florence-italy

Florence, Italy

This Italian city is a perfect example of a destination that is constantly reinventing itself and offering even veteran visitors variation and excitement. Known for being a Renaissance repository with such highlights as Michelangelo’s David and red-roofed buildings reflected in the river Arno, Florence is livelier than ever. New art galleries, like EX3 and Museo Novecento, feature contemporary works, and aperitivo time at the local bars entices sightseers with salumi and rustic crostini. The quaint, pedestrian-friendly streets are prime for admiring (or buying) handcrafted leather goods and the classical architecture. Still, the city is a monument to its monuments, and the magnificent Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (known simply as Il Duomo), with features dating back to the 7^th century, remains the most recognizable feature of the Florentine skyline. Put things in perspective with a jaw-dropping vista from the Giardini & Villa Bardini, or the impeccably restored San Niccolò tower.