Staff Review

Highlights of Florence

Italy

22 Jan 2018

by The Kirker Team

Kirker Holidays

Flying into Pisa airport, to then be whisked off in a private chauffeured transfer is a wonderful way to arrive into Florence. The Tuscan scenery en route is the perfect introduction to this wonderful part of Italy. On my recent trip I stayed at the impressive Santa Maria Novella, a historic building which is an excellent base from which to explore the city of the Medici, a mere five minute walk from the River Arno and the Duomo. Even more importantly, a number of our favourite trattorias are within a few minutes’ walk.

Florence is a compact city, and strolling around is the perfect way to feel the beating heart of Florentine culture. We had the pleasure of a private guided tour, which really added so much to my experience of the city. As a Florentine herself, our guide really offered us a unique insight into the city from a local perspective - not only the art and history, but also the modern day-to-day life, something that one may well not find on one’s own.

Visiting the Uffizi gallery was an obvious highlight of the trip and not to be missed - Kirker's fast-track entrance tickets are an essential way to smooth your visit and avoid the sometimes lengthy queues. With such a wonderful array of artwork, largely from the Florentine Renaissance, it includes some real 'blockbusters', the likes of which will likely never be moved anywhere else, such as Botticelli’s 'Birth of Venus' or the three paintings by Leonardo now on display in their own room. If you have already been to the Uffizi, spend a morning in one of Florence's other great galleries: the Accademia (for Michelangelo's 'David'), the Bargello or the Palazzo Strozzi (ask the Kirker Concierge about the temporary exhibitions here).

If, like me, you have a few more days to spare, why rush home? I boarded a train to Rome, just 80 minutes away, where I continued my trip - but Venice is only two hours in the other direction and cities such as Bologna, Naples and Milan are easily accessable too. The modern high-speed trains really are an excellent way to travel around Italy, with large comfortable seats and plenty of space. Please get in touch to discuss a tailor-made itinerary - we would be delighted to help.

Speak to an expert - 020 7593 2288

Our expert reservations team regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to explore new cities, visit hotels and to research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.

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