FOUR GREAT DAYS IN FLORENCE AND TUSCANY - Florence and Tuscany - page 1

FOUR GREAT DAYS IN
FLORENCE AND TUSCANY

There is something for just about spa towns. Each of these itineraries

has a theme, but they can be tailored
to suit your needs. Apart from the
day of art in Florence, which can be
done on foot, parts of the family day
may be easier by bus or taxi while
the other days do require a car. The
price guides include the cost
of travel, food and admission fees.

everyone in Florence and
Tuscany: from viewing some of
the world's greatest Renaissance art
to wandering around designer
boutiques; and from exploring the
surrounding countryside with its
historic hilltowns, wine and charming
restaurants to visiting one of the many

A FAMILY DAY OUT
IN FLORENCE

• Gory waxworks
• View the Boboli Gardens
• Explore the Palazzo Vecchio
• Ride around town in a
horse-drawn carriage

FAMILY OF 4 allow at least €230

Morning
Go to the Mercato Centrale
(see p88) and enjoy the
colourful arrays of fruit and
vegetables. Then, head over
to the Oltrarno and the
Museo “La Specola” (see
p119) , an unusual zoological
museum with a rather gory
display of 18th-century
anatomical waxworks
(parental discretion may be
required for young children).
The Boboli Gardens (see
pp124-5) makes a great
spot for a relaxing break or
a run around. Unfortunately,
picnics are not allowed here,
so head for one of the many
eateries near Piazza di Santo
Spirito (see p118) . Lunch
should be followed by a

Shoes with style at the Ferragamo Shoe Museum, Florence

Afternoon
Stroll across to Piazza della
Signoria (see pp76-7) , where
a copy of Michelangelo's
celebrated David stands
outside the Palazzo Vecchio
(see pp78-9) . The real one is
in the Galleria dell'Accademia
(see p94-5) . Just round the
corner is the Uffizi (see
pp80-3) , with its unrivalled
collection of Renaissance art.
At least half a day is needed
to appreciate its wonderful
treasures so you may wish to
return another day to spend
more time here. Head
to the Ponte Vecchio
(see pp106-7) , taking
in the jeweller's shops
and old workshops
that line the bridge.
Afterwards walk to
Via de' Tornabuoni (see
p105) with its chic
boutiques for a spot of
shopping. For anyone
interested in footwear,
Ferragamo's Shoe
Museum is also here.
Finish with a chilled
glass of prosecco at
Procacci (see p283) .

RENAISSANCE ART AND
SHOPPING

• The magnificent Duomo
and Brunelleschi's dome
• Michelangelo's David
• Renaissance art in the Uffizi
• Stylish shoes and chic shops

TWO ADULTS allow at least €130

Morning
Start the day at Brunelleschi's
glorious church of San
Lorenzo (see pp90-91) , with
its unfinished, rough-hewn
façade. The adjacent Medici
Tombs (see p91) , designed
by Michelangelo as a
mausoleum for the Medici
family, are gloomy yet
impressive. Just a five-minute
walk from here is the breath-
taking Duomo (see pp64-5)
with its vast dome also by
Brunelleschi. Opposite it is the
Baptistry with its ornate East
Doors (see p66) , and the
Campanile with fine views of
the dome and the city below.
Pause for a lively, cheap lunch
at Da Mario (see p270) .

A nightmarish scene at the Waxworks at
La Specola