Florence Destination Guide

FLORENCE, ITALY
THINGS TO KNOW
QUICK FACTS
CLIMATE
Because Florence is located in a valley, the temperatures vary
when compared to other areas in Tuscany. However, the weather
in Florence is mild year-round — with the summers warm
(temperatures peak in the upper 80s) and the winters cool
(ranging from the mid-30s to 50s). No matter the time of year,
Florence is always incredibly romantic, rain or shine.
ADDRESS
Via degli Alfani #34
Florence, Italy
WATER
Tap water is fine, however most Italians drink bottled water and
it’s rare for restaurants to serve diners tap water. Servers will ask
if you would like agua frizzante (sparkling) or naturale (flat).
CHECK OUT
11 a.m.
GETTING THERE
You'll fly into Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). From the U.S., you'll
connect via Paris, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt or another major
European city. (There are also direct flights into Pisa's Galileo
Galilei Airport, about 60 miles west of Florence.)
GETTING AROUND
You won't need a car in this destination; in fact, tourists and even
locals generally can't drive within the city limits. Fortunately, you'll
stay in the heart of the city, where you can walk to many
attractions. For something a little farther, such as a trip to Chianti
country, your Destination Concierge can arrange for a driver.
You'll also be conveniently close to the rail station and we highly
recommend making an easy day trip to Pisa, Venice or Rome.
PARKING
There is no parking at your residence, but you won’t need it, as a
car is unnecessary in Florence.
CHECK IN/ARRIVAL PROCESS
Your Destination Concierge will meet you at your residence for
check-in and a tour. Early check-in may be accommodated if it’s
available, but if it’s not, you are welcome to leave your luggage at
the residence and explore the area while you wait. If you arrive
after 8 p.m. due to a delayed flight or other travel complication,
your concierge will likely wait for you.
CHECK IN
4 p.m.
CURRENCY
Euro (EUR)
LANGUAGE
Italian, though English is widely
spoken in popular tourist spots.
PASSPORT
Yes
CONVERTER
You will want to bring an adapter,
as outlets in Italy are primarily
220-240V with three-prong round
plugs.
AIRPORT
FLR
THINGS TO KNOW
GROCERIES
For just the cost of groceries, your Destination Concierge will be happy to fulfill your grocery order. Simply
complete the order form on your Inspirato.com account at least 72 hours prior to your arrival. Additional
shopping trips are 35 euros plus the cost of groceries to be paid in cash directly to the Destination Concierge.
IN-RESIDENCE DINING OPTIONS
Your concierge can set up a cooking class right in your own kitchen, but with so many fantastic restaurants
nearby, we recommend dining out often in Florence.
DC’S TIP: The city is a foodie’s heaven, so if you want to flex your own culinary muscles, do some grocery
shopping at the Sant’Ambrogio fresh market (a local favorite), just a few minutes from your residence.
STAY FIT
For an entrance fee, you can access the Klab Conti fitness center, which is just about a 10-minute walk from
your residence. The space is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, a spa, sauna and indoor and
outdoor pools. You can also attend a number of fitness classes, ranging from aqua aerobics to Zumba.
HOUSEKEEPING
Daily.
TIPPING GUIDELINES
While our Destination Concierge teams and housekeeping staff welcome and appreciate recognition for
exceptional service, tipping is entirely up to you based on your level of satisfaction. If you would like to leave
a gratuity, we suggest the following general guidelines:
+ Destination Concierge: 20-50 euros per day depending on the level of service you experienced.
+ Destination Planner: 10-20 euros per day depending on the complexity of your trip planning and itinerary.
+ Housekeeping: 5-7 euros per occupied room per evening is typical for luxury hospitality.
+ Restaurants: Tipping in Europe isn’t as abundant as it is in the U.S. and 5-10% of your total bill is considered
appropriate, with 5% being more the norm.
+ Vendors: Gratuity is dependent on the complexity of the experience or service, so we suggest using
your discretion.
TRAVEL TIPS
+ Pack Comfortable Shoes – Florence is made for walking, so bring a pair of comfy shoes. Not only
does it have pedestrian-friendly laws in the heart of the city, it also takes just 30 minutes or so to walk
from end to end. Explore the Renaissance-era neighborhood around the Duomo.
+ Lose the Guilt – You're unlikely to see every notable site or piece of art in Florence and that's just fine.
The city is one that travelers should return to rather than try to conquer in a single visit. Make a list of
your first choices and explore at a leisurely pace.
THINGS TO DO
SPA
Walk just five minutes from your residence to find Soulspace Wellness Center, a modern oasis right in the
heart of Florence. The spa offers massages, facials and body treatments that utilize rejuvenating ingredients
like chocolate and pure water. Soulspace’s sleek, contemporary furnishings contrast with its historic location,
creating a unique environment that’s ideal for a day of relaxation.
BEACHES
There are no beaches in Florence but if you would like to spend some time on the water, we recommend a
day trip to the seaside town of Forte di Marmi (about one hour and 20 minutes away). The sandy,
Mediterranean-style beach is host to the Bagno Primavera beach club, which has umbrellas and chairs
available for rent, as well as private locker rooms. Additionally, the club boasts a kids’ pool, adult pool and onsite restaurant.
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT
Florence is a culinary capital and cooking is a way of life. Try your hand at it during a class at Desinare, a
renowned cooking facility where master chefs and wine experts impart their wisdom to students of all ages.
The school hosts a wide range of classes, covering everything from Italian classics to wine pairing to even
food photography and table design.
FAMILY
Nobody knows Florence better than a local. Your Destination Concierge can recommend a local guide that
can show the whole family around the city, pointing out historical landmarks, quirky sights and spots of
particular interest to kids. Your concierge can also arrange a visit to a local artists’ group that can show you
how to make paper, work with leather and participate in other Italian art traditions.
DC’S TIP: Booking a local guide is highly recommended for the first day of your vacation. This helps get you
acquainted with the city right from the get-go.
MUST-DO
Your Destination Concierge can arrange a driver for a wine-tasting day trip, so what's holding you back? Just
an hour away, Greve in Chianti is one of the few officially recognized Chianti-producing regions in all of Italy.
Enjoy a private tasting, authentic food pairings and insights into wine at one of the many renowned wineries.
One of our favorites is Monterinaldi in Radda.
ROMANTIC
Travel back in time on a gondola ride down the Arno River, which meanders through the heart of Florence and
past some of its biggest landmarks. Let a traditional Florentine barcaiolo steer your gondola and narrate the
trip. As you drift past the numerous palazzos, the Uffizi, the Ponte Vecchio and many more storied sites, you’ll
see why it’s so easy to fall in love with this dreamy city.
SPECIAL NOTE: Available May to September.
ADVENTURE
Seek adventure in the countryside surrounding Florence. The pleasant landscape transforms into a natural
playground when you mount a bicycle or horse for a ride. Alternatively, get a bird’s-eye view and an
adrenaline rush all at once during a hot air balloon ride. Your Destination Concierge will arrange it all for you.
THINGS TO DO
NATURE
Numerous parks and gardens interrupt Florence’s beautiful architecture with lush greenery. Our favorites
include Boboli Gardens, Bardini Garden, Parco delle Cascine and Giardino Torrigiani. Each boasts
meticulously landscaped grounds full of various flora, as well as rich man-made flourishes like fountains and
walking paths.
LOCAL
Soccer is supreme for many Florentine locals and attending a game is the perfect opportunity to join in the
fun. Of course, you won’t be watching from the bleachers: the lavish, exclusive Chianti Classico Crystal
Lounge lets you enjoy in style with aperitifs, wine and dinner. Once the match starts, sit back and watch from
the lounge or private seats in the stadium.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
+ Luxury shopping
+ Antique shopping
+ Day trip to Fiesole
+ Nightlife
+ Cooking classes
+ Market visits
+ Olive oil tastings
+ Visit San Miniato al Monte
(ancient church)
+ Leather-making tour
+ Visit the Oltrarno
neighborhood
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
FAMILY
Restaurant La Giostra (a five-minute walk away) – Having a meal at this cozy-yet-refined restaurant doubles as a
history lesson. The chef/owner of this incredible eatery is a Habsburg prince who started the restaurant because
of his love of cooking. A crowd favorite: ravioli di brie con carciofini Morelli (ravioli stuffed with brie, dressed with
artichokes).
ROMANTIC
SE·STO (a 20-minute walk away) – Florence is one of the most naturally romantic cities in the world, and dining at
this chic restaurant (on the sixth floor of the Westin Excelsior) offers a chance to take it all in. From the rooftop
patio, views extend across the entire city and beyond, creating the perfect complement to contemporary
Mediterranean dishes and a lengthy wine list.
FINE DINING
Cestello Ristoclub (a 20-minute walk away) – This popular hotspot takes the concept of “fresh” seriously. It boasts
an on-site fish market, where you can select your own fish and the style you would like it cooked. There’s also a
full menu of other Italian classics. Linger over drinks after dinner; the restaurant is composed of three different
spaces, including an ultra-chic lounge ideal for cocktails or wine.
LOCAL
Trattoria Sostanza (a 20-minute walk away) – For an authentic local experience, head to this petite, unassuming
eatery located on a quiet side street. The quintessential Italian trattoria has no frills: simple white-tiled walls, an
old-school kitchen and a straightforward menu of pastas, meats and soups.
DC’S TIP: Locals usually have dinner between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m., so it’s best to make your reservations at most
restaurants starting around 8 p.m. This will give you time to enjoy “aperitivo,” a type of happy hour during which
locals get together for drinks and socializing.
FESTIVALS AND ACTIVITIES
+ Grape Harvesting and Wine Making – September and October are the months for the Tuscan
“vendemmia,” the Italian word for the grape harvest. The exact date of the grape harvest is decided year by
year, depending on the weather, the quantity of rainfall and the changes from one vineyard to another. The
most important thing is that the grapes must have the right level of sweetness. It isn’t possible to participate in
the actual grape-picking, which is hard and laborious. By law, only contracted and insured workers can work
in the vineyards and in fields. However, visiting wineries during this time is quite an experience, as you can
witness the wine-making process, tasting and, on occasion, the grapes.
+ Truffling in Val D’Orcia – The Tuscan truffle season lasts roughly from September through December. The
area around San Giovanni d’Asso, which is the oldest hamlet in the entire Crete Senesi region, produces black
truffles as well as the sought-after and costly white truffle. A truffle market fair is held here in November the
second and third weekends of November.
+ Olive Harvest and Oil Making – Olives are harvested from October to December. Sometimes in Tuscany,
the harvest can begin as early as the end of September. An early harvest means that the fruit is less ripe and
therefore produces less oil, making Tuscan olive oils a bit more rare than others. The less ripe olives also
account for the prized peppery taste of Tuscan oil. As for the creation, it is possible to organize a visit to olive
mills to see how extra virgin olive oil is made. Unlike the wine, which needs aging time, the oil can be tasted
right away, as soon as it comes out of the machines! With a visit here, oil tasting can be organized with
bruschetta and other dishes on request.
+ Carnival of Viareggio (accessible via train) – February
+ Taste (food festival) – March
+ Explosion of the Cart (traditional event with parade and fireworks) – Easter Sunday
+ International Gelato Festival – May
+ Iris Garden – May
+ Calcio Storico Fiorentino (traditional Florentine-style soccer competition) – June
+ Celebrations for San Giovanni Battista, the patron saint of Florence – June 24
+ Carro Matto (traditional event during which costumed performers escort a cart of wine from nearby
vineyards) – end of September
+ Tuscany grape harvest season – September to October
+ Christmas Markets in Piazza Santa Croce – December
Information presented in this Inspirato destination guide is current as of January 26, 2015. While it is believed to
be accurate, Inspirato LLC (and its officers, employees and affiliated entities, collectively “Inspirato”) makes no
representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the content presented herein. The contents
of this destination guide may change at any time and without notice. This destination guide is presented for
informational purposes only for Inspirato members and guests. Inclusion in this destination guide is not to be
considered an endorsement or recommendation by Inspirato for any of the mentioned third-party products,
services, activities or vendors. Participation in any of the mentioned third-party products, services or activities
may require a separate agreement with a third party and members and guests are encouraged to review any
such agreements carefully. Inspirato assumes no liability or responsibility for any injury, damage or loss that
members and guests may incur with any third parties, and members and guests utilizing any information in this
destination guide waive any claims against Inspirato. Inspirato is a registered trademark of Inspirato LLC.