Florence is the cradle and the heart of the Renaissance. It is a proud and beautiful city with a warren of cobbled streets and piazzas lined with palaces, medieval towers, and historic houses and cafés. Often referred to as the art capital of the world, this stunning city is also blessed with the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

"'The god who created the hills around Florence was an artist. No! He was a jeweller, engraver, sculptor, bronze founder and painter. He was a Florentine.' Anatole France"

• Florence is the ultimate city of art, home to – among other masterpieces – Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus.
• The city has some of the most important museums and classical art collections in the world, and its carefully maintained buildings are some of the most stunning in Europe.
• Florence city centre is like a glorious open-air museum.
• Florence is one of the best cities to get around, because nearly everything you’ll want to see is within easy walking distance.