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Florence & Tuscany

From gondola rides in beautiful Venice to enjoying the sun and sea on the idyllic Amalfi coast, Italy offers incomparable romantic experiences.

But if you have to choose only one location in this magnificent European country, then let it be Tuscany! It is home to world famous vineyards and one of the most charming cities on earth – Florence.

When to go?

Tuscany is beautiful any time of year! The winter months (December to March) can be quite cold which is why you will see fewer tourists, but it is the best time to wander around Florence and see its famous museums and cathedrals without standing in lines. Spring (April and May) and autumn (October and November) are the perfect times for exploring the idyllic countryside and hill towns, while summer months (June to September) can be very hot and crowded, but are great for chilling at a beach resort or in one of the luxury Tuscan villas in the rolling hills.

Where to stay?

From elegant boutique hotels and charming bed & breakfast options to lavish Renaissance villas, Tuscany offers amazing accommodation options for honeymooners. When choosing a place to stay, the most important rule is to find a room with a view, since that is one of the key ingredients of a romantic Tuscan honeymoon. Gazing at spectacular landscapes or charming piazzas through the window, or from a balcony, is a great way to start your day, so make sure to do a thorough research before making any bookings.

If you want to be located in Florence, find a good hotel in the city centre or opt for accommodation near Giardino di Boboli, which is a beautiful elevated spot very near the main piazzas that boast breath-taking views of the entire city. You can also stay just outside Florence in a villa that overlooks the city, or even sleep in one of the opulent 17th century houses surrounded by magnificent vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees which you will find in the picturesque areas of Chianti and Val d’ Orcia. Couples who prefer to relax at a beach resort can find luxury accommodation on the Tuscan coast in places such as Forte dei Marmi which is also a great starting point to explore the region.

Places to visit

Florence is a beautiful Renaissance town and a perfect setting to enjoy Tuscan art, food and wine. The best way to explore it is by wandering the small streets and soaking up the atmosphere. It boasts the most beautiful art and crafts stores in the world and has gorgeous shop windows at every corner. From renowned Italian fashion designers to unique handcrafted jewellery and antiques, it is a fantastic place for shopping, but your itinerary should also include a visit to the Ufizzi museum, Galleria dell’ Academia where you can see the original Michelangelo’s David, the magnificent Duomo cathedral, medieval bridge Ponte Vecchio, iconic Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Medici Ricardi and the scenic Boboli gardens.

If you want to taste the best Tuscan flavours, avoid restaurants teeming with tourists and look for the hidden trattorias where locals love to eat. The region’s cuisine is famous for its white and black truffles, porcini mushrooms, bean soups and the famed Bistecca alla Fiorentina which is a char-grilled t-bone steak seasoned with olive oil and served bloody.

Gourmands and wine lovers should also visit Chianti, which is home to some of the world’s most famous wineries. This is the ideal location if you want to see the most magical Tuscan landscapes with wooded hills, scenic villages and towns but also visit gorgeous wine estate castles like Brolio and Meleto to taste the region’s best wines and delicacies.

In Arezzo, the birthplace of Guido d’ Arezzo, who invented the musical scale, you can see the best works of Piero della Francesca, while in Pisa you can take a photo in front of the Leaning Tower and in Sienna you can see the glorious medieval buildings and watch bareback horse races at the iconic Piazza del Campo. Other gorgeous Tuscan cities where you can escape the crowds and enjoy the romantic atmosphere are Lucca, Montepulciano and Cortona.

Thinking of a Honeymoon at the Amalfi Coast?