Florence travel guide

Most visitors are overwhelmed by the artistic opulence of Florence and spend their visit dashing from one masterpiece to the next, dazzled by an excess of genius. It's understandable: the cradle of the Renaissance and home of the Medici family (Italy's most progressive art patrons) houses some of the world's greatest treasures.

Above all, Florence is incredibly beautiful. A cluster of russet roofs and Renaissance splendours, the Tuscan city is set amongst the wine-growing hills of Chianti. Gawp at ancient palaces, curvaceous domes, beautiful basilicas stuffed with fine art and world-class art galleries like the Uffizi.

With its historic centre classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, there's plenty to see.The only flip side to this stupendous coin are hoards of tourists and attendant touts, buzzing like bees around the cultural honeypot, if you visit during the summer.