How to Find Luxury Hotels in Florence, Italy

Feast your eyes on one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Florence, Italy more than lives up to its reputation. Every street is an architectural achievement, every bridge a wonder to behold.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Valid passport.
• Computer with internet access.

Know Your Destination: Florence, Italy

1. Savor the finest collection of Renaissance art and architecture ever assembled. Florence, Italy is one of the rare cities in the world that seems truly from another era. Once the capital of Italy, Florence is certainly now its greatest flower. Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Dante all once called it home.
2. Use Florence as a center point for other Italian excursions. Because of its location in 'the boot,' Florence is ideal for taking day trips to Milan, Bologna, Venice and even Rome.

Plan Your Transportation in Florence

3. Arrive by plane, train or automobile. The local airport handles European flights only, so coming from anywhere else will mean a changeover in either Rome or Milan.
4. Take advantage of the extensive bus service in the city. It's the best way to get around, short of walking or bicycling, and busses service all areas.

Find Luxury Accommodations in Florence

5. Indulge in some of the most beautiful rooms in one of the most beautiful cities. Florency, Italy offers luxurious accommodations in old world settings, many right in the heart of the city. To book accommodations, contact the Florence Tourist Board at 011-39-(0) 55-23320 or visit the Web site (see Resources below).
6. Save a little money by making your luxury accommodations a part of a package deal. Many companies will offer discounts on fine hotels if you also book air travel and tours at the same time.
7. Stay at the Hotel Atlantic Palace on Via Nazionale to immerse yourself in history. This 13th-century palazzo offers comfort and amenities, but its authentic atmosphere has been carefully preserved.

Enjoy the Best of Florence

8. Stay near the Duomo and work your way out. It is a must see in Florence, along with the Uffizi Galleries.
9. Remember to enjoy the ambience of Florence. It can be easy to want to rush inside to see one great master after another, but the city itself has a marvellous design that should be savored.
10. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio ('The Old Bridge'). Visitors marvel at the shops held up on the bridge's edge by stilts.

Tips & Warnings

• Traffic in the center of the city is horrendous, and parking nearly impossible. If you stay near the center, you can walk to most attractions. Many hotels also rent bicycles.
• Bring comfortable shoes. Florence is not a big city, but it is a walking city.
• Plan to spend more than one day. There is simply too much to see in a short stay.
• Beware of pickpockets and street scams. Unfortunately, a city full of tourists means plenty of con artists.