There could be no better setting, on the banks of the River Arno, for the birthplace of the Renaissance than Florence, the city of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Giotto, Dante and their patrons, the Medici family. The list of works of art is almost overpowering, but our Kirker Guide Notes will help you find quieter secrets and some special trattoria and restaurants, not found in other ‘official’ handbooks. All holidays include a guaranteed timed entrance to the Uffizi so you can avoid the lengthy queues.
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Sister hotel to the Santa Maria Novella and the L’Orologio, the Balestri reopened in January 2015 following a complete renovation. It is located in the heart of the Santa Croce district, 400 metres from the Ponte Vecchio and close to the Uffizi Gallery.
This 19th-century villa sits just below the famous Villa San Michele on the edge of the town of Fiesole. It benefits from wonderful, panoramic views of Florence and is a perfect base to explore the rural surroundings. Access into the city is easy as a regular bus service operates from outside the hotel.
Over recent years, the Piazza Santa Maria Novella has undergone significant change. Many of the buildings, including the beautiful church have been restored and the square itself is now virtually traffic-free. As well as a fantastic location, only five minutes’ walk from the Duomo and the prestigious via Tornabuoni shopping street, we think this fine hotel is the city’s best traditional four-star.
One of the oldest buildings in Florence, built around the Pagliazza Tower and the medieval church of San Michele, the Brunelleschi stands in a quiet courtyard in the centre of Florence, a few steps from the Duomo.
This beautiful hotel is housed in one of Florence’s most attractive ancient residences, with parts dating back to the 12th century. It is located a few steps from the Uffizi Gallery overlooking the River Arno, just 100 metres from the Ponte Vecchio in the heart of the historical centre.
Shelley described the view of the River Arno from the Ponte Vecchio as “the most vibrant and elegant that I have ever seen” and you have the same panorama if you book a riverside room at the Lungarno.
As Florence flourished during the 14th century, wealthy families commissioned the building of impressive countryside residences. Villa La Massa, with its noble architecture and idyllic location on the banks of the Arno, is an impressive example. A recent renovation has restored it to its original splendour giving guests a fascinating insight into the lifestyles enjoyed by Florentine aristocrats at the time of the Renaissance.
One of Florence’s most stylish boutique hotels, L’Orologio is located on the majestic Piazza Santa Maria Novella. The contemporary design takes its inspiration from watchmakers, with each floor dedicated to a famous brand.
Rocco Forte's Savoy Hotel stands on the Piazza della Repubblica, in the centre of Florence. Its traditional Italian exterior reflects the turn-of-the-century period in which it was built – but there are many distinctive Olga Polizzi touches to lift this hotel above the norm.
Encounter the great scientific minds and discoveries of the Renaissance, which helped cement Italy's role at the forefront of scientific endeavour – from Brunelleschi and Botticelli to polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei.
Since the Renaissance, Florence has been one of the most important destinations for discerning travellers with an appreciation of art, but it was the Grand Tourists of the 18th century who made Florence an essential component in a cultural education.
The cradle of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is home to some of the world's greatest art and architecture. Stay for three nights at our favourite small hotel, the Antica Torre and take advantage of Kirker's timed entrance ticke...
Combine Italy’s great cultural cities in this nine-night holiday. Fly to Venice and back from Rome, travelling between each city on the high-speed Italo intercity service, with comfortable seating and sleek, modern trains.
9 night holiday price from £2,375 per person
Includes
Flights
Water Taxi
Accommodation
Transfers in Florence
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