Compare Cheap Flights to Florence, Italy
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Florence Guide
What is the history of Florence?
When you book airfare to Florence, prepare for a holiday packed with history, culture and sumptuous cuisine. Florentines have lived in the area since the 10th century, and the city became part of the Roman Empire several centuries later. For much of this period, Florence flew under the radar but began to emerge as an Italian power during the Middle Ages. A political revival took over the city, causing unrest for several centuries, but eventually shaping Florence into the city it is today. This set the stage for Florence to truly flourish during the Italian Renaissance, between the 14th and 17th centuries. The prominent Medici family ruled over Florence during much of the Renaissance, and their strong economy encouraged a surge in the arts and sciences. Many prominent Italian artists and writers lived in Florence, including Michelangelo, da Vinci, Botticelli, and Dante. While holidaying on flights to Florence, you’ll see several examples of their artistic influence on the city.
What are the best things to do in Florence?
Basilica of Santa Croce
The Basilica of Santa Croce was built 1242 and is the burial place of several prominent Florentines, including Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo. While exploring the city on cheap flights to Florence, visit the Basilica to soak up some of the history of Renaissance Florence. The Basilica is also famous for being the largest Franciscan-style church in the world, and is notable for its elaborate designs. The Basilica features 16 chapels and a series of murals that were painted by local artist Giotto in the late Middle Ages. Other prominent features to see between your return flights to Florence include a bell tower, Museo dell’Opera di Santa Croce, and tombs of prominent people who are buried there.
Uffizi Palace and Gallery
When planning the itinerary for your holiday using cheap flights to Florence, set aside time to visit the Uffizi Palace and Gallery. It first opened to visitors in the 16th century and has grown to become one of the most visited art museums in the world; it is home to some of Italy’s most prominent pieces of art. While holidaying on flights to Florence, head to Uffizi to see artwork from some of Italy’s most legendary artists, including Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, and Giotto. Understandably, the Uffizi is one of Florence’s most-visited attractions so a tip for travellers is to book your tickets well in advance to avoid having to wait in the often mammoth queues.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Make the most of your flights to Florence by catching a view of the city from above. There are several places to look out over the Florentine rooftops, but many consider Piazzale Michelangelo to be one of the best. The hilltop square is located on the southern side of the Arno River, looking out over the Old Town. Piazzale Michelangelo was dedicated to the famous Renaissance painter of the same name and showcases replicas of some of his sculptures, including the famous David. Visitors with airfare to Florence can head here to view some art and be treated to a panoramic view over the city.
What is the best way to get around Florence?
Once your flights to Florence have arrived, hop on the Volainbus shuttle into the city centre. This bus departs from Florence Airport (FLR) every 30 minutes, making the journey to Firenze Santa Maria Novella in the city centre. Tickets into Florence from the airport cost €6 ($9.70 AUD) per person. The T2 tram line recently expanded to include service to the airport as well. To reach central Florence, catch the tram to Unità – the final stop. For door-to-door service to your hotel, you could also catch a taxi from Florence Airport (FLR) for about €25 ($40.40 AUD).
The best way to explore the city between your return flights to Florence is on foot. Florence is a compact city that is easy to walk around. In fact, aimlessly wandering around Florence is one of the best parts about having time in the Tuscan capital. If your feet are tired after a long day of exploring, consider catching the city’s tram to your next stop. The T1 tram line runs the length of Florence, making 14 stops along the way, and the T2 tram reaches from the city centre to the western suburbs. Tickets for Florence’s trams cost €1.50 ($2.40 AUD) and can be reused several times within a 90-minute window.
How much time should I spend in Florence?
While planning your return flights to Florence, set aside about four days to spend in the city. Once you have explored central Florence, venture further afield into the countryside of Tuscany where you’ll discover quaint Italian villages and world-famous vineyards. While holidaying on cheap flights to Florence, you might also take a day trip to the nearby city of Pisa. You can reach it by train in just an hour.
