Kid Friendly in Florence

Description:

Although the Baptistery's precise origins remain unclear, its foundations are known to date back to Roman times. The central doors are stunning works of art, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament and they have been called "The Gates of Paradise." Lorenzo Ghiberti who worked on them from 1403 to 1424 designed these ornate doors. Inside, the octagonal structure is richly decorated with Roman columns and gilded column heads. The floor's marble inlay features Islamic-style patterns and the apse is decorated with 13th-century mosaics. Coppo di Marcovaldo and Cimabue were among those involved in the cupola's decorative mosaic work.

Description:

Designed by Giotto, the bell tower to the right of Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral was begun by the artist in 1334 but continued by Andrea Pisano (who modified part of the design) following Giotto's death in 1337. Francesco Talenti finally completed it in 1359. Originally the tower was linked to the Duomo via a passageway situated at the level of the first cornice but this was demolished before 1437. Reliefs carved on the side where the passageway once existed are later works by Luca della Robbia; Andrea Pisano's original stone reliefs can be seen in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The concepts of universal order and redemption are recurrent themes; hexagonal tiles on the tower's lower level (now replaced by copies) portray scenes from daily human life whilst diamond-shaped reliefs on the upper level illustrate more ethereal subjects in the form of the Planets, Virtue, Liberal Arts and the Sacraments. There's no lift, but climbing the 414 steps to the top of the 85m tower is well worth the effort!

Our Local Expert Says:

For travelers needing a break from Italian food (strangely common on longer trips) this restaurant is a perfect choice.

Description:

The only restaurant in the city to offer live music and theme nights also offers great Latin American and Mexican food, including excellent offerings of Nachos, Fajitas and Chimichungas and delicious brunch on Sunday. The colourful ambience starts at the entrance—a bright yellow arched double entrance with rich wooden doors welcomes you to even more festivity inside. The combination bar/restaurant offers half-price cocktails and beers during happy hour daily from 5:30p-7p

Our Local Expert Says:

"A peaceful place for a picnic, a jog or a stroll through the market."

Description:

Cascine park is a favorite with joggers, horse riders and families with young children, especially on Sundays and Tuesday mornings, when it's market day. On the park's east side is an open-air swimming pool (open during the summer months) attached are a bar and restaurant used on the warm summer evenings. The west of the park holds an amphitheater, a popular summertime venue for dance performances and concerts. At the end of the 18th century important buildings such as the Palazzina Reale, currently home to the Faculty of Agriculture of the Università degli Studi di Firenze (Florence University) were added. The park finally became public at the start of the 19th century.  The Cascine Park opens daily from 8 am to 6 pm (autumn and winter) and from 7 am to 9 pm (spring and summer).

Description:

This piazza was formed in the Mattonaia quarter of the city, inside the city walls, at the end of the 19th century as a result of the development plan devised by the architect Poggi in the 1870s. Once established, the bourgeoisie then considered the area both residential and desirable! The area then saw the creation of Prince Umberto's theatre - sadly destroyed two decades later. Another building appeared on the piazza at the beginning of the 20th century but today, this remains one of the few green spaces in the city centre. There are amusements for young children including a merry-go-round, slides and a wooden castle in a cordoned-off area; and there are also areas for older children such as a basketball pitch.

Our Local Expert Says:

"You can see the hill town Fiesole and end of the Appennine Mountains from the Piazzale."

Description:

The vista which one can see the whole valley of Florence and of the surrounding hills is a must see.  The climb up is rewarding, the view is breathtaking. There are buses available to take you to Piazzale Michelangelo. Tourists, tourist groups and tour buses all congregate at this panoramic view.  Vendors set up early in the morning with cool beverages for the parched tourists and souvenirs for the eager shoppers. A sunset visit is for the romantics, bringing a wine bottle and gazing at the Florentine sky as it ends another day. There is never a bad time to visit Piazzale Michelangelo, there is always something to see from this height

Description:

On the south bank of the river Arno, not far from Ponte Vecchio and close to popular bars, this nice pizzeria is patronized by locals and visitors alike, and is known for its crunchy delicious pizzas at reasonable prices. The menu offers all kinds of pizzas, pastas and salads. They also serve a good white pizza (made without tomato sauce) with prosciutto and "rocket" (arugola). Home-made desserts are the owner's specialty. Pizzas come in a children's size upon request, and be sure to take advantage of their outdoor seating during summer time.

Our Local Expert Says:

This building does in fact belong to the Ferragamo family.

Description:

This 1893 hotel underwent a complete transformation in 2000 by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, who designed the warm, stylishly minimalist modern interiors. Rooms are standardized, with walk-in closets, dark brown marble bathrooms, and mosaics over the tubs. The different room "styles" -- classic, executive, and deluxe -- really just refer to size. Four suites (two rooms, two TVs, leather easy chairs, white marble bathrooms) are on the back, four on the piazza. Two of them include a Turkish bath. Rooms on the fifth floor, added in 1958, just peep over the surrounding buildings for spectacular views, especially those on the Duomo (back) side. You're just a few steps in any direction from all the sights and the best shopping. The building actually belongs to Ferragamo, as do many of the other buildings in this square.

Facilities: Restaurant; bar; small gym w/view; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; courtesy car; secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; Wi-Fi in public spaces.

Description:

Take a day trip from Florence and spend the day horse riding in Italy's famous Chianti region. It's a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful Tuscan countryside, which is renowned worldwide for its vineyards and unparalleled beauty. Led by your friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guide you will be taken on horseback into the Chianti region where most of the region's famous wines are produced. You will ride for two hours through vineyards, olive groves and Middle Age villages seeing the Tuscan landscapes at their best.

Before leaving for your ride you'll be given a brief safety introduction and lesson (lasting approximately half an hour) where you'll have the chance to get acquainted with your horse. The stables cater for riders of all abilities and beginners are very welcome, as previous riding experience is not necessary. Riding hats (helmets) are provided free of charge and casual clothes can be worn.

Once back at the farm, you are served a delicious Tuscan lunch of Pecorino cheese, prosciutto, salami and bruschette. After your meal you will have the chance to sample some of the finest Chianti wines (the wine tasting fee is included in the tour, wines are also for sale). Please note: If a member of your group prefers not to ride carriages are available.

Our Local Expert Says:

This building does in fact belong to the Ferragamo family.

Description:

This 1893 hotel underwent a complete transformation in 2000 by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, who designed the warm, stylishly minimalist modern interiors. Rooms are standardized, with walk-in closets, dark brown marble bathrooms, and mosaics over the tubs. The different room "styles" -- classic, executive, and deluxe -- really just refer to size. Four suites (two rooms, two TVs, leather easy chairs, white marble bathrooms) are on the back, four on the piazza. Two of them include a Turkish bath. Rooms on the fifth floor, added in 1958, just peep over the surrounding buildings for spectacular views, especially those on the Duomo (back) side. You're just a few steps in any direction from all the sights and the best shopping. The building actually belongs to Ferragamo, as do many of the other buildings in this square.

Facilities: Restaurant; bar; small gym w/view; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; courtesy car; secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; Wi-Fi in public spaces.

Our Local Expert Says:

David is the biggest and the most famous spectacle to see in the Accademia.

Description:

The Accademia is most famous for the David by Michelangelo but did you know there are many paintings in the museum to see as well? As you enter, the first long hall is devoted to Michelangelo and, though you pass his Slaves and the entrance to the painting gallery, most people are drawn down to the far end, a room dominated by the most famous sculpture in the world: Michelangelo's David. Michelangelo, only 29 years old, finished in 1504 a Goliath-size David for the city of Florence. Michelangelo's most fascinating works, the four famous nonfiniti ("unfinished") Slaves. These statues symbolize Michelangelo's theory that sculpture is an "art that takes away superfluous material." The wait to see the David can be up to an hour if you don't reserve ahead. I suggest getting there before the museum opens in the morning or an hour or two before closing time.

Description:

Expand your stay in Florence with an afternoon visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy's most popular attractions. With your transport and sightseeing taken care of, you can sit back and enjoy your half-day visit to the famous Renaissance city of Pisa.

After a panoramic drive through the Tuscan countryside, you'll drive along the embankment lining the River Arno into Pisa. Your visit begins with a guided visit of Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (exterior visit). This masterpiece of Romanesque art is surrounded by the equally beautiful baptistery (exterior visit) and cathedral (visit inside).

You will then have free time to explore Pisa on your own. Or perhaps you would like to take a guided walk to Piazza dei Cavalieri with your tour escort, where you will see Scuola Normale, one of the most famous universities in the world. Founded by Napoleon in 1810, the university has been educating students and carrying out research for nearly two centuries.

Our Local Expert Says:

This building does in fact belong to the Ferragamo family.

Description:

This 1893 hotel underwent a complete transformation in 2000 by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, who designed the warm, stylishly minimalist modern interiors. Rooms are standardized, with walk-in closets, dark brown marble bathrooms, and mosaics over the tubs. The different room "styles" -- classic, executive, and deluxe -- really just refer to size. Four suites (two rooms, two TVs, leather easy chairs, white marble bathrooms) are on the back, four on the piazza. Two of them include a Turkish bath. Rooms on the fifth floor, added in 1958, just peep over the surrounding buildings for spectacular views, especially those on the Duomo (back) side. You're just a few steps in any direction from all the sights and the best shopping. The building actually belongs to Ferragamo, as do many of the other buildings in this square.

Facilities: Restaurant; bar; small gym w/view; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; courtesy car; secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; Wi-Fi in public spaces.

Our Local Expert Says:

"The jewelry is superb and really expensive on the Ponte Vecchio. Grab your camera and catch the Tuscan Hills alive and rolling beyond the city center."

Description:

You can't miss the most recognizable landmark of Florence, the Ponte Vecchio.  Constructed in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge still standing in Florence, hence the name.  The multicolored structure bridge was first home to butcher shops. As the noble bankers would cross the Arno river to their offices, there was a rancid smell of pigs blood and rotted meat which extremely offended them.  In an effort to improve the area, the Medici stepped in and ordered the lower class shopkeepers out and moved goldsmiths and diamond-cutters in. Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge that escaped the bombing by the Germans in WWII.  Today, now a pedestrian bridge, the shops shimmer and shine with necklaces, rings and charms of the most expensive kind.  Tourists can enjoy an early morning walk over the bridge before the shops open or at sunset where lovers stare at the horizon as musicians sing and be merry.

Our Local Expert Says:

The main room Cinquecento was designed a welcoming room with frescoes of Florentine victories on the walls.

Description:

The palazzo's construction began in 1299 and it was enlarged repeatedly - in 1343, 1495 and lastly in the 16th century by Vasari and Buontalenti. It has been the symbol and the political centre of the city for centuries. The Great room of the Cinquecento stands out, the work of Cronaca, it was designed as a reception area and decorated with frescoes celebrating Florentine victories against the other Tuscan cities and with sculptures depicting the deeds of Hercules by De Rossi. On the upper floors the Quarters of the elements are noteworthy as are those of Eleanor of Toledo who was the wife of Cosimo I and to whom the little chapel by Bronzino is dedicated. The Gigli room and the Audience room, which has a marble entrance, are sumptuous. On the Mezzanine there is the Loeser collection of painted sculptures. It is recommended that you visit the upper balcony where you can enjoy a fabulous view of Florence. In front of the museum, you'll find a copy of Michelangelo's David.

Description:

Located in a delightful piazzetta in the ancient San Frediano quarter, this restaurant is characterised by its Tuscan-Sicilian food and its reasonable prices. Regional dishes and Sicilian food are on offer here, including spaghetti Messina-style, and Sicilian soup. Ciao Bella also offers pizza cooked in a wood oven, fish and seafood, all of which can all be accompanied by Sicilian wines.

Our Local Expert Says:

Enjoy taking the time to taste each wine with a delicious bar of chocolate.

Description:

Spend an afternoon visiting a traditional chocolate maker in the heart of Florence on this small group tour and savor hand made sweet delights, paired with Italian wines for the ultimate indulgence.

Today's tour (maximum 12 people) is set in a Cioccolateria, dating back to 1936. You'll view traditional methods of chocolate making before taking your place at the table where a feast for your palate awaits.

Sit back as you're presented with four chocolate dishes: plain chocolate, milk chocolate, chocolate filled with vanilla, and hazelnut creams. Distinguish between the bitter, acidic, sweet, astringent and salty flavors, and note how each mouthful is accentuated by the accompanying local Italian wine. (Children can team their tastings with a choice of either soft drink, juice or water).

The afternoon is not complete without supplementing your sweet cravings with the multiple textures of Pan Forte and Panpepato, two cakes typical of the Tuscan region.

Description:

This century old restaurant continues to offer traditional Tuscan recipes, in a family style atmosphere.

Our Local Expert Says:

This building does in fact belong to the Ferragamo family.

Description:

This 1893 hotel underwent a complete transformation in 2000 by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, who designed the warm, stylishly minimalist modern interiors. Rooms are standardized, with walk-in closets, dark brown marble bathrooms, and mosaics over the tubs. The different room "styles" -- classic, executive, and deluxe -- really just refer to size. Four suites (two rooms, two TVs, leather easy chairs, white marble bathrooms) are on the back, four on the piazza. Two of them include a Turkish bath. Rooms on the fifth floor, added in 1958, just peep over the surrounding buildings for spectacular views, especially those on the Duomo (back) side. You're just a few steps in any direction from all the sights and the best shopping. The building actually belongs to Ferragamo, as do many of the other buildings in this square.

Facilities: Restaurant; bar; small gym w/view; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; courtesy car; secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; Wi-Fi in public spaces.

Description:

The district of Mugello, north of Florence, was the original home of the Medici family. It was at the time of Lorenzo the Magnificent that the Medicis had this, one of their first country villas, built very near to Artimino. In 1454 Michelozzo was placed in charge of the villa's construction, which was to be used primarily for hunting purposes. The peculiarity of the villa lies in its crenellated tower at the front of the building with battlements on each side and reinforced on each corner with strong bastions like a medieval castle. The extensive private gardens are not open to the public. Another place worthy of a visit is the nearby Castello di Trebbio, which was another of Michelozzo's accomplishments. The construction involved the restructuring of an old medieval castle, commissioned by Cosimo il Vecchio, between 1427 and 1436. This too is privately owned and may be visited on request.

Description:

As evidenced by the double-parked cars out front, people come from all around to enjoy Badiani's. It is said that the much loved flavor Buontalenti was created here! This unique cream flavored gelato was said to have been named after Bernardo Buontalenti, the famous Mannerist architect and stenographer. He is believed to have invented frozen dessert (made of cream and fruits) for the Medici's grand-ducal extravagant court banquets. Among the most popular flavors are: Buontalenti, Pinolata, Stracciatella...but there are many more including lighter fruit flavors. Also offering fresh pastries, the cream and apple sfogliatelle are well worth a trip.

Our Local Expert Says:

This building does in fact belong to the Ferragamo family.

Description:

This 1893 hotel underwent a complete transformation in 2000 by Sir Rocco Forte and his sister, who designed the warm, stylishly minimalist modern interiors. Rooms are standardized, with walk-in closets, dark brown marble bathrooms, and mosaics over the tubs. The different room "styles" -- classic, executive, and deluxe -- really just refer to size. Four suites (two rooms, two TVs, leather easy chairs, white marble bathrooms) are on the back, four on the piazza. Two of them include a Turkish bath. Rooms on the fifth floor, added in 1958, just peep over the surrounding buildings for spectacular views, especially those on the Duomo (back) side. You're just a few steps in any direction from all the sights and the best shopping. The building actually belongs to Ferragamo, as do many of the other buildings in this square.

Facilities: Restaurant; bar; small gym w/view; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; courtesy car; secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; Wi-Fi in public spaces.