City break in Florence, the capital of Tuscany

The Florentine soul is hidden in its palaces, its musuems and its churches, overflowing with masterpieces. Discover the former strong place of the Medici, preferably in the early morning. Along the Arno river, the imposing brick-colored cuppola of the Duomo is visible from all over. This cathedral bathing in a soft light showcases the statues, sculptures and frescoes of Giotto, Donatello and Michael-Angelo. It is enhanced with a campanile featuring marble low-reliefs and the most hardy who walk up the 483 steps will be rewarded with a unique panorama of the city.

Florence, ideal destination for a Spring city break

After crossing the Ponte Vecchio, another strong symbol of the city, weighed down by the small shops of silversmiths and jewellers, take a stroll through the royal apartments and the gardens of the Palazzo Pitti. Just a few more steps, and here you are on the Piazza de la Signora, central meeting point of tourists and Florentines who come here for an art pilgrimage. The famous statue of David proudly dominates the place, while the Galleria Degli Uffizi, very close by, shelters a museum featuring the marvels of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphaël, Titian and Caravaggio.

In the Renaissance style, the Santa Maria Novella church and its marble facade owes its celebrity to its frescoes. © DR

Transformed into a city hall, the Palazzo Vecchio is a palace-forteress whose opulent reception rooms retrace the history of the city. © DR

A pleasure-filled city

World famous for its craftsmanship and the creativity of its fashion, temptations are many. Refined clothing, regal adornments, leather goods, shoes, silks, ceramics, groumet products crowned by King Chianti, there is a wide array of choice. But if you want to take it all, you will have just to come back…

Sprinkled with jewellery stores, the Ponte Vecchio, mirrored in the Arno river, is the rendezvous of lovers. © DR

Palaces, chapels, window-displays... All the top addresses

- Enoteca Pinchiorri, via Ghibellina, 83 : nestled in a 16th century castle, Annie Féolde's creative food and the stunning list of Tuscan wines make it the most gourmet restaurant of all Florence. - Giacosa Caffè, via della Spada, 10 : clients and models from the neighbouring Gucci boutique happen to be next to the oldest Florentine café to go have a cappucino. - Officina Profumo Farmaceutica, via della Scala, 16 : in this former Dominican chapel, fashionistas come for customized perfumes. - Ponte Vecchio : the must-go venue to buy jewellery. - Via Maggio : the antique shop district. - Via del Tornabuoni : the window-dispay for all the leading Haute Couture brands. - Mercato di San Lorenzo : to purchase some of the best Italian gastronomic products.

Ultra-equipped, the charming suites of the Savoy Hotel offer a superb view overlooking the Duomo. © DR