Florence is a city in Central Italy and the capital city of the Tuscany region. The city lies on the river Arno and is known for its art and architecture. A center of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance.

The historic center of Florence attracts millions of tourists each year as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Florence is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

A visit here should include the cathedral, named in honor of Santa Maria del Fiore. The cathedral is a vast Gothic structure with a magnificent Renaissance dome, built on the site of the 7th-century church of Santa Reparata, the remains of which can be seen in the crypt. Don’t miss the clock above the entrance, inside the church. It was designed in 1443 and shows the Italian hours as they were back then when the 24th hour of the day ended at sunset.

The Uffizi Gallery is organized as a long labyrinth of rooms with amazing works of art, many from the Medici family. The most famous work of art present is Botticelli's Birth of Venus.

Ponte Vecchio (meaning Old Bridge) was the only bridge across the Arno until 1218. It is Florence’s famous covered stone bridge that houses several shops and is the only bridge in Florence to survive WWII. There have been shops on Ponte Vecchio since the 13th century.

It is believed that Bernardo Buontalenti invented gelato in Florence in the 16th century. He was the first to add eggs and milk to the recipe. So, you must eat a gelato or two when you are in Florence!