Travel and leisure
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48 hours in Florence
Crammed with Renaissance cultural treasures, a weekend in Florence may not seem long enough. But you can certainly soak up the highlights, says Nicola Iseard
Morning stroll...
With a historic centre roughly a fifth the size of Rome's, Florence is easily navigable. Start at the top of the city, weaving your way southwards through its tangle of ancient streets, taking in the stunning façades of its art-studded churches and museums as you find them.
As you near the Piazza del Duomo - the heart of Florence - you'll catch glimpses of the Duomo's glorious red-tiled dome.
Reaching the piazza, pause to gape in awe of the cathedral's magnitude and intricately patterned marble. If you're feeling energetic, climb the 414 steps of the Giotto's bell tower, adjacent to the Duomo - the views from the top are breathtaking.
Café for refreshment...
Founded in 1872 as a chocolate factory, Caffè Rivoire - while more pricey than your average café - is the place to go for a mid-morning treat and spot of people watching.
Take a seat on the patio, with its fantastic head-on view of the famous clock tower of Palazzo Vecchio, and order one the café's own-brand coffees, which are among the best in the city.
As for its chocolate, there's everything from pastries to butter cookies to choose from. The gianduja (hazelnut and almond-flavoured chocolate) is a personal favourite.
Spot of culture...
Despite the ever-long queue snaking around the corner Galleria dell 'Accademia, no visit to Florence is compete without laying eyes on Michelangelo's remarkable David statue, carved from a 16ft slab of marble. It is quite remarkable. There are also some outstanding 15th and 16th century Florentine paintings on display in the gallery.
Another favourite is the Gallerie degli Uffizi. Often rated as one of the world's top museums, it houses many masterpieces, such as Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation and a rare panel painting by Michelangelo, the Holy Family.
Afternoon excursion...
A half an hour drive south from Florence is the walled hilltop town San Gimignano. You'll spot its medieval towers as you approach, even from several kilometres away. There are a handful of museums and galleries, but the town's main attraction lies in its architecture and atmosphere.
Buy an ice cream from one of the gelaterias and follow its maze of winding cobbled lanes. For stunning views of the rolling Tuscan countryside, climb to the top of the clock tower.
Supper time...
Cavolo Nero is a small and intimate restaurant, hidden on a tiny street in Florence's Oltrarno district, just south of the river (a walk along which would set the evening off rather nicely).
Dishes come from all over Italy, but Mediterranean flavours dominate the menu. Try the lamb cutlets with spicy fig compote or artichoke heart with monkfish tail and clams. Magnifico!