The city of the Italian Renaissance and the regional capital of Tuscany, is also considered by some to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This is a metropolis not to be missed on any tour of Italy.

From ancient times until current day, Florence has been a center of banking and finance, high fashion, fine arts, and religious influence. Masterpieces of art abound. The Galleria dell’Accademia displays Michelangelo’s “David,” while the Uffizi Gallery exhibits preeminent works such as Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation.”

One of the most popular and iconic sites is the Florence Cathedral with the rich architecture of its tiled arches and spectacular bell tower, as well as an abundance of artwork.

A center of finance through the ages, Florentine money has financed Kings, Popes, and Industry alike. The language spoken in the city during the 14th century was, and still is, accepted as the Italian language.

Much of Italian Literature of the ‘golden age’ is associated with Florence, leading ultimately to the adoption of the Florentine dialect as a literary language of choice. Through two millennia artists, poets, architects, financiers, political and religious leaders have been inspired here whether passing through on major Trade Routes, or just by the immense beauty of the city and surrounding countryside.

Whether you come to enjoy the arts, watch the latest in fashion on the runways of designers, or take in the energy that seems to flow and buzz through this place, it is one to be sure to place on your itinerary.