If you are looking for a captivating Italian sojourn, with a taste of history, culture, cuisine and architecture, Florence is the ideal vacation destination for you. Regarded to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region and of the province of Florence. By stepping into the city, you will be transported to an era of grandeur and majestic brilliance, where the cathedrals and sculptures created by stalwarts like Giotto, Bottocelli and Michelangelo still stand tall today.There are a wide range of exciting things to do in Florence Italy according to your interests, preferences and budget. Here are a few of them:
Galleria deqli Uffizi and Galleria dell Academia: If you are interested in art, these museums will leave you spellbound because of their collection of Renaissance art, medieval paintings, sculptures and tapestries created by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Perugino, among many others. Michelangelo's famous David is also present in the Academia, along with many musical instruments collected by the illustrious Medici family.
Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio: Florence holds innumerable options for sightseeing. The Piazza della Signoria is the famous square of Florence located in the heart of the Historic Center. It holds open air exhibits and breathtaking works created by the great masters. The Palazzo Vecchio is a splendid landmark which is the town hall of Florence and contains some of the most beautifully decorated rooms.
Food Tours: Among the most essential things to do in Florence Italy is to try Tuscan food, which is the basis of Florentine cuisine. These food tours take you on a walking tour, where you get to taste their coffee, learn about the coffee roasting process, savor traditional truffles and pastries, visit open air cafes, go to the San Lorenzo Central Market for sampling balsamic vinegars, crostinis etc and then stop by the gelato shops to get the famous Italian ice cream.
Dining: There are many restaurants you can choose from for having dinner and lunch. Soft bread with a crispy crust, white beans simmered with herbs such as sage and a dash of extra virgin olive oil, grilled or roasted meats like Beef Steak Florentine, wine braised deer, boar and rabbit and filling soups are what make up a typical Tuscan meal.
Wine tasting: No Italian vacation can be complete without tasting its wine. Florence has extensive wine tasting tours where you will move through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to reach the wineries and cellars in the Chianti Classico region. A guide will give you a tour of the vineyards and orchards of olive trees and cypresses, where you can sample the wines, olive oil and various types of cheese.
Shopping: Florence is one of the top fashion capitals and you will find different souvenirs, paintings, antiques, clothes, shoes, accessories and leather products in the various town squares, in Mercato Nuovo or Meracto Centrale.
Florence receives millions of visitors every year and it is not surprising that the Historic Center of Florence was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The city's rich artistic heritage, magnificent buildings and options for various activities make it one of the most popular tourist spots in the world.
Larry Aiello is a travel writer that loves to share his knowledge and passion for Italy. He just recently published a book available on Amazon to help first time travelers plan for their vacation of a lifetime. Here is the link to his Italy travel book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XHUSUY