bristol

  The luxurious Helvetia & Bristol lies virtually a stone's throw away from the Piazza Repubblica.
  
  Set in a building dating back to the 19th century, this magnificent hotel was later extensiv...

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  L'Orologio

  L'Orologio is located in Piazza Santa Maria Novella - a perfect, central spot for discovering Florence's many attractions. Uniquely inspired by famous watchmakers, each floor of L'Orologio takes its d...

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  Hotel Monna Lisa

  Perfectly located in the heart of ancient Florence towards the eastern part of the city's centro storico lies the Hotel Monna Lisa, a former Renaissance palazzo.
  
  Just off Borgo Pinti, a sto...

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  Palazzo dal Borgo

  Originally the Palazzo Medici dal Borgo, the Hotel Palazzo dal Borgo is only a 10 minute walk from the Duomo and is excellent value for money.
  
  Housed in a beautifully restored 15th century ...

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  Hotel Plaza Lucchesi

  The riverside Hotel Plaza Lucchesi is situated close to the church of Santa Croce, and only a 10 minute walk from the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio.
  
  This stylish hotel, dating back t...

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  Hotel Porta Faenza

  Hotel Porta Faenza is located in the heart of 'old' Florence - surrounded by 15th century city walls and historic Florentine houses, you'll really feel like you've gone back in time. Clean and comfort...

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  Relais Santa Croce

  The luxurious Relais Santa Croce hotel enjoys a unique position in the centre of historic Florence. This prime location means you are only a short walk from the Basilica of Santa Croce, Duomo, Uffizi ...

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  Hotel River

  The Hotel River is situated on the banks of the River Arno in a 19th century building, approximately a 15 minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.
  
  Benefiting from a quiete...

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  Hotel Rivoli

  The Hotel Rivoli, in the heart of Florence, is close to the church of Santa Maria Novella and only a 10 minute stroll from the Duomo.
  
  The weathered façade gives a clue to the age of this 15...

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  Hotel Rosso 23

  A contemporary three star boutique hotel, the Hotel Rosso 23 is ideally situated in the centre of Florence. The guest rooms continue the red and grey style concept that goes throughout the hotel, and ...

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  Hotel San Giorgio

  Originally part of a convent, the centrally located Hotel San Giorgio is a 5 minute walk from the Duomo, and 10 minutes' from the Uffizi Gallery, Santa Maria Novella Church and the Ponte Vecchio.
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  Hotel Savoy

  The exquisite Hotel Savoy is superbly located on Piazza della Repubblica, close to the city's main attractions, museums and boutique streets.
  
  Embodying the philosophy of the Rocco Forte Col...

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  Hotel Villa La Vedetta

  Hotel Villa La Vedetta is one of the most exclusive hotels in Florence, enjoying an elevated position on Viale Michelangelo.
  
  A few steps from Piazzale Michaelangelo, Villa La Vedetta is wit...

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  Hotel Villa San Michele

  To stay in such an exquisite location, surrounded by woodland and affording magnificent views over Florence, is a true delight. You will be greeted by a unique façade of this 15th century monastery, o...

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