Florence Holidays

Florence's famous picturesque waterfront is best enjoyed from the Ponte Vecchio bridge or from a boat along the Arno River. Take a Florence-style gondola along the Arno or better still, opt for a Water Bike Tour? This fun two-hour tour is certainly a unique way to experience the city and as you sail (or cycle) down the Arno River you'll have front row seats as you glide past the magnificent monuments.

What could be more romantic than dinner and concert in the heart of Florence. Tuck into an authentic Tuscan supper in one of the many local trattorias, soak up the atmosphere in the picturesque neighbourhood of Oltrarno and once you've indulged your tastebuds head over to the Florentine Anglian Church of St. Mark's and enjoy the intimate opera performances of Puccini, Verdi and Rossini, among other renowned composers.

As the true home of the Renaissance, Florence is a treasure trove for art lovers. Head to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most famous in the world, and you'll uncover a mammoth collection of masterpieces by artists including Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian. It's worth taking a guided tour and walking The Vasari Corridor that links the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace where you'll find artwork from the 16th and 17th century. Book your tickets for the main museums and galleries early and online to avoid the big tourist queues.

Eating in one of the many outdoor restaurants is a great way of enjoying delicious Italian cuisine while soaking up the Florentine atmosphere. Opt for a restaurant overlooking a piazza and you will be in a prime place to do both. Visit Vini e Vecchi Sapori, a family-owned bistro serving fantastic Italian food, find Fiaschetteria Nuvoli for its famous Florentine dishes and fine wine. If you've got a sweet tooth, Rivoire's The Tarta del Nonno is a champion chocolate dessert or grab an ice cream at one of the colourful gelaterias around the city – our favourite is Festival del Gelato.

During the summer months you'll certainly feel the heat in Florence and if you don't fancy travelling to the Tuscan coast to cool off the Tuscan countryside is home to even more charming hotels and quiet villages where you can escape the crowds. Less than an hour from the city, explore the Tuscan wine villages and do a spot of wine tasting in Chianti country! For those looking to cool off nearer the city, La Pavoniere is located in the largest park in Florence and boasts an ancient villa, poolside bar and tasty pizzeria. If you're serious about swimming, The Piscina Comunale Costoli is home to two outdoor pools with diving facilities and is surrounded by a large green lawn – the perfect spot for sun worshippers.

From the Duomo and the ancient Ponte Vecchio bridge to the quieter piazzas and cobbled streets, there are beautiful sights around every corner. The world-famous Ponte Vecchio is jam-packed with jewellery shops and feels like a marketplace from a bygone era. The Duomo's ornate exterior is jaw-dropping and if you wish to spend an extra few euros, you can go into the dome and bell tower, which are both well worth seeing.

Where better to do a spot of shopping than endlessly stylish Italy. If you're looking for high-end stores Via de' Tornabuoni is the place to go. This sophisticated street is home to Gucci, Prada, Pucci and Ferragamo as well as a string of stunning jewellery shops. For more well-known stores head to the Piazza della Repubblica area, particularly Via Calimala where you'll find familiar international chains such as H&M and Zara

Florence has a fantastic variety of upbeat bars, clubs and cafés catering perfectly for families, couples and groups. Sample some authentic Italian wine at Le Volpi e l'Uva, near Ponte Vecchio or if you're craving pizza and cocktails, head to the lively Girasol Latin Bar. Night owls will enjoy the popular Tenax club, located in the Peretola district, with its DJs and two dancefloors.