Florence is a modern Italian city with ancient roots and was founded as early as 59 B.C., possibly by Julius Caesar. In the 14th century, powerful noble families battled for control of the city, with the famous Medici family taking over by the 15th century. The Medicis ruled Florence for decades, supported the arts of the Italian Renaissance and made the city the cultural icon it has remained through the centuries.
Airports nearest to Florence include Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa, Italy, an hour and a half outside Florence, and the Peretola Airport in the center of the city. Livorno is the only major port near Florence for cruise ships and is about an hour and a half from the city. Rental cars and taxis are available at airports and most hotels, local and longer-distance bus service is easy to find, and there are three train stations in the city. Driving a rental car in Italy requires an international drivers license and valid insurance coverage. International drivers licenses are available to Americans through AAA and the National Automobile Club. As of June 2010, passports are required for travel to Italy for stays of less than 90 days--not visas--but entry requirements should be verified at embassies or consulates. Immunization recommendations should be verified at least 10 weeks in advance of travel and can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers’ Health Website.
Florence has various accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, apartments, farmhouses and villas for every budget, many of which overlook historic parts of the city or are near airports and attractions. Dining in Florence can be a simple matter or an elaborate experience. From street stands and open air markets to sandwich shops or fine dining restaurants, Florence offers world-class cuisine and wines.
Uffizi Gallery is one of the many attractions that draws people to Florence from all over the world. It is home to Renaissance art including the work of da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Florence also boasts churches with Medieval and Gothic architecture, museums, centers of finance and fashion and shopping in outdoor markets. Many festivals and local events throughout the year entertain residents and visitors alike.
Florence is only about an hour from Tuscany, so it is easy to tour the scenic Italian countryside as well as cosmopolitan city sites. Tour Tuscan vineyards and wineries, balloon over the countryside or take a long drive through the Tuscan countryside after sightseeing in Florence. Rome is an hour away and Milan is three hours by train. Even a brief stay in Florence gives travelers an opportunity to see other major parts of Italy.
