Florence

media type="youtube" key="xJnkwF0hSD8" width="425" height="350" The Essential Guide to the Nation

Official name of the country : **// Fiorenza //** is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence  Geographic orientation (site&situation):    Florence lies in a sort of basin among the Senese Clavey Hills, particularly the hills of Careggi, Fiesole , Settignano, Arcetri , Poggio Imperiale and Bellosguardo. The Arno river and three other minor rivers flow through it.

Neighbouring nations : Florence twined with Peru, Israel, France, United Kingdom, Germany etc and Florence partnership with Poland.  Population: It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with 367,569 inhabitants (1,500,000 in the metropolitan area).  Official language: Italian is a  Romance language spoke n by about 60 million people in Italy, and by a total of around 70 million in the world. In Switzerland, Italian is one of four official languages.  Races/cultures of people: most of the people in florence are all whie, about 97%, and the rest are other races from different countries.  Religions:  Main religion in italy is Catholicism, there are also muslims in Florence but there is no prominent mosque in the city.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 22pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;">The Essential Guide to the City <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%; msoansilanguage: EN-USmsoansilanguage;">Food&drink: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%; msoansilanguage: EN-USmsoansilanguage;"> Italian cuisine today with the introduction of items such as  potatoes, tomatoes , bell pepper and maize , which are all central parts of the cuisine but not introduced in scale until the 18th century. Cheese and wine are also a major part of the cuisine, playing different roles both regionally and nationally with their many variations mainly made up of traditional dishes, meals and deserts, such as pasta, spaghetti , pizza , focaccia , bruschette , arancini , granita , [|lasagna] , risotto , gnocchi , polenta , and zampone , to name a few. Basil, mozzarella , garlic , olive oil and tomatoes are examples of ingredients which are used frequently in Italian cuisin.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%; msoansilanguage: EN-USmsoansilanguage;">Music: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%; msoansilanguage: EN-USmsoansilanguage;">  The music of Italy ranges across a broad spectrum of opera and instrumental classical music, the traditional styles of the country's different regions, and a body of popular music drawn from both native and imported sources. Music has traditionally been one of the cultural markers of Italian national and ethnic identity and holds an important position in society and in politics.

Clothing(Fashion): ** Italian Fashion ** has an old and a rich history to its credit. The Fashion Maestro of Italy Count Giorgini started by staging a fashion show in the year 1951 on 25 th February in Florence. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%; msoansilanguage: EN-USmsoansilanguage;">Currency and exchange rates: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%; msoansilanguage: EN-USmsoansilanguage;">Tips : <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 140%; msoansilanguage: EN-USmsoansilanguage;">  -don’t buy from street sellers -after the atm, check your bank account online. -taxi drivers will trick you (running up charges) -beware of pickpockets. -watchout for danger of cars. Departure Date: 13, March 2010 - 20, March 2010 Tour Type: Allocentric tour, Psychocentric tour + Your own English speaking guide + driver at your own pace and schedule. Price per person : ** $15,000 ** <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 20pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;"> Flight From: Toronto Canada – Pearson International To: Florence, Italy - Peretola Air Canada Economy $ 2435 (2adults)
 * CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES :1.00 GBP = 1.1 EUR ||
 * 1.00 USD = 0.73 EUR ||
 * Itinerary **
 * Duration: ** 6 days



[|www.flightnetwork.com] <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 20pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;"> Hotel ** Grand Hotel Minerva ** 4stars Per night :$ 395 or for a better deal: 6 nights $2100 (classic double - 1 large bed) (including breakfast + $200 per person) Address : Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 16 50123 Florence, Italy 055 27230

From Peretola Airport [|www.grandhotelminerva.net]

DAY1

** 4:00 **** p – Arrive in Florence **

** Address: ** 1R Via del Trebbio, Florence , Italy
 * 6:00 **** p – Dinner at Buca Lapi **
 * Description:**Meals recall the genuine tastes of the old tuscan cuisine such as toast, hand-made pasta, "ribollita", wild boar with polenta, a pan of tripe, fried food and then, the famous "bistecca alla fiorentina" well-cooked on charcoal-slack and sprinked with extra virgin olive oil, also consists of 80 different types of good Italian labelled wine.


 * 7:00 **** p – Tuscany (Bicycle tour) **
 * Description:** Tuscany bike tours runs day long bike tours in the Chianti wine region of Tuscany. Included in the 60 Euro is a visit to a charming 12th castle where we tour its winery and taste the wine and oil produced there. We cycle through landscapes dotted with olive groves and vineyards followed by lunch at a family run "ristorante" in quiet countryside surrounds. Come join us, you'll have a blast!
 * Address:** southside of the Ponte Alle Grazie (one bridge up stream from the Ponte Vecchio) 50135 Florence Italy

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 22pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;"> DAY2
 * 9:30 **** p – Personal time **

** 9:00 **** a- breakfast (hotel) ** Freshly squeezed juices Traditional Scottish porridge with milk or water, topped with your choice of berries, banana, honey or brown sugar Freshly baked croissants, Danish pastries, muffins, breads and toast with butter, preserves, and honey and a Selection of coffee or tea
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;">menu: **

** 11:30 **** a- Bargello museum **
 * Descriptions:**The building's use as a National Museum began in the mid-nineteenth century, and nowadays is the setting mainly for works of sculpture and many examples of the decorative arts. What the Uffizi offers in painting, the Bargello offers in sculpture and its courtyard and interiors contain some of the masterpieces of the Tuscan Renaissance.
 * Address:** ** Via del Proconsolo, Florence Italy **


 * 1:30 **** p-lunch (caffe coquinarius) **
 * Descriptions: ** An excellent choice outside rigid meal times, this laid-back and comfy cafe, housed in a former stables, has light and substantial dishes of //crostini//, salads, pastas and the usual meaty mains as well as more than a dozen wines by the glass.
 * Address: ** Via dell' Oche 15/r, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza del Duomo


 * 2:50 **** p- san miniato al monte **
 * Descriptions: ** a basilica in Florence, central Italy, standing atop one of the highest points in the city. It has been described as one of the finest Romanesque structures in [|Tuscany] and one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. There is an adjoining Olivetan monastery, seen to the right of the basilica when ascending the stairs
 * Address: ** Via del Monte alle Croci/Viale Galileo Galilei, Florence, Italy


 * 4:30 **** p-circolo golf ugolino **
 * Descriptions:** Florence Golf Club, the first italian golf association. A natural course, difficult, for differences in levels, the handicaps, the small and well defended green. Considered one of the most suggestive natural golf course of the worls, it has been named among the 50 most beautiful golf course of the world by the American writer Chris Santella.
 * Address:** Via Chiantigiana, 3, Florence, Tuscany, Italy


 * 6:30 **** p-dinner(borgo san Jacopo) **
 * Descriptions:** This restaurant is a river side restaurant. Uncommonly. Has low rise tables by the window where you can watch the sun set on the Arno as you indulge in modern, inventive dishes.
 * Address:** Borgo San Jacopo 62/r, Florence Italy


 * 8:00 **** p- Casa di Dante **
 * Descriptions:** This is not the house where Dante was born - it was built in the 20th century - but it is (or is near) the location where he lived. The recently renovated museum dedicated to Dante's work, life and times, contains pictures and models of 12th and 13th century Florence, completed by accounts of the interminable squabbles between Guelphs and Ghibellines and Dante's exile from the city.
 * Address: ** Via Santa Margherita 1, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza del Duomo


 * 10:00 **** p- personal time **

DAY3

** 9:00 **** a- breakfast (hotel) ** Freshly squeezed juices Freshly baked croissants, Danish pastries, muffins, breads and toast with butter and honey A selection from our breakfast buffet Two free-range Burford Brown eggs cooked to your liking with grilled bacon, sausage, black pudding, tomato, mushroom and baked beans Coffee or tea.
 * Menu: **

Tickets: Full euro 6,50 Reduced euro 3,25 (10,00 with temporary exibitions included+)
 * 10:00 **** a- delgi Uffizi gallery **
 * Description:** one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world . It's housed in the Palazzo degli Uffizi, a // [|palazzo] // in Florence, Italy.
 * Address:** piazzale degli Uffizi 50123 Firencze


 * 1:30 **** p-lunch(cammillo trattoria) **
 * Description:** Cammillo Trattoria is a very pretty restaurant that seemed to attract "ladies who lunch." The finest, freshest produce is used to prepare a delicious menu that wows from starters through to dessert, accompanied by an impressive selection of regional wines.
 * Address:** 57R Borgo Sant Jacopo, Florence , Italy

** 3:00 **** p-central park **
 * Description: ** Flit between five different dance floors in city park Parco delle Cascine where everything from Latin to pop, house to drum 'n' bass plays
 * Address **** : ** Via Fosso Macinante 2-6, Parco delle Cascine, Parco delle Cascine


 * 5:00 **** p- Loggia del Bigallo **
 * Description: ** i s one of a dozen public loggias in the city, in this case part of a construction that housed the Compagnia della Misericordia, who commissioned the structure, probably from the architect-sculptor Alberto Arnoldi it was built in 1352–58.
 * Address: ** Piazza San Giovanni, Via dei Calzaiuoli, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza del Duomo


 * 7:50 **** p-dinner (Da il latini) **
 * Description:** this place is perfect for a rousing night of passable house wine and humungous portions of hearty, predominantly meaty fare beneath more dead pigs than you could shake a fork at. We don’t take reservations.
 * Address: ** Via dei Palchetti 6/r, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Maria Novella


 * 10:00 **** p- Y.A.G Bar **
 * Description: ** There's a warm and fuzzy atmosphere at this spacious dance bar, invariably full of cute young boys and girls. It gets packed by midnight.
 * Address: ** Via de' Macci 8/r, Santa Croce, Santa Croce

DAY4

** 9:00 **** a-breakfast (hotel) ** Freshly squeezed juices Freshly baked croissants, Danish pastries, muffins, breads and toast with butter and honey A selection from our breakfast buffet Seasonal fruit (usually an upgrade option) Assorted cereals and dried fruits Coffee, decaffeinated coffee and tea
 * Menu: **


 * 11:00 **** a- campanile **
 * Description:** Soaring gracefully by the side of the Duomo is the 84.7m-high Campanile (Bell Tower). You can admire its beauty from the outside and, if you're feeling fit, head inside and climb its 414 steps for some wonderful views of the Duomo and central Florence. €6 for person.
 * Address: ** via della Canonica, 1, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza del Duomo


 * 1:30 **** p-lunch(dolci&dolcezze) **
 * Description:** This place claims its chocolate cakes the 'best in the world'. Hyperbole aside, it's fantastic, made with fine Swiss and Belgian ingredients and creamy Maremma butter.
 * Address: ** Piazza Beccaria 8/r, Santa Croce, Santa Croce


 * 3:30 **** p- Bebop **
 * Description:** There's no rhyme - sometimes not even reason - to the music played here, although you might find something to suit on its menu of jazz, blues and country. €10 for person.
 * Address: ** Via dei Servi 76/r, Santa Croce, Santa Croce


 * 5:20 **** p- shopping (mercato centrale) **
 * Description:** Built in 1874, the city's central produce market seems to disappear amid the confusion of makeshift stands of the clothes and leather market that fill the surrounding square and streets during the day.
 * Address: ** Piazza del Mercato Centrale, San Lorenzo, San Lorenzo


 * 8:00 **** p-dinner (angels) **
 * Description:** The city's best-dressed beauties chink champagne flutes beneath vaulted frescoes at this American-style bar, a stylish minimalist space for dining and drinking, with a DJ space and a popular Sunday brunch. Food is Tuscan with a dash of Mediterranean.
 * Address:** Via del Proconsolo, 3-red 50122 Firenze, Italy


 * 9:30 **** p- sightseen(basilia di santa maria del carmine) **
 * Description:** On the southern flank of Piazza del Carmine, this chapel is a treasure trove of paintings by Masolino da Panicale, Masaccio and Filippino Lippi. Above all, the frescoes by Masaccio are considered among his greatest works, representing a definitive break with Gothic art and a plunge into new worlds of expression in the early stages of the Renaissance. €4 for person
 * Address: ** Via Santa Monaca, Oltrarno, Oltrarno


 * 10:30 **** p- personal time **

DAY5 ** 9:00 **** a- breakfast (hotel) ** Scrambled eggs Meat (e.g., bacon, sausage) Fried potatoes Granola cereals with Lemonade.iced tea, or water
 * Menu: **

** 11:00 **** a- Arno river **
 * Description: ** The city of Florence is divided by the Arno River. Tourist attractions exist on both the north and the south sides of the river. Visitors to Florence Italy can enjoy relaxing walks along the Arno. It is also a wonderful location from which to take photographs.


 * 12:50 **** p-lunch(buca dell’ orafo) **
 * Description:** A //buca// is a cellar joint with half a dozen crowded tables serving good, basic Florentine fare.
 * Address: ** Volta dei Girolami 28r  ,   Florence


 * 2:30 **** p-garden(Orto Botanico) **
 * Description:** Also known as the Giardino dei Semplici, this small botanical garden was the Medici herb garden, where all sorts of medicinal plants were grown for the city's pharmacies
 * Address: ** Via Pier Antonio Micheli 3, San Marco, San Marco


 * 4:00 **** p-shopping(Roberta) **
 * Description:** Our articles, strictly made in Italy are supplied in our three shops in downtown Florence. We are in a position to give you a large collection of leather, silk and cachemere accessories, in particular gloves, bags, scarves and ties.
 * Address: ** Borgo San Jacopo 74-78 r.   50125 Florence


 * 7:30 **** p-dinner ( acqua al 2) **
 * Description:** A special place to wine and dine. Enjoy the offerings of the chef, along with wine you have selected with the help of their expert sommalier.
 * Address: ** Via della Vigna Vecchia, 40r, Florence 50122 Italy


 * 9:00 **** p-opera( teatro communale) **
 * Description:** an opera house in Bologna, Italy , and is one of the most important opera venues in Italy. Typically, it presents eight operas with six performances during its November to April season.
 * Address:** Corso Italia 16 Florence Italy


 * 10:30 **** p- personal time **

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black'; font-size: 140%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;">DAY6 ** 9:00 **** a-breakfast(hotel) ** Assorted fruit yogurts served in glassware Fresh granola bars made by the executive chef Freshly prepared omelet Bagels assorted with cream cheeses Soft drinks / flavoured coffee
 * Menu: **

** 10:30 **** a- shopping ( **** Castello Mediceo Tennis Club **** ) **
 * Description:** One of the best tennis club in Florence, you will be able to have a chance to encounter with the neighbours in Florence and also have a change to experience a huge amount of fun.
 * Address: ** Via delle Fonti, Florence Italy


 * 1:30 **** p-lunch (Mario) **
 * Description:** The restaurant is equipped with air conditioning making lunch on those hot summer afternoons in Florence, that much more bearable.
 * Address:** Via della Vite, 55, Florence 00187 Italy


 * 3:00 **** p-ponte vecchio river **
 * Description:** Medieval bridge over the Arno River, in Florence, Italy , noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.
 * Address: ** Via de Guicciardino, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza della Signoria


 * 4:00 **** p- festival(Sagra del Tortello di patate) **
 * Description:** Potato Tortelli [pasta] Festival on the 1st of April
 * Address:** Ronta, Florence


 * 6:00 **** p- shopping (mercato di san lorenzo) **
 * Description:** This market winds around the Chiesa di San Lorenzo and the Mercato Centrale. There are stalls with all kinds of things: from jumpers to leather hats, from souvenirs to linen. There are also second-hand goods, precious stones, bags, scarves and Florentine paper.
 * Address: ** Piazza Di San Lorenzo, Florence 50123 Italy


 * 8:00 **** p- dinner (cibreo teatro del sale ) **
 * Description:** Tucked away in the heart of the historic district of Santa Croce, this beautifully kept restaurant's old-fashioned charm and flair for authentic local cuisine have made it a popular haunt of the rich and famous. Given a light new touch, revamped traditional fare features on its inspirational menu of starters, main courses and desserts
 * Address: ** Via dei Macci, 118r, Florence 50122 Italy


 * 10:00 **** p-party(Lungarno) **
 * Description:** This nightclub, located on the banks of the Arno, is great for anyone who likes Latin rhythms. It starts off each evening as a restaurant and disco bar with a lively (though not overly boisterous) atmosphere. Then, around midnight, the atmosphere changes and Escopazzo becomes dance music mania. This is a popular spot with stars from the world of sport and show business.
 * Address:** Escopazzo, Lungarno Colombo

Day7

BUDGET FLIGHT $2435 FOR 2 PEOPLE ACCOMODATION $2500 (INCLUDED BED-AND-BREAKFAST) FOOD $1225 SPEAKING GUIDE & DRIVER $3000 PURCHASE ON SHOPPING $2100 TICKETS $380
 * <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;">8:30a - Depart Florence included breakfast in hotel **


 * <span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 22pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;">Images of Florence **
 * <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 22pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;">Map **



The **Arno** is a river in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is the most important river of central Italy after the Tiber.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 22pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;">Arno River **

The fourth largest church in Europe, its length being 153 metres (500 ft) and its height 116 metres (380 ft).
 * Santa Maria **** del Fiore Cathedral **

The **Palazzo Medici**, also called the **Palazzo Medici Riccardi** for the later family that acquired and expanded it, is a Renaissance palace located in Florence, Italy.
 * <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 22pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;">Palazzo Medici Riccardi **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">** Famous market that tourists must visit. **There are stalls with all kinds of things: from jumpers to leather hats, from souvenirs to linen. There are also second-hand goods, precious stones, bags, scarves and Florentine paper.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 22pt; mso-ansi-language: IT; msoansilanguage: IT;">mercato di san lorenzo **

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 22pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; msoansilanguage: EN-US;">Italian Food <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Main food people usually eat: pizza, spaghetti,croissant bread and salad with wine.