Florence

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  3. TRAVEL
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  5. Europe
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  7. Italian Peninsula
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  9. Italy
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  11. Florence

RENAISSANCE CRADLE

The Metropolitan City of Florence is situated inland on northern Italy’s Apennine Peninsula, centrally located between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic within the greater Mediterranean Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the historic center of this regional Tuscan capital, flanking the Arno River, was the birthplace of the Renaissance movement to revive the classic models for art, literature, and civics.

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Basics

  • Firenze: Regional Capital of Tuscany
  • Languages: Italian
  • Currency: Euro; VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted
  • Airport: Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), or Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola
  • Train Stations: Firenze Santa Maria Novella is in the center
  • Transportation: Buses are well-connected; Tickets can be bought at the stops themselves, or inside the bus, which has two places where you can validate them – at the front and back of the bus.
  • Vespas and Bicycles: popular forms of transportation beyond the historic center; otherwise, buses are also available
  • Walking: the best form of transport in the historic center of this compact city
  • Safety: ranked a very safe city, but be aware of pickpockets, particularly in crowded tourist areas; friendly, walkable city; public spaces and streets are warmly lit and enjoyed after dark (like any city, take general precautions and be aware of your surroundings)

Things to Do

Photo Gallery

Food to Try

Rail

  • TrenItalia‘s high-speed FRECCE trains from Firenze Santa Maria Novella take just under 1-1/2 hours to Rome and Milan, with service to all other major cities, like Venice. I found this “Walks of Italy” rail GUIDE to be very helpful.
  • TrainLine rail app is a good resource for making reservations
  • Rail Europe is also a great source for making necessary train reservations—more travel information can be found in my post on an earlier trip: Northwestern Europe
  • Our Eurail passes covered our train travel between cities and villages within our selected countries on the continent
  • Although we walked, local bus transport is available throughout Florence—Visit Florence provides good information
Italy

Travel Guide: How Florence Inspires a Higher Standard and ‘Slow Tourism’

Stunning architecture and sculpted masterpieces, natural regional food and wine—Florence is sure to delight your perspective alongside your tastebuds. No wonder it’s such a popular destination. You really can’t help but fall in love with Florence. Italian Pride and Passion Italians take pride in their work. Their enthusiasm is infectious. Italy celebrates artisans and designers,…