What you need to know before you book your airfare and tickets
You might be a bit overwhelmed when you get off your cheap flight to Florence. There seems to be so much art in this city that most people who come here for the first time suffer from museum overdose and art oversaturation. But you can't come to this gem of an Italian city without visiting any of the remnants of its rich history. If you want to ease into it all, just wander around the streets of the historic centre which is now a Unesco World Heritage site. You will get lost in the myriad of little streets lined with shops that sell all the famous Italian labels and Italian trattorias selling frothy cappuccinos. Of course you can't leave without at least visiting the Duomo, the famous cathedral of Florence and maybe take a peek at the statue of the chiselled David by Michelangelo. In the evening have dinner at the Piazzale Michelangiolo and take in the mesmerizing views of the twinkling city lights. Or mingle with the fashionable Florentinos in one of the hip bars and nightclubs. Try Ristorante Beccofino for instance. As the name suggests, it's a restaurant, but they serve drinks as well. Enjoy them on their outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your Chianti under the Florentine sky. If this is too sedate for you, hang out with the trendy young things and enjoy some masterly mixed techno music and cocktails at Yab. When you get all these must see sights and highlights out of the way, it's time to venture out of the city and see more of Tuscany. Take one of the bicycle tours run by Bicycle Tuscany into the Chianti district. You will be shuttled to the country side where you hop on a bike to visit a winery and taste wine and olive oil. Dinner is included and takes place at a family restaurant in the area before you head back to town. There are Vespa versions of this tour as well if you fancy a bit more speed. Another good option for a day trip is the town of Fiesole. Take a bus to this small town only 30 minutes away and admire the breathtaking view across the surrounding area. The best vistas are from the gardens of the Convent of San Francesco.
