Florence Flights And Sights

Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci all left their mark on Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance and Tuscany's alfresco museum. With the graceful Duomo as a backdrop, follow the River Arno to the Uffizi Gallery, soaking in the Old Masters paintings. Then wander across the Ponte Vecchio bridge as dusk descends, silhouetting the red rooftops and lengthening the shadows of Florence's tangled medieval alleyways. Finally, sample seasonal Tuscan cuisine in an authentic trattoria. You've discovered the art of fine living in this masterpiece of a city.

Things to Do

Climb the soaring cupola of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or Duomo, for views over red rooftops to Tuscany's undulating hills beyond. Michelangelo's David stands proud behind the doors of the Galleria dell'Accademia, only rivaled in scale and splendor by the Uffizi Gallery where Boticellis, da Vincis and other Italian Old Masters hang out. Traverse the River Arno via the medieval Ponte Vecchio to picnic beside statues and fountains in the regal Boboli Gardens.

Shopping

Florentines are slaves to style. Italy's leather capital strains at the seams with handmade gloves, belts, bags and shoes in artisan workshops, as well as at San Lorenzo Market, where haggling is de rigueur. Splurge on designer wear from Italian fashion houses along glamorous Via Tornabuoni or Renaissance scents from convent-turned-perfumery Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Goldsmiths and silversmiths crowd Ponte Vecchio bridge, just steps from Bottega delle Antiche Terme, famous for tailor Simone Abbarchi's made-to-measure threads.

Nightlife and Entertainment

As the sun sets over the River Arno, fashionable Florentines hit Lungarno's people-watching bars for a negroni (Campari-based cocktail) at aperitivo hour. For the finest views, head to the chic Terrazza dei Consorti roof terrace. Street entertainers, guitar-strumming students and caricature artists amuse evening crowds on Piazza del Duomo, a central starting point for a bar hop. Dress for opera in Teatro Comunale and casual for open-air summer concerts in the city's piazzas, like Piazza di Sant'Ambrogio.

Restaurants and Dining

Hearty Tuscan dishes cooked with lashings of local olive oil called "liquid gold" are complemented by full-bodied Chianti wines in Florence. Explore Oltrarno's labyrinthine backstreets and cozy up in the rustic trattorie in working-class San Frediano for staples like succulent bistecca alla fiorentina (charcoal-grilled steak) and ribollita (bean stew). Seasonal cuisine is served by candlelight in Santa Croce's romantic bistros and in the Duomo's shadow in the Centro Storico. Florence's enoteche (wine bars) are relaxed lunchtime stops for antipasti.

Plan a visit to the cradle of the Renaissance with American Airlines flights to Florence. This amazingly beautiful city is full of history, culture and breathtaking vistas -- not to mention heavenly food and wine. Our suggestions for things to do in Florence will help you discover it all.

One of the best activities in Florence will give you a wonderful feel for the city from a local expert, and that's the Private Tour: Florence Walking Tour activity. Traveling by foot will let you have an up-close appreciation for the many details that make this city spectacularly beautiful. You'll want to make time to go back and explore several things at your leisure after the tour, such as Galleria dell'Accademia, which houses Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Madonna and Child and Madonna of the Sea.

You'll also want to spend time at the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (often referred to simply as the Duomo). It's one of the top things to do in Florence and it's something you will not want to miss. Begun in 1296, it features a majestic dome that has become the city's symbol. The facade seems to sparkle in the warm Tuscan sun. Be sure to circle completely around the structure, because you'll find something fascinating around the entire building. The interior is also simply amazing in both its construction and elegant decor, and the cathedral holds many priceless works of art.

Add a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio to your list of can't-miss activities in Florence. This historical bridge is just a short distance from the Palazzo Pitti, or Pitti Palace, which you'll want to spend time exploring. The residence of the Medici family, the Palace is home to a jaw-dropping art collection. You'll find works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Correggio, Rubens -- the list of masters goes on and on. There are also treasures in silver and porcelain not to be missed. One of the least-known yet most enthralling things to do in Florence can also be found right here at the Pitti Palace, and that's an opportunity to discover pietra dura. The Medici family cultivated this art form, in which bits of precious and semi-precious stones are fit together so seamlessly that the finished work appears to be an oil painting.

Since you'll be in the heart of Italy's Tuscan region, you'd be remiss not to indulge in the region's wineries and produce. The Florence Cheese and Wine Tasting activity will give you the chance to savor brilliantly paired local wines and cheeses.

For a trip you will always remember, fly to Florence. There's nowhere else like it in the world, and American Airlines can help you plan the perfect getaway.