Florence Getaway

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that New York City is impressive. Often referred to as the “Big Apple,” the “City That Never Sleeps” or the “Capital of the World,” New York is one of the most vibrant urban centers on the planet, and also one of the largest.

When people talk about New York, they typically mean Manhattan, which is but one of five boroughs that make up the city proper, the others being Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. The full metropolitan area, which includes nearby Long Island, Westchester County, and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, has a population upwards of 18 million.

New York draws tourists from around the globe, not only for its rich cultural and historical attractions, but also because it is a major center for media, theater, food, fashion, art, research, finance, trade and nightlife. It also has one of the most famous skylines on earth, dominated by the iconic Empire State Building.

First-time visitors can’t go wrong by hitting the traditional tourist spots: the top of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Greenwich Village and SoHo, Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, Central Park, even Times Square. But those looking for more local, authentic experiences, plan a trip to Brooklyn to check out the Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park and the Botanical Gardens; Manhattan’s Lower East Side for a taste of old-world immigrant history meets modern-day hipsters and nascent art scene; or Jackson Heights in Queens, for the best Indian and Thai food outside of Asia.

Florence (Firenze in Italian) is the capital of the region of Tuscany in Italy. The epicenter of the Italian Renaissance, Florence remains a top destination for art lovers; it is a cultural and architectural gem, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany, a stunning province of hills and mountains, it has many famous sons like Leonardo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo.

Among the things you can’t afford to miss are the Uffizi Galleries, one of the best art museums in the world, the Duomo, the Santo Spirito church and the Ponte Vecchio. To get a great overview of the city, you have plenty of choices: climb the “Cupolone” of the Duomo or the Giotto Tower, head for Piazzale Michelangelo in Oltrarno (other side of river Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato.

-BELLOSGUARDO - SUCH A SPECIAL CHARM- AN INFORMAL ATMOSPHERE- RELAXING. GUESTS BECOME MESMERIZED BY ITS INTIMACY. TRACES OF HISTORY EVERYWHERE- TRACES WHICH REVEAL HOW COUNTLESS FAMOUS PEOPLE WERE CAUGHT BY BELLOSGUARDOS SPELL. ONES FIRST IMPRESSION WHEN ARRIVING AT BELLOSGUARDO. SUCH A HAVEN FROM THE FRENETIC RHYTHMS OF THE CITY BELOW. NO TWO ROOMS ARE ALIKE. EACH ONE HIDES A PLEASANT SURPRISE- A FOUR-POSTER BED- OR A RENAISSANCE CHEST OF DRAWERS- A SPOTLESS BATHROOM CONCEALED IN A CARVED WOODEN ALCOVE- OR A GABLED CEILING WITH ROSETTES SCULPTED IN 1400. WHO KNOWS WHO OCCUPIED THESE ROOMS. WHO RESTED HERE . WHO GAZED OUT FROM THESE WINDOWS. THE BALLROOM RICHLY FRESCOED- NOW THE RECEPTION WHERE GUESTS ARE INTRODUCED TO A WORLD OF PEACE AND SILENCE. THE BALLROOM- LEADS TO THE ORANGERIE- BATHED IN LIGHT- SO FRESH WITH PLANTS.

The Medici family reserved rooms for their prestigious collection during use of the gallery as magistrate's court in the 1700s. Made up of 40 rooms, the gallery contains works by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio and Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera. Note the collection of Flemish, French, Dutch and German masters. The corridors, ceilings with splendid frescoes, are lined with Roman and 16th-century sculptures. By reservation, the Vasari Corridor above the Ponte Vecchio offers a link between Pitti Palace and Palazzo Vecchio. The Galleria houses 700 paintings including well-known self-portraits.

As the city's skyline symbol, the legendary Duomo is famous above all for its dome: Filippo Brunelleschi's Renaissance masterpiece, completed in 1436, created a double dome shell so that the dome is entirely self-supporting. It still stands as the largest masonry dome in the world, containing over 4,000,000 bricks! Climb to the top (all 463 steps) to get an unforgettable panoramic view of the city, which has changed little in the past 500 years. Construction started in 1296 on the site of the Roman basilica of Santa Reparata, of which there are still visible remains with a design by the great Florentine architect, Arnolfo di Cambio. The existing neo-Gothic facade was added in the 19th century by Emilio De Fabris. Covering a massive 3,600 square meters, the frescoes inside the dome depict the Last Judgment, painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari. If you can stand the throngs of people and get a good spot early, come on Easter Sunday for the Scoppio del carro (Explosion of the Cart) where a oxen-drawn cart stuffed with fireworks comes from Prato to the center of the city and ignited.

This restaurant can be rather hard to find; the entrance is a narrow, green door which leads directly into a welcoming atmosphere, popular both with locals and tourists. The service is prompt, friendly and attentive. The set menu is written up on the wall and the dishes change according to season and are made with fresh ingredients. The vegetable and salad starters are particularly good. There is also a good choice of Tuscan and Italian wines.

This complex was enlarged in 1437 by Michelozzo to accommodate Dominican monks who had moved to the city from nearby Fiesole. Traces of frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries remain today, although some parts of the structure were modified during the Counter-Reformation and the facade was finally completed in the 17th century. One of the oldest pieces of artwork on display is the crucifix by an artist whose style is similar to Andrea Orcagna's, while at the far end of the church on the main altar is Fra'Angelico's "Crucifix."

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo has been totally renovated and is located behind the Duomo. The museum shelters many works of art from the Duomo (cathedral), Campanile (bell tower) and Battistero (Baptistery), such as the statue of Boniface VIII, the work of Arnolfo di Cambo, or Donatello's Saint John and Magdalene. The furnishings are also important, for example, the silver altar from the Battistero and the restored panels of the "Gates of Paradise".

This basilica is also a sanctuary because one of its chapels contains the picture of the Annunciation. According to legend, this appeared on the wall at the time of the Virgin Mary. The devotional chapel was decorated with precious marble columns through the wishes of Piero di Cosimo, the father of Lorenzo the Magnificent. The church is entered from the Piassa SS.Annunziata. At the entrance there is a portico which dates back to the seventeenth century. Past the portico, one enters the Chiostrino dei Voti which is frescoed by Masters of the Florentine school over two centuries: Andrea del Sarto, Franciabigio, Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino. The "Chiostro dei Morti" (Cloister of the Dead) can also be visited on request. Admission: Free.

Florentines have been savoring the delicate wines and satisfying sandwiches from this eatery since 1875. Now run by a husband and wife duo, the place boasts of a wine rack tucked 5 feet deep into the back wall, as well as some of the best panini to be found in the city. A choice place for students, tourists and locals alike, this is one of the few fiaschetterias left from the days gone by. The sandwiches cost around EUR2-3, while the wine may be sipped at EUR1-2 a glass. Being rather small, the queues can be pretty long. So push up to the counter and watch your sandwich being prepared from fresh and marinated ingredients as you sip your wine. Most folks prefer to eat their snacks in the quiet, traffic-free zone just outside the little shop.

The Palazzo's construction began in 1299 and it was enlarged repeatedly - in 1343, 1495 and lastly in the 16th century by Giorgio Vasari and Buontalenti. It has been the symbol and the political center of the city for centuries. The Great room of the Cinquecento stands out: it was designed as a reception area and decorated with frescoes celebrating Florentine victories against the other Tuscan cities and with sculptures depicting the deeds of Hercules by De Rossi. On the upper floors the Quarters of the elements are noteworthy as are those of Eleonora of Toledo who was the wife of Cosimo I and to whom the little chapel by Bronzino is dedicated. The Sala dei Gigli and the Sala dell'Audienza, which has a marble entrance, are sumptuous. On the Mezzanine there is the Loeser collection of painted sculptures. It is recommended that you visit the upper balcony where you can enjoy a fabulous view of Florence. In front of the museum, you'll find a copy of Michelangelo's David.

Best known of all Florence's treasures, this glorious bridge was the only one of six spared by the retreating Germans on 4 August 1944. Over the centuries flooding unfortunately took its toll; few traces of the 10th-century bridge remain. Today's bridge, built in 1345, was filled with butcher's shops which would routinely discard the carcasses into the Arno causing quite a stench. Grand Duke Fernandino I issued an edict to replace the butchers with goldsmiths to eradicate the smell and gentrify royalty's route to Palazzo Pitti, reached via the Vasari Corridor that passes over the bridge. Also, do not padlock anything to the statue of Benvenuto Cellini, often practiced by lovers who padlock a lock to the gate of the statue and toss the key into the river - otherwise face a fine of EUR 50!

Tucked away in the heart of the historic district of Santa Croce, this beautifully kept restaurant's old-fashioned charm and flair for authentic local cuisine have made it a popular haunt of the rich and famous. Don't come here looking for basic dishes and ordinary meats: expect exotic cuts of various types of local wild game. Given a light new touch, revamped traditional fare features on its inspirational menu of starters, main courses and desserts. Great wine list too. If you're looking to save a bit, go around the corner to their trattoria Il Cibreino. The secret? Same menu, same kitchen, lower prices - it's just knowing which door to go through. Also within the same block are their Caffè and shop, and their Dinner Theatre. You're guaranteed a good time in this neighborhood if you venture over here for lunch or dinner.

Tuscany, a hilly wine country in Central Italy, tantalizes the taste buds while tickling the creative side of the brain.

Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, Tuscany boasts a rich culture that inspires the production of painting, architecture and sculptures—as well as hordes of tourists to visit each year. Summer is the best time to visit and attend outdoor festivals that feature local specialties such as truffles and olive oil.

Go museum-hopping, starting in Florence at the Galleria dell’Academia, home to Michaelangelo’s David; then drop in at the Galleria degli Uffizi for a look at some of the Renaissances’ most famous works. Move on to Pisa to marvel at the carvings at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Spend a day at a cooking class with the chefs of Kitchen chez Nous.

Just don’t burn yourself under the Tuscan Sun.

Renowned for its panoramic views of Florence and the Arno valley, this terrace is a popular spot with locals and tourists. Created as part of major restructuring of the city walls, Giuseppe Poggi's sumptuous terrace is typically 19th century. In 1871, Poggi designed a monument base dedicated to Michelangelo. The monument itself was to be composed of copies of Michelangelo's works, including David and the Medici chapel sculptures from San Lorenzo. When the terrace was finished, Poggi designed the hillside building, now a restaurant, as a museum for Michelangelo's works.

The world-renowned David, sculpted by Michelangelo between 1500 and 1504, is considered, along with the Pietà, the masterpiece of its creator who was only 26 years old at that time. Made out of an irregular block of marble, the statue portrays the biblical hero David before entering his battle against Goliath. It symbolizes the youth and strengh and is known to represent the power of the Florentine Republic. Originally, the statue stood in front of the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio. For a better preservation, it has been removed from outdoors and is now displayed at the Galleria dell'Accademia. A copy of the statue remains on the Piazza della Signoria. 

Acquired by the artist in 1508, Casa Buonarroti was enlarged and restructured by his grandson, creating a sumptuous building which stands as a true monument to Michelangelo and to his work. The main episodes of the artist's life are illustrated in the magnificent rooms and two famous works of his youth stand out: the Battle of the Centaurs and the Madonna of the Scala. In the galleria, there is a collection of works which are in the planning stage, amongst them the fortifications of Florence and the frontage of San Lorenzo. Temporary exhibitions are also organized. Check website for timings.

This small and stylish wine bar/restaurant is located on the ground floor of the ancient Marquises Antinori family palace, designed by Giuliano da Maiano in 1461. The family has been involved in wine making for six centuries, producing wines now well known all over the world. All the wines and most of the ingredients used in the restaurant come from the Antinori's estates in Tuscany and Umbria. This a wine lovers dream, you can try their products at the counter, or enjoy them with a delicious Tuscan meal that is the perfect blend of authentic traditional and modern gourmet. The atmosphere is elegant, and all wines are also served by the glass. –Maria Frullini

-BELLOSGUARDO - SUCH A SPECIAL CHARM- AN INFORMAL ATMOSPHERE- RELAXING. GUESTS BECOME MESMERIZED BY ITS INTIMACY. TRACES OF HISTORY EVERYWHERE- TRACES WHICH REVEAL HOW COUNTLESS FAMOUS PEOPLE WERE CAUGHT BY BELLOSGUARDOS SPELL. ONES FIRST IMPRESSION WHEN ARRIVING AT BELLOSGUARDO. SUCH A HAVEN FROM THE FRENETIC RHYTHMS OF THE CITY BELOW. NO TWO ROOMS ARE ALIKE. EACH ONE HIDES A PLEASANT SURPRISE- A FOUR-POSTER BED- OR A RENAISSANCE CHEST OF DRAWERS- A SPOTLESS BATHROOM CONCEALED IN A CARVED WOODEN ALCOVE- OR A GABLED CEILING WITH ROSETTES SCULPTED IN 1400. WHO KNOWS WHO OCCUPIED THESE ROOMS. WHO RESTED HERE . WHO GAZED OUT FROM THESE WINDOWS. THE BALLROOM RICHLY FRESCOED- NOW THE RECEPTION WHERE GUESTS ARE INTRODUCED TO A WORLD OF PEACE AND SILENCE. THE BALLROOM- LEADS TO THE ORANGERIE- BATHED IN LIGHT- SO FRESH WITH PLANTS.

Florence (Firenze in Italian) is the capital of the region of Tuscany in Italy. The epicenter of the Italian Renaissance, Florence remains a top destination for art lovers; it is a cultural and architectural gem, and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany, a stunning province of hills and mountains, it has many famous sons like Leonardo, Dante, Machiavelli and Michelangelo.

Among the things you can’t afford to miss are the Uffizi Galleries, one of the best art museums in the world, the Duomo, the Santo Spirito church and the Ponte Vecchio. To get a great overview of the city, you have plenty of choices: climb the “Cupolone” of the Duomo or the Giotto Tower, head for Piazzale Michelangelo in Oltrarno (other side of river Arno) or farther up to the church of San Miniato.

Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that New York City is impressive. Often referred to as the “Big Apple,” the “City That Never Sleeps” or the “Capital of the World,” New York is one of the most vibrant urban centers on the planet, and also one of the largest.

When people talk about New York, they typically mean Manhattan, which is but one of five boroughs that make up the city proper, the others being Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. The full metropolitan area, which includes nearby Long Island, Westchester County, and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, has a population upwards of 18 million.

New York draws tourists from around the globe, not only for its rich cultural and historical attractions, but also because it is a major center for media, theater, food, fashion, art, research, finance, trade and nightlife. It also has one of the most famous skylines on earth, dominated by the iconic Empire State Building.

First-time visitors can’t go wrong by hitting the traditional tourist spots: the top of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Greenwich Village and SoHo, Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center, Central Park, even Times Square. But those looking for more local, authentic experiences, plan a trip to Brooklyn to check out the Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park and the Botanical Gardens; Manhattan’s Lower East Side for a taste of old-world immigrant history meets modern-day hipsters and nascent art scene; or Jackson Heights in Queens, for the best Indian and Thai food outside of Asia.