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 Brunelleschi's dome as a backdrop, follow the River Arno to the Uffizi Gallery and soak in centuries of great painting. Wander across the Ponte Vecchio, taking in the tangle of medieval streets. Then sample seasonal Tuscan cooking in a Left Bank trattoria. You've discovered the art of fine living in this masterpiece of a city.

Things to Do -- Michelangelo's David stands tall (literally) behind the doors of the Accademia and, nearby, the delicate painting of Fra' Angelico in the convent of San Marco enchants. Works by Florentines Donatello, Masaccio, and Ghiberti fill the city's churches and museums. Once home to the Medici, the Palazzo Pitti is stuffed with Raphaels and Titians, and backed by the fountains of the regal Boboli Garden. Climb the Duomo's cupola for views to the hills beyond.

Shopping -- Italy's leather capital strains at the seams with handmade gloves, belts, bags, and shoes sold from workshops, family-run boutiques, and high-toned stores, as well as at tourist-oriented San Lorenzo Market. Splurge on designer wear from glamorous fashion houses along Via de' Tornabuoni or Renaissance scents from the convent-turned-perfumery, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella. For authentic artisan goods, wander the alleyways of the Oltrarno.

Restaurants & Dining -- Florentine eating is more cosmopolitan than in the countryside, but flavors still have Tuscany at their core. Even in the best restaurants, meals might kick off with peasant concoctions like ribollita (vegetable stew) before moving onto the chargrilled delights of a bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine beefsteak on the bone) -- all washed down with a fine Chianti Classico. At lunchtime order a plate of cold cuts, or if you're feeling adventurous lampredotto alla fiorentina (a sandwich of cow's stomach stewed in tomatoes and garlic).

Nightlife & Entertainment -- Kick your evening off with aperitivo hour: Simple, tasty buffets are piled high for early evening drinkers to enjoy. When you've dined to your fill, retire to a wine bar in the Oltrarno, or to one of the edgier joints of Santo Spirito and San Frediano, where DJs play till the wee hours. If you're keen on opera, classical, theater, or jazz, you'll find it here, too.

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.