Having spent many a happy time in Florence, I think I can safely say it is my favourite place in the world. This is a city you can explore on foot, with all the major landmarks easily accessible from either a city based hotel or even the train station, if you were located further afield (e.g. Pistoia or Pisa) you still arent far away. Parking can be an issue but isnt the end of the world, whereas in somewhere like Rome, I would say don't even try it!
However the Florentine countryside that surrounds Florence is also well worth a visit - to the north amongst the hills, this is known as the Mugello. However my favourite is below Florence where there are a multitude of Tuscan villages to explore, many are medieval in origin and each have their own story from well known ones like 'Vinci' to Greve-in-Chianti, where delicatessans and wine shops sit side by side for many a welcome afternoons exploring!
A good way to experience Italy (in particular Tuscany is well known for it) is in a villa. These palatial residences have been hosting its guests in styles for centuries, you merely have to go online these days and a multitude of options are available. Near Lucca in the hills - such places were typical in times gone by, but elsewhere in Italy such properties tend to be restored or refurbished farmhouses or hamlets. In essence, owners of such estates have seen that it is easier to rent and make a living than farming used to be, or to use the wine estate accommodation during the summer months when it might otherwise lay empty.
Here at Quality Villas, we have a number of villas in Italy with a strong showing in Tuscany. On offer this month is villa Il Giardino http://www.qualityvillasitaly.co.uk/tuscany/reggello/il-giardino which sleeps 8 and the offer is : June offer: was £2255, now just £1750 per week. The villa is located to the south east of Florence, within easy day trip range.
More Italian Villas here.
More from the Florence tourist office
