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	<title>Italy Travel Notes &#187; Italy Travel Notes</title>
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		<title>Italy&#8217;s magical city of Florence &#8211; the capital of the exquisite Tuscan region</title>
		<link>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2012/01/25/italys-magical-city-of-florence-the-capital-of-the-exquisite-tuscan-region/</link>
		<comments>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2012/01/25/italys-magical-city-of-florence-the-capital-of-the-exquisite-tuscan-region/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:30:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Italy Travel Notes team</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Florence]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Follow @Italytravelnote By Michael Hanna Italy&#8217;s ideal climate, animated people and passion for cuisine make it a perfect destination for independent travellers seeking much more than a one dimensional package holiday. Choosing where to start a trip of discovery in Italy is difficult with so many must sees but Florence, as the capital of Tuscany [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style=''><a href="http://twitter.com/Italytravelnote" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="true" data-button="blue" data-text-color="#800080" data-link-color="#800080" data-lang="en">Follow @Italytravelnote</a>
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<p>Italy&#8217;s ideal climate, animated people and passion for cuisine make it a perfect destination for independent travellers seeking much more than a one dimensional package holiday. </p>
<p><img src="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC00072.jpg" alt="" title="DSC00072" width="450" height="338" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3238" ></p>
<p>Choosing where to start a trip of discovery in Italy is difficult with so many must sees but Florence, as the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of Renaissance is a great option. Florence&#8217;s stunning architecture, rich culture, fascinating history and famous romantic atmosphere make it one of Europe&#8217;s top city break destinations.<br />
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Tuscany is said to be the most beautiful region in Italy and the cultural and historical impact of Florence is overwhelming. The city is like a museum in itself and the historical centre is best seen on foot. The centre is very atmospheric and strolling around the city discovering medieval spires, narrow streets, galleries and spectacular architecture is an amazing experience. The famous Michelangelo &#8220;David&#8221;, the wonderful Duoma and the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) are must see sights that you will never forget. Be sure to reward yourself with a delicious flavour of &#8216;gelato&#8217; or powerful &#8216;espresso&#8217; in a street side cafÃ© or just rest your weary feet and take the chance to watch the stylish and graceful Italians strut their stuff. </p>
<p>Hiring a car will let you explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside or Italy&#8217;s picturesque coastline. A very pleasant drive takes you to the Chianti region which is found between Florence and Sienna. This is a truly beautiful part of Italy and perfect for a vineyard tour where you can sample the famous local wine. </p>
<p>The Tuscan coastline is another area to discover. The beaches are beautiful with clear water at a perfect temperature for swimming. The Tuscan coastline has great character too with its ports, bays, charming villages and ancient rocks. It is an ideal place to relax and unwind after your city experience. For further information on Florence, Tuscany and Italy see the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.italiantourism.com/">Italian Tourism</a> site. </p>
<p>Such a trip is made easy with car hire in Florence being in abundance. You will find that most large <a target="_blank" href="http://www.easycar.com/car-hire/location/Florence.aspx/EN">car hire companies in Florence</a>. </p>
<p>See Florence and Tuscany as it should be seen. There is so much on offer in this magical region that has to be seen to be truly appreciated. </p>
<p>About the Author<br />
Author:<br />
Michael Hanna </p>
<p>About Michael<br />
Michael is a keen writer, and internet marketer living in Scotland. </p>
<p><strong>More about Florence:</strong><br />
Discover even more about what Florence has to offer and find out what your fellow travellers think of the city here:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/tuscany/florence/">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/tuscany/florence/</a></p>
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		<title>10 Reasons To Visit Florence In Italy</title>
		<link>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2011/11/11/10-great-places-to-visit-in-italy/</link>
		<comments>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2011/11/11/10-great-places-to-visit-in-italy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:30:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Italy Travel Notes team</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Florence]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2008/06/16/10-great-places-to-visit-in-italy/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Follow @Italytravelnote You can define Florence as the city of â€œpleasance, elegance, excellence, opulence, magnificence. In fact, you may need lot more beautiful adjectives to describe the city completely. Certainly, Florence has floral pleasance, architectural elegance, artistic excellence, cultural opulence, and renaissancial magnificence. Florence is one of the most fantastic cities of Italy. The heart [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style=''><a href="http://twitter.com/Italytravelnote" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="true" data-button="blue" data-text-color="#800080" data-link-color="#800080" data-lang="en">Follow @Italytravelnote</a>
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<p><img src="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC00250.jpg" alt="" title="DSC00250" width="450" height="338" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3252" /></p>
<p>Florence is one of the most fantastic cities of Italy. The heart of Tuscany resting on the Arno River was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy from 1865 to 1870. Long ruled by the Medici family, Florence is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. The city is known for its scenic beauty and richness of its art and architecture. Surely, Florence gives you numerous reasons to visit its exotic sites, but here are top rated 10 reasons to visit the city.<br />
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Santa Maria del Fiore (Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore), the iconic domed cathedral of the city, is the best-known site and renaissance architectural gem of Florence. The basilica, famous for its dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, is also known as Duomo or Florence Cathedral. The magnificent cathedral has literally become the symbol of the city. </p>
<p>Giotto&#8217;s Tower, sited adjacent to the Duomo, is one of the notable sites in Florence. The lofty campanile tower is designed by Giotto, the eminent renaissancial Italian painter and architect from Florence. The majestic tower has 414 stepped, which you can climb to have magnificent 360-degree view of the Duomo. </p>
<p>Baptistery of St John (Battistero di San Giovanni) is a splendiferous religious edifice in Florence. It is believed to be the oldest building in the city. The Baptistery is famous for its beautiful interior and three sets of magnificent and artistically important bronze doors. Baptistery stands in the Piazza del Duomo, just to the west of the Duomo.</p>
<p>Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi), housed in the Palazzo degli Uffizi, a palazzo in Florence, is one of the oldest and most renowned art museums in the world. The museum offers marvellous collection of classic masterpieces, renaissance paintings &#038; sculptures, which include the works of the masters, such as Cimabue, Duccio, Giotto, Simone Martini, Paolo Uccello, Piero della Francesca, Fra Filippo Lippi, Andrea del Verrocchio, Hugo van der Goes, Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Piero di Cosimo, Albrecht DÃ¼rer, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Parmigianino, and Caravaggio. </p>
<p>Fountain of Neptune or Bartolomeo Ammanati&#8217;s Fountain of Neptune, in the heart of the city, in the Piazza della Signoria (Signoria square), in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, is a remarkable fountain in Florence. The fountain is a masterpiece of marble sculpture at the terminus of a still functioning Roman aqueduct. It was designed by Bartolomeo Ammannati (1563-1565) and some assistants, such as Giambologna.</p>
<p>Bargello, also known as the Bargello Palace or Palazzo del Popolo (Palace of the People), is a famous art museum, located near Piazza della Signoria. Officially known as the National Museum of the Bargello, the museum features the wonderful works of renaissancial lords including Michelangelo, Donatello, Ammannati, Bandinelli, Andrea and Jacopo Sansovino, Desiderio da Settignano, Giambologna, and Antonio Rossellino.</p>
<p>Palazzo Vecchio, the huge Tuscan Gothic crenellated fortress-palace, is one of the most significant public places in Florence. The town hall of Florence is one of the most impressive town halls of Tuscany. Overlooking the Piazza della Signoria with its famous copy of Michelangelo&#8217;s David statue, the Palazzo Vecchio is a symbol of the commune of Florence.</p>
<p>Pitti Palace (Palazzo Pitti), situated on the south side of the River Arno, a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio, is a grand Renaissance palace. The palace was originally the town residence of an ambitious Florentine banker, Luca Pitti. The Medici family bought it in 1539. Presently, the palace exhibits the collection of the Medici familyâ€™s artistic treasures. </p>
<p>Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli), behind the Palazzo Pitti, comprise famous park of Florence. The gardens are nice place for pleasuring, walking, and enjoying wonderful views of the city and the countryside south of the city. The gardens are known for their famous collection of sculptures dating from the sixteenth through the eighteenth centuries, and Roman antiquities.</p>
<p>Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge over the Arno River, is the oldest and most famous bridge in Florence. Often the bridge is described as Europe&#8217;s oldest wholly-stone, closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge. The bridge is a great tourist trap, famous for jewelry shops built along it, since the days of the Medici.<br />
Author Info:</p>
<p>Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.holiday-velvet.com/florence/">Florence apartments</a>, hotels, villas, Bed &#038; Breakfasts for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.holiday-velvet.com/">Florence </a>vacation</p>
<p>Source: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.articledepot.co.uk/">Article Depot &#8211; Search Free Articles </a></p>
<p><strong>More about Florence:</strong>Discover even more about what Florence has to offer and find out what your fellow travellers think of the city here:<br />
<a target="_blank"href="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/tuscany/florence/">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/tuscany/florence/</a></p>
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		<title>How to Do Florence in 48 Hours</title>
		<link>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2011/06/17/how-to-do-florence-in-48-hours/</link>
		<comments>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2011/06/17/how-to-do-florence-in-48-hours/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jun 2011 05:30:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Italy Travellers</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Florence]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2007/11/29/how-to-do-florence-in-48-hours/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Follow @Italytravelnote by Katy Hyslop You have just arrived in the Renaissance capital of the art world with a couple of days to spare, so where do you go and what highlights can you see in such a short time? This is the guide for you to get the maximum out of a short stay [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style=''><a href="http://twitter.com/Italytravelnote" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="true" data-button="blue" data-text-color="#800080" data-link-color="#800080" data-lang="en">Follow @Italytravelnote</a>
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<p>You have just arrived in the Renaissance capital of the art world with a couple of days to spare, so where do you go and what highlights can you see in such a short time? This is the guide for you to get the maximum out of a short stay in Florence.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC00046.jpg" alt="" title="DSC00046" width="450" height="338" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3210" /></p>
<p>14:00<br />
Now is probably a good time to familiarise yourself with the central city, if it`s late summer it will be beginning to cool down and hopefully the crush of the tourist crowds will be starting to diminish. The centre of Florence is easy to walk around as the streets are narrow and most are closed to traffic.</p>
<p>Starting off around the main station there is the Piazza Santa Maria Novella with the church that gives the train station its name. Opposite the church there is the Piazza Nazionale and a road which leads down to the Piazza del Mercato Centrale. Here there are a few market stalls selling leather goods, souvenirs and other items. The 2 famous buildings to see here are the Cappelle Medici and the San Lorenzo e Biblioteca Laurenziana.<br />
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15:00<br />
You will see the Duomo before you reach the piazza it resides in as you walk down Via Borgo San Lorenzo. The squat building in front of the cathedral is the Baptistery, built on the foundations of a Roman temple. The golden doors facing the cathedral are replicas of an original set made by Lorenzo Ghiberti and regarded by Michelangelo as the `doors to paradise`. But the sight most visitors are bowled over by is Brunelleschi`s dome, the cap on the already impressive Chiesa Santa Maria del Fiori. Standing guard beside it is the campanile, or bell tower built by Giotto.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC00033.jpg"><img src="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC00033.jpg" alt="" title="DSC00033" width="250" height="333" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3211" align="left" style="margin-right:12px;"/></a>The view from the top of the Duomo is incredible on a clear day and well worth the trek to the top. Entry to the church itself is free but there is a charge to make the climb. You can also climb the bell tower but run the risk of the bells going off at some point and there is no lift if you need assistance to get back down.</p>
<p>16:00<br />
Many of the original works that were used to decorate the exteriors and interiors of the baptistery, church and campanile are house inside the Museo dell`Opera del Duomo, behind the cathedral, the museum rooms that catalogue the history of the buildings. There are many pieces by Michelangelo, including his Pieta that he partially destroyed, which was finished later by a student. The original baptistery doors are housed here along with Duomo plans from Brunelleschi, statues and bas relief`s by Donatello and others.</p>
<p>17:00<br />
Walking down Via Roma you will reach Piazza della Repubblica, the edges are taken up with expensive hotels and even more expensive cafes. There are some stalls selling various touristy type things, including more belts, wallets and handbags. Keep walking down Via Calimara until you reach the loggia that houses more market stalls. Here you can test your skills at spotting a fake leather item although you don`t want to make this too obvious. Better still you can drop a coin from the mouth of and il Porcolino`, the bronze statue of a boar, and make a wish.</p>
<p>17:30<br />
Looking straight ahead you will see what resembles a crowded street rising up at the end of Via Porta Santa Maria. This is actually a bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, the ` Old Bridge`, which was the only one spared by the Nazis in WWII. The original shops were butchers, dropping their leftovers into the Arno below. The stench got up the Medici`s noses in the 16thC so much that Grand Duke Ferdinando I ordered them to move out and the more aesthetically pleasing goldsmiths to move in. This is also one of 3 bridges in the world to house shops.</p>
<p>18:00<br />
Make your way back to the northern end of the bridge where there is a covered colonnade heading left alongside the river. This was built as a secret passageway for the Medici`s as they walked above the populace between the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace. At the far end of the walkway you can look back to see the rear of the shops as they overhang the river below.</p>
<p>Behind you is also the entrance to the Piazza Degli Uffizi, a three sided piazza filled with statues and busts of famous artists from over the centuries, and of course home to the world famous Uffizi Gallery. The collection inside is second only to that of the one held at the Vatican in terms of artistic significance. Giotto, Fra Angelico, Lippi, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo` the list goes on. The gallery is closed on Mondays and needs at least half a day to get around, as well as to be booked in advance if you wish to view it in summer. The piazza is commonly filled during the summer with outdoor exhibitions, street artists and performers, mainly to entertain the long meandering line of tourists queuing up to get in.</p>
<p>Carry on through the narrow piazza away from the river until you reach Piazza Signoria. This wide open space is most recognisable by the statue of David, a copy put there in 1873 as the original had to moved inside the Accademia to protect it from the elements. Underneath the loggia is a collection of other famous statues including The Rape of the Sabines, Hercules and the Centaur Nessus, by Giambologna and Cellini`s bronze statue of Perseus.</p>
<p>The main space is overlooked by the rather imposing statue of and Il Nettuno`, the watery figure of Neptune standing at the opposite end of Palazzo Vecchio. Close by is the mounted figure of Cosimo I Medici and the bronze plaque that marks the spot where the priest Savonarola was hanged and burned for heresy in 1498. For the super sleuths there is a another sculpture to look out for. On the wall of the Palazzo Vecchio is the carved outline of a mans face. One legend tells that Michelangelo, in a fit of pique, was proving to Donatello he was able to sculpt great works of art, even with his hands behind his back.</p>
<p>18:30<br />
Inside Palazzo Vecchio the entrance shows ornate ceilings and wall decoration for this building was once the seat of Florentine government during the 13th and 14th Centuries. For a fee you can view the opulent apartments upstairs that were occupied by Medicis and other notables as well as reach the battlements for another view out over the city.</p>
<p>The remainder of the evening can be best spent wandering the narrow streets and enjoying a meal from one of the many restaurants and trattorias. Later on there is the night life as many bars and clubs open up after 10pm and carry on until very early in the morning.</p>
<p>08:00<br />
Florence is a tourist magnet all year round so an early start is essential if you don`t wish to spend countless hours queuing. A surefire way to avoid this is to part with a little extra cash in the busy summer months and pre book your tickets online or over the phone. You then pick them up at a designated time from the ticket office with your booking number. This way you can easily get to see the Uffizi and possibly another museum in the same day. To do this simply log onto www.firenzemusei.it or www.weekendafirenze.com or book through your hotel.</p>
<p>The Uffizi opens at 8.15am, closing at 7pm, with the artworks divided between a series of rooms all featuring a certain artistic style or period. The gallery is not restricted to just greats of the Italian renaissance but the collection also includes works by German and Flemish artists. To appreciate much of the work you would need to devote at least several hours to get round.</p>
<p>15:00<br />
Either as an afternoon escape or a morning alternative there is also the Galleria Dell`Accademia, most famous for its prize possession, Michelangelo`s David, the original sculpture that stood in Piazza della Signoria. The 5m tall statue was carved from a single slab of marble which some tales relate as having a fault line running through it. Michelangelo was said to have found it at abandoned at the rear of the artisan school and decided he would use it to create a symbol of Florentine spirit.</p>
<p>The Accademia also has other well known statues, paintings and carvings by many artists on display, well worth an hour or two looking around.</p>
<p>For a plesant way to round off the day there is a walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo from the southern river bank, where you will find yet another copy of Michelangelo`s David, a bronze version overlooking the city. A great place to watch the city change colour at sunset and sometimes there are public events held in the piazza during the summer.</p>
<p>17:00<br />
If there is still enough energy left to view one more church Chiesa di San Miniato al Monte is worth the extra effort. Situated in the parklands up behind Piazzale Michelangelo the exterior is one of the best examples of Tuscan Romanesque architecture while the interior is home to some extraordinary 13-15th C frescoes.</p>
<p>08:00<br />
Depending on your time table you may have time for another set of museums or just a gentle stroll in the park. Head up to the Pitti Palace, another Brunelleschi creation for a wealthy banker that was eventually taken up by the Medici family. Inside are a series of museum rooms all dedicated to various items such silver, porcelain and renaissance clothing as well as more modern artworks from the 18th and 20th Centuries.</p>
<p>11:00<br />
When the art intake has finally reached its limit there is respite in the shape of the Boboli gardens to the rear of the palace. Designed in the mid 16th C it contains typical grottoes and garden follies of the renaissance aristocracy. A chance to leave the narrow streets and tourist crowds for a while.</p>
<p>Your time in Florence is at an end but you may still have a chance to do a bit of that last minute shopping before bidding farewell to all the masters.</p>
<p>Katy Hyslop has spent the past 6 years travelling, tour guiding and generally hanging around the European tourism industry. She is now based in Italy and in charge of keeping the crew under control at Plus. If you want to know more on what to see or where to stay in Florence click <a href="http://www.plusvillages.com/TravelGuidesFlorence.aspx">here</a>.</p>
<p>Article Source: <a href="http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katy_Hyslop">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katy_Hyslop</a></p>
<p><strong>More about Florence:</strong><br />
Discover even more about what Florence has to offer and find out what your fellow travellers think of the city here: <a href="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/tuscany/florence/">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/tuscany/florence/</a></p>
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		<title>Top Ten Things to do in Florence</title>
		<link>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2011/04/22/top-ten-things-to-do-in-florence/</link>
		<comments>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2011/04/22/top-ten-things-to-do-in-florence/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Apr 2011 05:30:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Italy Travellers</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Florence]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2007/10/31/top-ten-things-to-do-in-florence/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Follow @Italytravelnote By Rachel Deutsch Florence, along with Rome and Venice, is one of the &#8220;must see&#8221; cities of Italy. It is the epicenter of Renaissance, the place it all revolved around. Any famous artist or architect of the time had a part in making this place more beautiful. The treasures of Florence are not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style=''><a href="http://twitter.com/Italytravelnote" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="true" data-button="blue" data-text-color="#800080" data-link-color="#800080" data-lang="en">Follow @Italytravelnote</a>
<script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://cmsvoteup.com/category/wordpress-plugins/" title="Get Twitter Follow Button WordPress Plugin" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.cmsvoteup.com/images/power_by_2x2.gif" border="0"/></a></div><p>By Rachel Deutsch </p>
<p><img src="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC00061.jpg" alt="" title="DSC00061" width="250" height="333" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3216" align="left" style="margin-right:12px;"/>Florence, along with Rome and Venice, is one of the &#8220;must see&#8221; cities of Italy. It is the epicenter of Renaissance, the place it all revolved around. Any famous artist or architect of the time had a part in making this place more beautiful.</p>
<p>The treasures of Florence are not limited to the art that was commissioned for the public. Many of the old private palazzos and gardens were designed by the best architects and landscape artists of the time and decorated by the best known artists. Some of these buildings are now open to the public and are well worth a visit.</p>
<p>Most tourists can only spend a limited time in Florence, so here is a list of my top things to see (Or: what would I do if I only had 2-3 days in Florence).</p>
<p>1. <strong>Go to the top of Giotto&#8217;s Campanile</strong><br />
This bell tower was built in the 14th century. From the top of it there is a great view of the area. It is also a good location to take pictures from a different angle. There are 414 stairs leading to the top, so it is not recommended for people who are not fit.<br />
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2. <strong>The doors of the batistero</strong><br />
These famous decorated bronze doors were made by Pisano and they depict scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist. </p>
<p>3. <strong>The top of the Dome </strong><br />
Another climb &#8211; the top of the dome. Climbing to the top of the dome gives you another look at things from above. The dome is open daily 8:30 &#8211; 19:00</p>
<p>4. <strong>The Uffizi</strong><br />
This world famous museum is a must see even for people who would normally not set foot in a museum. It holds treasures of art such as drawings by Botticelli. It is recommended to order tickets in advance to avoid the long lines in front of the museum.</p>
<p>5. <strong>Palazzo vecchio</strong><br />
Don&#8217;t let the exterior of this building fool you. Inside you will find all the luxury of the renaissance. Until the 16th century this was the seat of the government. Then, Lorenzo De Medici made it his own palace, and stayed here until he moved to another palace (Palazzo Pitti). </p>
<p><a href="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC00081.jpg"><img src="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/DSC00081.jpg" alt="" title="DSC00081" width="450" height="338" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3217" /></a></p>
<p>6.<strong> Ponte Vecchio</strong><br />
When you leave Piazza della Signoria towards the Arno river turn right. You can&#8217;t miss the Ponte Vecchio. Stop and look at it from a distance. Then, go to the bridge itself and use it to cross the Arno to the other side. On the bridge itself there is usually a big crowd of tourists and a small street market selling tourist items. Personally, I don&#8217;t like it, but many people do.<br />
If you like bridges and the view from them, Ponte Santa Trinita is a great option.</p>
<p>7. <strong>Bargello</strong><br />
This museum, less famous than the Uffizi holds great collections of renaissance art including Brunaleschi&#8217;s offer for the doors of the Batistero contest.</p>
<p>8. <strong>Museo Dell&#8217;Opera de Duomo </strong><br />
This museum is dedicated to the works of construction of the Duomo, and also displays artworks that were removed from the exterior of the Duomo to preserve them. Most important &#8211; Ghibretti&#8217;s doors of the Batistero.</p>
<p>9. <strong>Wine tasting</strong><br />
Wine is an important part of Tuscany culture. In Florence go to Enoteca Alessi (Via delle Oche, 27-29-31 ) for a great variety of local wines. There is a special wine tasting area and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.</p>
<p>10. <strong>Eating </strong><br />
Enjoy the local food. Lots of restaurant, trattorias, bakeries, cafes and food stands compete for the right to feed everyone. Impossible to make a short list of recommendations, but I have to. Trattoria Mario (Via Rosina 2) is a good place to get a meal for a limited budget. For higher end food &#8211; Cibreo (Via A. Del Verrocchio 8 is one of the top places in town.</p>
<p>About the author:<br />
Rachel Deutsch is the owner and writer of <a href="http://www.dream-vacation-in-Tuscany.com">http://www.dream-vacation-in-Tuscany.com</a>. On this site, as in others, she shares her experience in travel, and the interest in Italy, its history and its pleasures.</p>
<p>Article Source: <a href="http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com ">http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com </a></p>
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		<title>Beautiful Italy – Florence</title>
		<link>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2011/03/11/beautiful-italy-%e2%80%93-florence/</link>
		<comments>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2011/03/11/beautiful-italy-%e2%80%93-florence/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:30:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Italy Travel Notes team</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Follow @Italytravelnote We continue our presentation of some of the most beautiful places in Italy, as seen through the videos of those who love to travel through Italy. And this week we present Florence:]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style=''><a href="http://twitter.com/Italytravelnote" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="true" data-button="blue" data-text-color="#800080" data-link-color="#800080" data-lang="en">Follow @Italytravelnote</a>
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<p>And this week we present Florence:</p>
<p><center><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S0_zfTN5_jI&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S0_zfTN5_jI&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></center></p>
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		<title>Beautiful Italy – Florence</title>
		<link>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2011/03/02/beautiful-italy-%e2%80%93-florence-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2011/03/02/beautiful-italy-%e2%80%93-florence-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 05:30:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Italy Travel Notes team</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/?p=2540</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Follow @Italytravelnote We continue our presentation of some of the most beautiful places in Italy, as seen through the videos of those who love to travel through Italy. And this week we present Florence:]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style=''><a href="http://twitter.com/Italytravelnote" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="true" data-button="blue" data-text-color="#800080" data-link-color="#800080" data-lang="en">Follow @Italytravelnote</a>
<script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="http://cmsvoteup.com/category/wordpress-plugins/" title="Get Twitter Follow Button WordPress Plugin" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.cmsvoteup.com/images/power_by_2x2.gif" border="0"/></a></div><p>We continue our presentation of some of the most beautiful places in Italy, as seen through the videos of those who love to travel through Italy.</p>
<p>And this week we present Florence:</p>
<p><center><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bf_X9w5oKZU&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bf_X9w5oKZU&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object></center></p>
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		<title>Things to do While in Florence, Italy</title>
		<link>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2010/09/24/things-to-do-while-in-florence-italy/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:30:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Italy Travel Notes team</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Follow @Italytravelnote Suzanne Morrison Florence is one of the highlights of a trip to Italy. Whether you enjoy museums, art galleries, eating and drinking Italian food and wine, or simply wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere, you will find that Florence Italy Tourism has something for you. Easily the most visited square in Florence [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style=''><a href="http://twitter.com/Italytravelnote" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="true" data-button="blue" data-text-color="#800080" data-link-color="#800080" data-lang="en">Follow @Italytravelnote</a>
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<p>Florence is one of the highlights of a trip to Italy. Whether you enjoy museums, art galleries, eating and drinking Italian food and wine, or simply wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere, you will find that Florence Italy Tourism has something for you.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/A-view-of-Florence.jpg" alt="" title="A view of Florence" width="450" height="195" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2309" /></p>
<p>Easily the most visited square in Florence is the Piazza della Signoria which is an open-air sculpture exhibit. The Loggia della Signoria is home to famous statues such as a copy of Michelangelo&#8217;s David and the Fountain of Neptune. This square is in the historic center of Florence and is one of the highlights of the city.<br />
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Next on the list is the Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence&#8217;s most popular cathedral. The outside of the cathedral is made of green, pink, and white marble. Inside you can marvel at Brunelleschi&#8217;s Dome masterpiece. Also, by purchasing a ticket you can climb the 463 steps to get to the top of the bell tower and enjoy a panoramic view of the city, which is simply breath-taking. Do note, however, that there is no air-conditioning, so bring water!</p>
<p>Make sure you visit the Galleria dell&#8217; Academia on your visit to Florence. This museum gallery holds some of the most important sculptures and paintings from the 13th to the 16th centuries. Here you will find many of Michelangelo&#8217;s original works including the famous David. You can also see many musical instruments from the Medici family.</p>
<p>While in Florence you will also want to visit Italy&#8217;s most crowded museum, the Galleria degli Uffizi. The gallery has one of the most prominent collections of Renaissance art in the world. You can enjoy the thousands of paintings from medieval and modern times, as well as antique sculptures and tapestries. Long lines can be a problem, so if possible buy your tickets ahead and avoid them all together.</p>
<p>Finally, be sure to make some time on your trip for some shopping? Many consider the Florence shopping to be the finest in Europe. From leather goods to paper goods, jewelry to art productions, Florence has it all. There are also plenty outdoor markets where you can find lots of bargains while enjoyingthe surrounding architecture.</p>
<p>There is no doubt that Florence has a rich history and many places that you must visit. From the Galleria dell&#8217; Academia to the open air markets, Florence Italy tourism offers something for everyone!</p>
<p><strong>More about Florence:</strong><br />
Discover even more about Florence what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/florence/">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/florence/</a></p>
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		<title>Florence- A Great Place For Weddings</title>
		<link>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2010/09/13/florence-a-great-place-for-weddings/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2010 05:30:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Italy Travel Notes team</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Follow @Italytravelnote Amod Florence in Italy has always been a popular wedding destination for its scenic beauty and breathtaking architecture. It provides a wonderful backdrop for weddings allowing you to play with the light and colors. There will not be one dull picture in the entire album with Florence weddings. If you have ever seen [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style=''><a href="http://twitter.com/Italytravelnote" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="true" data-button="blue" data-text-color="#800080" data-link-color="#800080" data-lang="en">Follow @Italytravelnote</a>
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<p>Florence in Italy has always been a popular wedding destination for its scenic beauty and breathtaking architecture. It provides a wonderful backdrop for weddings allowing you to play with the light and colors. There will not be one dull picture in the entire album with Florence weddings. If you have ever seen Florence weddings for real or in pictures, the image will always pop in your head when you think of weddings.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/The-catedral1.jpg" alt="" title="The catedral" width="450" height="325" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2298" /></p>
<p>Civil ceremonies</p>
<p>Civil ceremonies are very popular in Florence. Palazzo Vecchio is one of the most popular spots for these weddings. When you vow to stay together for the rest of your lives, the Piazza della Signoria gives the ceremony the seriousness it deserves. Florence weddings usually help families bond, as there is no better way to bond than when you travel together. As it is hard to leave Italy once you get there, you can plan a honeymoon here too. You will save on travel and be able to use the same service to arrange for transportation and stay as well.<br />
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Use the Florence wedding services</p>
<p>You dont always have to live in Florence to have Florence weddings. People travel far and wide to get the wedding of their dreams. When you have wedding services that charge reasonably for high quality services, there is little that cannot be done from where you live. The wedding services will take care of booking the venue, arranging accommodation and travel for you and your guests, and other things that need to be done before the wedding.</p>
<p>Planning the wedding made easy</p>
<p>When you plan a wedding, Florence has wedding services that make the entire process easy for you. A wedding planner will be assigned for you who will take care of all the details after consulting you. It feels great to have complete control of your wedding that is being planned in another country. From the choice of table- cloth to the flowers on the tables, everything will be made according to your directions. You can check the arrangements 2 days before the wedding.<br />
<strong><br />
More about Florence:</strong><br />
Discover even more about Florence what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/florence/">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/florence/</a></p>
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		<title>A City Tour of Florence</title>
		<link>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2010/09/10/a-city-tour-of-florence/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:30:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Italy Travel Notes team</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Follow @Italytravelnote Robert Palmer City tours Florence offers are some of the best ways to see the city. This city is rich in its history and it offers visitors both something traditional and something modern. Although it is easy to walk around from place to place and to marvel at the city&#8217;s beauty, a Florence [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style=''><a href="http://twitter.com/Italytravelnote" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="true" data-button="blue" data-text-color="#800080" data-link-color="#800080" data-lang="en">Follow @Italytravelnote</a>
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<p>City tours Florence offers are some of the best ways to see the city. This city is rich in its history and it offers visitors both something traditional and something modern. Although it is easy to walk around from place to place and to marvel at the city&#8217;s beauty, a Florence tour is a better way to see everything there is to see and do while visiting.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/wp-content/uploads/Florence-piazza-della-Signoria.jpg" alt="" title="Florence piazza della Signoria" width="450" height="244" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2286" /></p>
<p>Why Choose City Tours: Florence</p>
<p>Consider all there is to see in the city. Florence tours are able to show it all to you. For example, these are some of the areas to explore when you get a tour in Florence: Get up close and see Michelangelo&#8217;s David sculpture. This one piece of art is the reason so many people come to the city in and of itself.<br />
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Visit the Palazzo Vecchio<br />
Tour the Loggia of Lanzi<br />
Get the best view of the Done of Brunelleschi</p>
<p>Tour the Uffizi Palace<br />
Visit Signoria Square and learn about the history of the square and the artwork there.<br />
Learn about the Old Bridge<br />
Tour the Duomo of Florence<br />
Look up to see the Giott&#8217;s Bell Tower<br />
Learn about the city in the Accademia Gallery</p>
<p>These are just a few of the many things that there is to do when you visit Florence. Tours of Florence allow you to visit many of these locations, plus many more, depending on the type and the length of the tour.</p>
<p>City Tours Florence Give More</p>
<p>In addition to just seeing any of these locations, another reason to embark on a Florence tour is to learn about each of them. Many of the tours feature narration. This means that you can not only see the beautiful arches and architecture, but you can also learn about it. Find out what happened in each of these buildings and what currently takes place in them.</p>
<p>However, in order for you to get the most out of Florence tours, you do have to ask questions. Live tours with guides are one of the best resources. They will allow you to ask numerous questions and inquire about anything you see as you travel through the city. This is a great way to learn not only the textbook history of these buildings and locations, but also the history that is untold, including rumors and gossip many of these historical buildings have.</p>
<p>A tour in Florence is available to any guest. Select a company that you can trust and one that offers you the most encompassing tour of the city. Do plan to spend your day walking and learning. Of course, this is also the time to have your camera. You may find that these tours are an easy and ideal way for you to explore the city no matter if this is your first visit to Florence or if you have come many times before. Learn all that you can with these tours.</p>
<p><strong>More about Florence:</strong><br />
Discover even more about Florence what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/florence/">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/florence/</a></p>
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		<title>Florence, Italy Bed and Breakfasts &#8211; Breakfast for the Heart and Your Wallet</title>
		<link>http://www.italytravelnotes.com/2010/05/31/florence-italy-bed-and-breakfasts-breakfast-for-the-heart-and-your-wallet/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 31 May 2010 05:30:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Italy Travel Notes team</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Follow @Italytravelnote By Landon Colins You can&#8217;t go to Italy and not visit Florence. It simply isn&#8217;t done. Located in the middle of the country, Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region. If you want to immerse yourself in Italian history and culture, go to Florence. If you want to feel the pulse of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style=''><a href="http://twitter.com/Italytravelnote" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="true" data-button="blue" data-text-color="#800080" data-link-color="#800080" data-lang="en">Follow @Italytravelnote</a>
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<p>You can&#8217;t go to Italy and not visit Florence. It simply isn&#8217;t done. Located in the middle of the country, Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region. If you want to immerse yourself in Italian history and culture, go to Florence. If you want to feel the pulse of Italian life, drop by Florence!</p>
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<p>Florence is one of the world&#8217;s premier cities. From the 1300s to the 1500s, it led Europe in fields such as education, finance, and commerce. During this time, some of art&#8217;s unofficial Hall of Famers, namely, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Dante, created some of the world&#8217;s greatest masterpieces. Florence served as Italy&#8217;s capital until the government was transferred to Rome in 1871. Today, Florence&#8217;s economy is primarily based on tourism, which includes accommodations such as Florence, Italy bed and breakfasts.<br />
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A bed and breakfast, or a &#8220;B and B,&#8221; is a private home in which several rooms are dedicated to guests who lodge there overnight. Many of Florence, Italy&#8217;s bed and breakfasts offer world-class service and outstanding views of the city.</p>
<p>Mediterranean Chow<br />
The Mediterranean Diet has greatly influenced breakfasts in Florence, Italy bed and breakfasts. In fact, while this cuisine type originated along the Mediterranean Sea, it has greatly impacted the entire country, including Tuscany. The Mediterranean Diet is based on farming, fishing, and cattle of the land. This includes the use of several types of plants, including beans, seeds, whole grains, and fruits. In Southern Europe, Italy included, foods such as bread, rice, pasta, and vegetables have become staples in people&#8217;s diets. Of particular interest is the region&#8217;s use of olive oil, which is much healthier than animal fats. Other components of the Mediterranean Diet include a glass of wine with meals, very little red meat, and a little yogurt and cheese.</p>
<p>What&#8217;s for Breakfast?<br />
Food itself is vital to Florence&#8217;s economy. The food of Florence, including your free Florence, Italy bed and breakfast breakfast, originated from the lifestyle of the common people. In this culture, the entire animals were typically eaten. Continuing that tradition, several varieties of stomach tissue from animals are sold from food carts around the city today. If you want something a little lighter, however, you can enjoy Florence&#8217;s appetizers, including sliced bread topped with a chicken liver paste.</p>
<p>Florence&#8217;s most famous main dish contains a huge piece of beefsteak served barely cooked. Also, a special Easter Sunday breakfast in Tuscany includes salami, boiled eggs, Easter cakes and pizzas, and wine. Lastly, Florentine meals often include Tuscan bread mixed with soups or vegetables.</p>
<p>Wine Central<br />
In addition to being a food mecca of sorts, Tuscany is also one of the best wine-producing regions in the world. Several areas near Florence, Italy bed and breakfasts, such as Bolgheri, Chianti, and Carmignano, are famous for their grape crops, which are used in a variety of wines.</p>
<p>Bolgheri is a small village, which includes a lovely avenue of cypress trees. Only the best grapes are used to create the wines here. On the other hand, Chianti is the home of thousands of producers of Chianti red wines. The wines created vary in where and how the grapes are grown, how many types of grapes are used, and how the wine is produced and aged. Lastly, the Carmignano region has been producing outstanding wines for over 12 centuries.</p>
<p>A visit to Italy is never complete without a visit to Florence. Staying in a Florence, Italy bed and breakfast will allow you to savor the essence of the region&#8217;s food and wine.</p>
<p>Looking for <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nationalhotels.co.uk/">cheap bed and breakfasts</a>? Whether it&#8217;s a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nationalhotels.co.uk/search.php?s_res=1%AEion_id=745">Florence, Italy bed and breakfast</a> you need or a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nationalhotels.co.uk/search.php?s_res=1%AEion_id=745">Barcelona self-catering</a> accommodation, we can point you to the right direction. Visit our site today!</p>
<p><strong>More about Florence:</strong><br />
Discover even more about Florence what your fellow travellers recommend to visit while in Italy and what to do:<br />
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/florence/">http://www.italytravelnotes.com/category/florence/</a></p>
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