Florence Things to Do

Florence, a Renaissance city in the heart of Tuscany, has some of Italy’s best museums, beautiful cathedrals and churches, and interesting streets and squares with elegant buildings and shops. 

The most visited square is Piazza della Signoria, the heart of the historic center and a free open-air sculpture exhibit.  Loggia della Signoria holds some important statues such as Michelangelo’s David. 

Florence’s most popular site is its Duomo (cathedral), the Cattedrale de Santa Maria del Fiore.  The exterior, madeof green, pink, and white marble, has several elaborate doors and interesting statues. Inside, Brunelleschi’s Dome is a masterpiece of construction. Buy a ticket to climb the 463 steps to the top of the bell tower. The panoramic view of the city is amazing. Plesae note, is not air-conditioned on the way up, so peak summer months can get very hot, so make sure and bring water.

The Baptistery of John the Baptist, from the 11th century, is one of Florence’s oldest buildings. Its exterior is made of green and white marble and has three sets of amazing bronze doors.  Inside, you can see some mosaics and a marble pavement of the zodiac. 

The Galleria degli Uffizi holds the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art but it’s also Italy’s most crowded museum. You can buy tickets ahead to avoid long lines. Better yet, if you purchase a shore excursion or are on one of our escorted tours, your group will have priority access. The Uffizi holds thousands of paintings from medieval to modern times and many antique sculptures, illuminations, and tapestries. 

Florence’s Galleria dell’ Academia holds important paintings and sculptures from the 13th-16th centuries. Michelangelo’s David, probably the most famous sculpture in the world, is in the Galleria dell’ Academia as well as other sculptures by Michelangelo. You’ll also find an interesting collection of musical instruments, from the Medici family. 

Florence has some of the finest shopping in Europe. Leather goods, paper goods, and jewelry as well as nice souvenirs and art productions. Florence also has a number of open air markets selling food, clothing, and antiques.

Whether it’s for a day, or an extended vacation, Florence is a wonderful travel experience.

For pictures of Florence, visit my Flckr account

Giada’s Italian Holiday

Did anyone catch the latest episode of Giada’s travels? Giada’s Italian Holiday, a 1 hour special on the Food Network, visited the Italian cities of Venice, Parma a short stop in Perugia and ended in Rome. From glass blowing in Murano, making Parmesan cheese in Parma to sightseeing and romance in Rome, the show just gives a brief highlight of all that these cities have to offer.

We offer a great selection of tours that visit Venice and Rome, including train travel for those weary of a bus tour, but not many tours visit Parma. Parma is a beautiful Italian city known for its monuments, castles, opera and gastronomy.  Barilla pasta factory opened in Pama in 1877. The region is also well known for it’s prosciutto and parmigiano reggiano.

Globus’ Discover Italy package is a 17 day covers Northern and Southern Italy with 3 nights in the Parma region. The 10 day Buon Taste and Flavours features wine tasting, cooking classes and a full day in Parma, including a visit to the factory Giada visited, where the world famous Parmigiano Reggiano is produced. Also overnight in Perugina and enjoy a cooking lesson and chocolate tasting.

You can also stay in Venice or Florence and take a drive for the day, or we can set up a custom itinerary with private car and driver. The distance to Parma from Venice is about 104 miles. The distance between Parma and Florence is 84 miles.

Globus Monograms: Rome, Istanbul & Athens

Monograms has several nice itineraries, but the Rome, Istanbul & Athens is very unique. Visit Southern Europe’s most fascinating locales and step back in time to explore cities rich with historical treasures. Begin you stay in Rome. Should you follow Augustus and Caesar, whose Rome is filled with spectacular ancient structures, or Michelangelo and Da Vinci, whose city invites artistic pilgrimage…the possibilities are limitless. Next, it’s off to Istanbul where East meets West in striking contrast. The sight of mosques and bustling bazaars, along with the small of incense and spices, are common in Istanbul. Whether you’re relaxing at a traditional Turkish bath or exploring ancient Byzantium at the Yerebatan Cistern, you’ll discover a land that reflects its 2,500 year history at every turn. Continue on to Athens, where you can walk in the steps of Socrates, Pericles and Sophocles. Marvel at the great archaelogical sites at the Acropolis, take a day trip to Delphi or consider a cruise to see some of the Greek Isles. No matter what strikes your interest, the diversity and beauty of Greece is the idyllic way to round out an unforgettable Monograms vacation.  Prices start at $3,949 pp and includes flights Rome to Istanbul, and Istanbul to Athens as well as transfers.

Sicily Vacation

Sicily, also known as the “football being kicked by Italy’s boot,”  is Italy’s largest Island, & is steeped in history, & possesses an extraordinary range of art, archaeology, culture and folklore.  Sicily offers visitors an extraordinary range of art, archeology, culture & folklore. You will come back surprised with the beauty of the island, history of the ancient world & touches of every Mediterranean culture.

Make sure & visit the archaelogical sites. Sicily has some of the best preserved temples from the ancient Greek & Roman times. This combination of civilizations has created a unique culture with a charm of its own.  Palermo is the regional capital of Sicily, & has some of the region’s most important tourist attractions. The city revolves around the Piazza Vigliena, a Baroque square in the city center.  Other highly visited cities include Messina, Catania, Agrigento, Syracuse & Trapani. Mt. Etna, is Europe’s highest & most active volcano. The mountains make Sicily perfect for adventure travel including mountain biking, camping & hiking. 

The dining-table is the place of introspection of all the different civilizations that have passed through the island. Popular dishes include locally caught seafood, eggplant, veal & of course olive oil & cheeses. Pastries & desserts are famous for their richness & stuffed with cheese, chocolate & fruit. Sicilian gelato is excellent, & you cannot leave without trying a cannoli which are tubular crusts with creamy ricotta & sugar filling. Sicily with it’s warm temperatures, hilly terrain, sea breezes & rich soil, is very similar to the growing conditions seen in the best wineries of California or Australia. Marsala is Sicily’s most well-known wine.

You can visit Sicily year round, but April through mid-October are the most popular months. Most coastal resorts close their hotels from November through March. Be careful with July & August, as they can be quite hot.

Trafalgar Tours: Journeys of Faith

Trafalgar launched its 2009 Religious Tour series with the release of a new brochure, Journeys of Faith and Spirituality, detailing five new itineraries visiting the most inspirational and holy sites in Israel, Italy, Greece, Turkey, France, Spain and Poland. Each journey to these religiously significant destinations will be escorted by a professional tour director specially chosen for their knowledge and expertise in the religious, historic and cultural aspects of the areas being visited. Founded in 1947, Trafalgar Tours offers trips on 6 continents.

Italy Vacation with Globus Monograms

Monograms Italy: Charming, romantic, adventurous, delicious Italy has received more attention in the last decade than any other European country!  Experience the Coliseum, the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Vatican & Sistine Chapel. Shop & dine along the Via Veneto & don’t forget to throw a coin into Trevi Fontain! Add on cultural Florence, picturesque Venice or the magnificent coastlines of Amalfi & Italy’s unique islands. Sorrento with it’s rugged cliffs, ancient ruins & inspired views over the gulf of Naples, is a dream come true. It’s a place to stroll among vines & bougainvillea in a 13th century cloister, indulge in delectable cuisine or soak in the sun on a fashionable lido. Call 800-942-3301 to learn about early booking discounts.

Before planning your Italy vacation, visit our web site dedicated to Italy travel with a wonderful selection of vacation packages, rail journeys, cooking tours, family trips and more.