Florence Shopping Girlfriend Getaway

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.

Anointed to Conde Nast Traveler's 2002 Gold List, this historical property was once an 18th-century palace and is approximately four miles from Florence-Amerigo Vespucci Airport. Local attractions include Santa Maria Novella, Old Bridge, Pitti Palace, Signoria Square, Uffizi Gallery, Duomo Cathedral, Santa Maria Del Fiore, Accademia, and Santa Croce, all within walking distance.Hotel amenities include 24-hour room service, porters, concierge, parking facilities (fee), safe deposit box, tour service, babysitting service, business center, and four onsite establishments for drinks and dining, including the newly opened Restaurant InCanto, offering splendid river views and distinctive Italian cuisine.Guest rooms feature satellite TVs, in-room safes, hairdryers, in-room movies, voicemail, bathrobes, and slippers..

This was the heart of the Ferragamo empire from 1927. It stretched from Europe to Japan, from America to Australia. Salvatore Ferragamo is a name which is famous around the world for shoes of originality, comfort and absolute quality and for his other equally world-class men and women's fashionwear and accessories. For those who love the simplicity of elegance, this is definitely a shop which should not be skipped in the gorgeous Palazzo Spini-Feroni. Also not to be missed is the Ferragamo Shoe Museum for those who admire the footwear of the rich and famous.

The cheerful windows of the Versace boutique are next to the baroque facade of the church of Santa Trinità. It offers a really enormous selection of clothing and accessories for all ages. For a colorful wardrobe, which is equally elegant and original, this label is very famous in Italy and abroad.

This shop has been recently opened in one of the most fashionable streets in town. It gathers different selected brands of men's and women's perfumes. It is possible to "taste", in a special paper goblet, more than 200 different fragrances from almond to verbena and try to identify the top or middle olfactory note of your favorite scent. Perfumed candles, delicate room sprays, scented soaps, rice powders and cosmetics are also available in the shop. If you like, you can enjoy free make up advice (by appointment only). Last but not least, an interesting collection of rare antique powder boxes is on display too. - Maria Frullini

The Loro Piana family has been producing the most prestigious fabrics in the world, for clothing or furniture textiles. The sophisticated boutiques sell cashmere knitwear, casual clothes, elegant accessories such as scarves, socks and slippers, and an incomparable collection of fabrics. The most famous is undoubtedly anything made from cashmere, but it is also worth checking out products made with Zelander wool, Vicuña, Baby Cashmere or, just get yourself a suit made to measure that will last a lifetime.

The wares on offer at this shop are really new and enticing. Bags and wallets in both leather and fabrics in modern and lively colors such as lilac, yellow and orange, are on display. The unusual designs of the metal key rings are also interesting. There are also scarves, necklaces and bracelets as well as a new collection of watches.

If you are looking for something truly unique and unmistakable, this is the jewelery shop you must go to. Don't miss the watches covered with diamonds, that favor extremely sophisticated design over practicality. There is something to please everyone's taste.

One of the most famous Italian jewelers, offers the best of their creations in Bvlgari, including gold and diamond watches, rings, bracelets and necklaces, as well as earrings and extremely modern accessories. Be forewarned, that the prices could burn a hole in your pocket but it's well worth it.

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.

Inside this garden lies the Buontalenti grotto (1583-1593). Decorated with Mannerist-style scenes from Greek and Roman mythology, the grotto includes copies of Michelangelo's famous Slave series, the originals of which were transferred to the Galleria dell'Accademia. In the 17th Century, the garden was extended as far as the Porta Romana, adding the Vasca d'Isola (pond) at the centre with a fountain and a statue of Neptune. In the late 18th century, Zanobi del Rosso built the Kaffehaus pavilion. Admission: EUR 6 and includes entry to the Museo delle Porcellane, Galleria del Costume, Museo degli Argenti and the Museo e Galleria Mozzi Bardini.

Halfway through the 15th Century Luca Pitti entrusted Brunelleschi with a large building project in the Boboli hills. Work began in 1457 but was only completed after the middle of the 16th Century by the Medici brought it from Pitti who went bankrupt in the process of trying to outdo the palatial splendor the Medici. The building was enlarged, the interior decorated luxuriously and the Boboli hills were landscaped into gardens. It then became the residence of the Lorena family who constructed, in the 18th Century, two lateral wings with porticoes which came round either side of the central piazza. It was the residence of Vittorio Emanuele II when Florence was the capital from 1865 to 1871. In 1919 it became state property and visitors were permitted entry to the Royal Apartments, the Galleria Palatina, the Museo degli Argenti, the Galleria d'Arte Moderna, the Galleria del Costume, the Museo delle Porcellane, the Museo delle Carrozze (closed for restoration) and the Giardino di Boboli. Temporary exhibitions are shown in the White Room.

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.

La Volta di San Pierino is the starting point of this shopping walk in the lively Santa Croce area dotted both with specialty food shops (selling cheese, ice creams or chocolate) and restaurants, pizzerie, trattorie. Further on, in Via Pietrapiana, you can see the Loggia del Pesce built by Vasari in 16th century and moved here after the town urban restoration. In the square behind it is placed the Mercato delle Pulci. If you care to explore its booths, you may find curious items at bargain prices. The second section of the strip, named Borgo la Croce, features more clothes shops and is close to the well known S.Ambrogio covered food market. It offers local fresh food at good prices and is mostly patronized by Florentines. - Maria Frullini

This market winds around the Chiesa di San Lorenzo and the Mercato Centrale. There are stalls with all kinds of things: from jumpers to leather hats, from souvenirs to linen. There are also second-hand goods, precious stones, bags, scarves and Florentine paper.

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!

La Giostra, located a few minutes from the Duomo, is an undiscovered gem in Florence. You will not find the usual hustle and bustle of tourists here at this discreet and cozy restaurant. Started by a Tuscan prince, the extensive menu has a list of distinctive Tuscan delicacies. Take your pick from the various pasta dishes or meat and seafood. The dessert menu has ample to choose from but the all-time favorite happens to be the Tiramisu. Accompany your meal with some traditional vintage wines to complete the all Italian picture.

In this workshop, old carding machines work rustic wool and shuttle looms slowly work, giving fabrics a beautifully soft quality which has almost been forgotten in this modern age. Expert hands finish and enhance all the products with flowers, hem stitching, embroidery and lace. This is an age-old experience which has been passed down with great competence and passion.

As one looks at the endless names which are available like Armani, Max Mara, Penny Black, Dolce&Gabbana, Calvin Klein, only to quote a few. The thing that is surprising is not the vast choice but the very competitive prices. Indeed Clara and Lorenzo Lori succeed in having recent fashion items at prices which are lower than those of the "normal" boutiques. They also have sample items from the season which shouldn't be missed.

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.

This is one of the best restaurants in Florence, and without doubt the most expensive given the nature of its cuisine and the value of its wine cellar. You are advised to book in advance, at which time you will also be able to choose items from the menu and select your wine in advance. The restaurant is truly sought-after, as are the dishes served up here - created by the wonderfully imaginative chefs. They are all guided by Signora Pinchiorri, Annie Féolde, who personally takes charge of the running of the restaurant. Reservation absolutely necessary. Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket. A mixture of Tuscan ingredients and French cuisine.

Dolcissima ("very sweet", in Italian) sells pastries, cakes, pies, croissants, loads of different biscuits and a great selection of mignons (small pastries), all handmade each day. Cream and white-colored as it is, Dolcissima seems a fairy tale's pastry shop and it is also a delight for eyes with plenty of chocolate and fruit cakes displayed on glass and ceramic cake stands. On the shelves, huge glass jars show assorted milk, white and dark chocolate pralines, chocolate covered cherries or hazelnuts and brightly colored sweets. - Maria Frullini

Via Guicciardini and Borgo San Jacopo are two streets close to each other. They both begin at the left end of the Old Bridge. Still they are quite different. Via Guicciardini is part of the town's visit route leading to Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens with perhaps a quick stop at Santa Felicita, the Medicis family church. The short shopping street soon opens onto the huge square. It is a tourist favorite with some interesting gift shops and many scarves/silk foulards or shoes and leather garments shops lined up side-by-side. If you're hungry, tasty sandwiches are peeping through snack bar windows, get them to go and eat them in the nearby garden. On the other hand, while strolling along Borgo San Jacopo you soon perceive that you are in Oltrarno (i.e. the neighborhood on the other side of the river Arno). The omnipresent fashion and accessories shops alternate with costume jewellers, print sellers and antique dealers. Looking at the occasional food shop or greengrocer you realize that people reside and work in this lively area. Have a glimpse of the side alleys and discover the workshops of gilders, restorers and cabinet-makers, metalsmiths, silversmiths and jewellers, bookbinders, printers or frame-makers. The area boasts old and new popular restaurants and trattorie. They are lined along Borgo San Jacopo and hidden in the maze of side roads and squares. - Maria Frullin

Via Maggio is an austere yet sumptuous street just around the corner from lively Piazza Santo Spirito. The street is dominated by Renaissance noble buildings. Among them the most imposing one is the Palace of Bianca Cappello, lover and then wife of the Grand Duke Francesco I de Medici. The main front is richly decorated with black and white grotesquerie and with the image of a hat, symbol of the family, on the door. (Cappello = hat) Via Maggio, once called Via Maggiore (Main Street), is nowadays the home of several among the most important Italian antique dealers and art galleries. Art merchants are trading in all kind of antiques from delicate china figurines to huge marble or stone statues, from renaissance paintings on wooden panels to magnificent baroque tapestries. Some of them are specialized in antique furniture, usually restored by the skilled artisans working in their laboratories in the alleys nearby. Besides all these pieces of art on display, there is a shop window that really catches the eye: it is a home made pastry and chocolate store! Go there, if you feel ready for a snack and have a sweet tooth. Otherwise head to Piazza Santo Spirito where you'll find a choice of cafés, pizzerie and restaurants. - Maria Frullini

Alle Murate is one of the city's most famous restaurants and offers delicate cuisine that's rich in flavor, while its classic décor of warm colors, mirrors and subtle lighting makes it the perfect venue for an intimate dinner for two. Creatively prepared Tuscan cuisine and fish dishes are of the highest quality and the wine waiter is on hand to help you choose a suitable accompaniment from the restaurant's impressive cellar.

Tucked away in a corner of the old Santo Spirito district, Trattoria dei Quattro Leoni offers wholesome, traditional cuisine in homely surroundings. An attractive variety of cheese and vegetable-based starters is featured on the menu, complemented by fish dishes on Fridays and a good selection of wines. Photos of famous personalities, who have eaten here adorn the walls: see how many you can spot! The restaurant offers seating in a non-smoking dining room; a rarity in European public places.