Sign in with Facebook"FloRAINce for Christmas!" Florence by suvanki
Florence Travel Guide: 5,082 reviews and 11,268 photos
Venice has been my Christmas treat for the past 4 years -This time I decided that it was time for a change, and one of those 'light bulb switching on moments' led me to Florence. I still managed one night in Venice, before catching the train to Firenze
"Oh You'll Love Florence" was the usual comment when I mentioned that this was to be my next destination. I borrowed a copy of LP Tuscany and Umbria from a friend who'd been there, and intended making notes of the places that I 'Must See' I had a few ventures into VTers Florence pages and added tips to my Travel Guide (I did rate these too!!). However due to the hectic pre-Christmas activities, this was as far as I got.
I managed a quick 'crammer' on the train journey from Venice, but wasn't much clearer.
Leaving the train station, I spotted the Tourist Info Office, and headed here for inspiration. Armed with maps and a print off of events happening on Christmas Eve from the helpful man on the desk, I followed his instructions to my hotel. (I later found a short cut!).
My hotel was probably one of the nicest that I've ever stayed at! My room was on the third floor, and when I opened the door noticed that there were two windows- Opening the shutters of the first-I was looking directly at the Medici Chapels, the second offered views over the rooftops of the Duomos dome and campanile!
Looking to the streets below, I noticed an array of open umbrellas were hurrying around - Great- the weather forecast had been accurate!
My anticipation of taking sun-lit pictures of the architecture with a bright blue winter sky was quickly dashed.
- Pros:Architecture, Scenic, Good for shopping, Good base for exploring further afield
- Cons:Expensive admission prices
- In a nutshell:Seek out the 'hidden gems'
Reviews (6)
The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore or...
Things to Do
(2)
My first view of the Duomo was of part of its iconic dome from the room of my hotel room. From street level, my first... more travel advice
San Lorenzo Basilica
Things to Do
(2)
This was the Medici family's parish church and is also the burial place of around 50 of their family members. It was... more travel advice
Shopping for Leather Jackets/coats
Shopping
(1)
I wasn't intending buying anything (budget wise and because I was flying Ryanair Hand Luggage only, with their tight... more travel advice
By Train Venice to Florence and back
Transportation
(1)
I hadn't pre-booked my ticket, instead I turned up at Santa Lucia in Venice, to buy a ticket for the next train from... more travel advice
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Comments (2)
Sue, I love Florence at Christmas too! We are farmers so we travel in winter. We love the holiday markets. I like it so much that I am afraid to tell others about christmas in Florence. Great Tips! Randy
Hi Sue, you've written some very detailed and interesting tips on FloRAINce. Great that you found such a good hotel. It was fine to meet you in Bruchsal in December. I have now done a VT page on Bruchsal, in case you feel like having a look.