Florence

An architectural masterpiece and the pride of the Florentine skyline, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is situated in Florence in Italy. It literally translates to “Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower” in English. But it is popularly known as The Duomo by the locals. The Cathedral is known for its rich history and architectural marvels. Built in over 150 years, between 1296 and 1436, the building is a blend of different architectural styles that were prevalent in the different eras making it more intriguing than ever. Such a changing face of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is evidence of how the architectural taste of people changed with time. Also, the Duomo is more than 152 meters long and 90 meters wide, making it the third largest cathedral in the world. The Cathedral is one of the most magnificent works of art and is the most famous tourist attraction in Florence. It holds utmost importance when it comes to witnessing intricate artistry. It is an experience that any visitor wouldn’t want to miss. The cathedral’s exterior is made with a mix of pink and green marble and bordered by marble which is a delightful sight to stop and look at. The cathedral complex, in the main square of Florence, Piazza del Duomo, includes Giotto’s Campanile and the Baptistery and all these three buildings have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are a treasure trove of history, faith and art. 

Battistero di San Giovanni is one of the oldest churches in Florence. It is octagonal in shape and entirely covered in white and green marble. Considered as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Florence, the Battistero di San Giovanni is part of the Piazza del Duomo and there is a dome in the centre that is divided into eight segments. The most unique part of the Baptistry is the interior of the dome that is done up in Byzantine mosaic. Here, you will also find the tomb of the Antipope John XXIII. The structure has 3 doors and the most important one is the Gate of Paradise which were sculpted by a 22 year old artist Lorenzo Ghiberti.  Location: Piazza Del Duomo, Piazza San Giovanni, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Timings: - Monday to Friday: 8:15 am to 10:15 am, 11:15 am to 7:30 pm - Saturday: 8:15 am to 6:30 pm- Sunday and first Saturday of each month: 8:15 am to 1:30 pmEntry Fee: - Adults: 18 Euros- Children (between 6 and 11): 3 Euros- Children under 6: Free

Piazzale Michelangelo is a 19th-century terrace perched atop a hill, overlooking the “cradle of Renaissance”-Florence. A trip to Florence will be incomplete if you do not catch a glimpse of the magnificent skyline from this square! Built on a hill to the left of the mighty Arno River, this is a beautiful plaza that was created by celebrated Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi. The square houses near-perfect bronze copies of Michelangelo’s David, found in the Florence Art Gallery. It is also known for its impressive design and spell-binding architecture that lures the visitors to gasp into the ethereal beauty of this place. The view from the square at sunset is breathtaking, and thousands of tourists flock to this place to enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the city of Florence. Besides, the piazza is a restaurant where you can have some of the most delicious alfresco meals. No matter whether it's day or night, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a postcard-worthy view of the city of Florence whenever you’re here.

Uffizi Palace and Gallery is an amazing treasure trove of artistic masterpieces from the past. It is a prominent art museum and one of the most visited attractions in Florence. It was established in 1851 and designed by the renowned architect, Vasari. Some of the most stunning pieces that are showcased in Uffizi Palace and Gallery are Coronation of the Virgin by Fra Angelico, The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, Madonna with the Long Neck by Parmigianino, Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci and Andrea del Verrocchio and several more of the finest works of many renowned artists.  Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Timings: - Tuesday to Sunday - 8:15am to 6:50pm- Monday - closedEntry Fee: - Adults: 8 Euros- Students (aged 18 to 25): 4 Euros- Young people (less than 18) and Seniors (over 65): free entry.

Basilica of Santa Croce is one of the most famous tourist places in Florence that houses the mortal remains of some of the greatest personalities here. It is the burial place of Michaelangelo, Rossini, Galileo Galilei, Machiavelli and many others. The Basilica itself showcases several artistic works of many famous artists such as the frescoes by Gaddi in the Cappella Maggiore. Another fresco by Giotto in the Bardi and Peruzzi Chapels and The Annunciation by Donatello covers the south wall.  Santa Croce is a prominent attraction in Florence for its architecture and it dates back to 1212 from the days of St. Francis of Assisi. The Basilica comprises a large bell tower, 16 chapels, the Sacristy and the tombs and cenotaphs.  Location: Piazza di Santa Croce, 16, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Timings: - From Monday to Saturday: 9:30 am until 5 pm. - Sunday and public holidays: 2 pm until 5 pmEntry Fee: - Adults: 8 Euros- Students (aged 11 to 17): 4 Euros- Children (less than 11 years old) and disabled: Free entry.

Cinque Terre, nestled between Pisa and Genoa is a string of seaside villages - Manarola, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia and Riomaggiore. Situated on a mountainous stretch overlooking the Italian Riviera coastline these towns make for the dreamest of summer expeditions. The vibrant, colourful houses, vineyards clinging to the steep terraces with breath-taking scenery, harbours housed with fishing boats and seafood eating joints, and the cliffside hike trails that link the villages should be reasons enough to visit Cinque Terre for your next holiday. This quaint Italian destination is best explored on foot, taking up the hiking trails along the cliffs with majestic vistas of the Italian coastline. Or the next best option is a train ride to travel between the five centuries-old villages. Moreover, all these towns offer the best of sights, including Santuario di Nostra Signora di Montenero, a viewpoint in Riomaggiore. Additionally, the food scene in Manarola’s Nessun Dorma is the very best, and besides gorging on Italian delicacies, you can also take up a Pesto making class here. Or you can try out some of the most flavoursome ranges of wines, bubbles, grappa and Passito wine within Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre has some of the most alluring sunsets that one can witness. Climb up the many viewpoints across the five towns to engrave a golden-hued evening in your memories or capture the moment in photographs. Further, surrounded by clear azure water, it would be a shame, not to take a dip in the sea or go on a boat ride. In Cinque Terre, you can go to several beaches, including Monterosso Beach in Manarola village.Another nearby place worth seeing, although not part of Cinque Terre is Porto Venere. This UNESCO world- heritage village is situated on the Ligurian coast and is known for Porto Venere Regional Natural Park, a protected area with trails and dive sites, Fezzano and Le Grazie.

Boboli Gardens is not only a garden but one of the most spectacular open-air museums that showcases the cultural heritage of Florence. The Garden is home to several ancient oak trees, phenomenal sculptures, fountains and lovely canopies and shades. It is designed in the European Royal garden style which is mainly found in Versailles. Its design, creation and development spans over 4 centuries starting from the 15th to the 19th century. The whole Garden covers an area of 111 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The original plan was drawn by the famous court architect Niccolò Tribolo.  Location: Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Timings: 8:15am to 6:30pm everyday Entry Fee: - From March 1st to 31st October -  Adults: 10 Euros, Students (18 to 25): 2 Euros- From 1st November to 28th February - Adults: 6 Euros, Children (18 to 25): 2 Euros

Located in Italy, the Santa Maria Novella Church is one of the most renowned Gothic Churches in Florence and is a must-see on every tourist’s travel itinerary. A rare mix of architecture and religion, the monument is one of the most notable Gothic churches in Tuscany. Its exteriors feature the work of Fra Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti. Also, the interiors feature an array of works by artistic geniuses like Masaccio’s Trinity`a Ghirlandaio’s fresco cycle in the Tornabuoni Chapel and Giotto’s Crucifix. The church also holds the rare distinction of being first among great basilicas in Florence and is also the main Dominican Church in the city. While it is located right across a railway station by the same name, the Florentine church has also found mention in the hugely popular Dan Brown novel named ‘Inferno’. The church gets its name Novella (New) from a 9th-century chapel of the same name, dedicated to Santa Maria Delle Vigne. The church was first conceived and constructed after the entire area was taken up by Preachers Dominican order in 1221. It was designed by two Dominican friars named Fra Sista Florentino and Fra Ristoro da Campi between 1246 and 1260 and was completed with a Romanesque-Gothic bell tower and sacristy.