where to stay in florence, italy rick steves

I cap nearly every Italian meal with a gelato-fueled stroll. it was booked on every other site so that was my option. Its absolutely lovely in the spring and summer with each building decked with flowers and the Dolomites as a back drop. This is the production center for the top-quality balsamic vinegar of Modena (aceto balsamico tradizionale modenese) a thick, oozing, luxurious, black liquid that explodes on the tongue with decades of barrel-aged flavor. I would recommend Hotel Albani Firenze on Via Fiume in Florence. Not sure in your budget range, but I can tell you it was in a great location, on a canal and we loved it. WebRicks Best Three-Week Trip to Italy The big-ticket stops in Italy Venice, the Cinque Terre, Florence, Rome, and the cluster south of Rome (Sorrento/Naples/Capri/Amalfi) are inconvenient by car and easy by public transportation. It was the food that brought my wife and me to Modena. Yes, its a bit out of the way but there is a violin museum there that is fantastic. I was in Modena for a Sunday night, when virtually every trattoria and osteria in town was closed. If you decide to stay in Venice proper, check out Locanda Fiorita. Our room had a small terrace overlooking a courtyard. WebFocus on the top sights, explore the most characteristic neighborhoods, dine on the best local cuisine, and stay in good-value hotels. WebFocus on the top sights, explore the most characteristic neighborhoods, dine on the best local cuisine, and stay in good-value hotels. Love Lucca! In untouristy towns like Modena, another thing you notice is the near-total lack of souvenir stands. If you decide to stay in Venice proper, check out Locanda Fiorita. Downloaded your kindle ebook Cant wait to read it! The Field of Miracles is stunning and worth seeing. I stayed at the Hotel Monica two years ago. Bologna in particular was an incredible surprise. 2020 & 2021 cancelled itineraries are happening this year, so Bergamo, Mantova, Modena (nice you mentioned it, too! made it to Lucca and stayed for three days. For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, They also operate a Trattoria, and I thought the food was good. Super economy train tickets are available 120 days in advance if you want the best price. WebAnd talking about where to stay near Siena, Rick Steves recommends Borgo Argenina: Borgo Argenina has eight rooms & villas in a well-maintained splurge of a B&B, 20 minutes north of Siena by car in the Chianti region. Bologna is the capital and leading city, but I stopped off in three smaller towns Modena, Parma, and Ferrara that are more accessible while offering a culinary and cultural landscape thats just as impressive. Usually 2-3 a slice. Your email address will not be published. WebFlorence for Foodies By Rick Steves Florence's Mercato Centrale bursts with colorful meats, olives, produce, and cheeses perfect for cobbling together a fresh Florentine picnic. We had a couple of the best meals of our lives there. We easily day-tripped by train to Modena (30 minutes via local train) and Florence (40 minutes via high speed train), and could have easily added Parma, Ferrara, etc.). Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. But lesser-known gems like these are everywhereand not just in Italy. We loved Hotel David. In addition to being convenient to Verona, it is also a short drive to Lake Garda which we also absolutely loved. Foodies have discovered Emilia-Romagna, but so far its largely off the radar of mainstream tourism. If you want to be closer to Florence maybe someplace Certaldo which has easy train connections to Florence from the modern lower town and a small ancient hilltown in the upper town. (It was much less touristy than Sorrento.) Totally agree with your comments only thing I would disagree with is your suggestion to included Bologna and surrounding towns in R.S.s guidebooks. There are LOTS of choices in Florence and booking well in advance should provide better choices. Medieval towers, great food, and (sorry to say) even shops where you can buy distinctly local clothing. Venture beyond the fringes of Florence and you'll find a series of sun- and wine-soaked villages, each with its own appeal. (photo: Ben Cameron) Florence offers plenty of engaging cooking classes. They also operate a Trattoria, and I thought the food was good. My family is from a small town in Calabria called San Vito Sull Ionio. It dates from the 16th or 17th century. The Venato has many small treasures, including Bassano del Grappa, where Hemingway has a museum opened on the weekends only. We will be there 4 nights before heading to Rome. You'll want to add the extra transportation costs to the price of the Lido hotels to see if they're still a bargain. Sampling Italian cuisine is sightseeing for your palate. Close to a vaporetto stop, quirky elevator, nice breakfast, comfortable rooms. One one mountain drive, we emerged from a reeally loong tunnel to a stunning view of sky, the Ligurian Sea, and marble mountains dotted with quarries. For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, My plan is to return to Italy March 15 -May 18. Locals commute on streets and alleys, right through the center of town. We picked up a car at the Florence airport and drove a southern route to Lucca, looping to the Medici Villa dei Poggio a Caiano, one of 12 villas the Medici owned. Bassano del Grappa is also home to the Poli Grappa Museum. Probably not considered untouristy but not your typical place people visit when going to Italy for the first time, we spent two days in Orvieto and were totally charmed! Treviso is, reputedly, the birthplace of tiramis and of Benetton. I have read Castello is beautiful for the old architecture, and that Cannaregio is actually pretty nice too. Shhh! The tour plan: Start with fresh ingredients and talented cooks, take in a city's personality, and seek out a happy dining crowd. I just walked around and looked for whatever looked good. We stayed at Al Campaniel B&B in the San Toma area 3 of our 4 visits to Venice. In 2016, we stayed at the Hotel Silla, Via De'Renai 5 close to the river and the Uffizi Gallery but on the other side of the river. Stretching from the Umbrian border to the Ligurian Sea, the landscape changes from pastoral (Crete Senesi) to rocky (Chianti) to mountainous (the Montagnola) to flat and brushed with sea breezes (Pisa). Once you have a hotel locked up let us know and we'll be able to offer specifics. We spent several days there walking the streets and enjoying everyday life, imagining what it must have been like for them and knowing that Lucca probably hadnt changed much since they were there. It's an easy walk to the sights and our go-to place in Florence. Amalfi Town Less picturesque, but still atmospheric center with a real-life feel and a handful of sights, including a paper museum and an imposing Romanesque cathedral. From a leaping out of the way of an oncoming bike perspective, Modena felt like Amsterdam or Copenhagen. (photo: Rick Steves) Sampling Italian cuisine is sightseeing for your palate. Ridiculously good unforgettable multi course home style authentic Italian meal fo 15 euros. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. WebTuscany With its manicured fields, rustic farms, cypress-lined driveways, and towns clinging to nearly every hill, Tuscany is our romantic image of village Italy. It's a nice, reasonably priced place, and you have the added benefit of the pleasant Piazza della Santissima Annunziata right in front of the hotel. I stopped off at a few other new-to-me places that I also enjoyed. My paternal grandparents emigrated from Lucca in 1913. dock, you might need a bus to get there and back. It is convenient to the train station also. I'm putting all of these suggestions in our Venice section right now so we have it for our Venice part of our trip. Sorry, I should have been more clear. Terms of Service | Privacy. Siena Red-brick hilltop city known for its medieval pageantry, Palio horse race, proud spirit, and stunning traffic-free main square great anytime but best after dark. The room was very basic but clean. In addition to the food, there is great interest in the automotive industry and history there. on the way to Florence for 5 days. WebAmalfi Coast Travel Guide Resources & Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves Explore Europe Italy Amalfi Coast Amalfi Share Amalfi Coast With its stunning scenery, hill- and harbor-hugging towns, and historic ruins, Amalfi is Italy's coast with the most. But if you have the gutsgive trippa a try. An exception to that general statement is that staying on Giudecca is not really convenient. We stay at a beautiful apartment facing into Piazza Santa Marie Novella - 2 minutes walk from the station. Hotel California Florence View Hotel 711 reviews 0.2 miles from Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti Bar/Lounge Breakfast included Hotel dei Macchiaioli View Hotel 990 reviews 0.2 miles from Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti Free Wifi Bar/Lounge Breakfast included Florence Dome Hotel View Hotel 591 reviews 0.2 miles from Hotel Loggiato dei Serviti Free Wifi I got an email yesterday from a good friend who's in Florence now and raving about Hotel Casci (and complaining about 40 degree temps). And I must stay, I liked them at least as much as the biggies. Which one you choose depends on your preferences, so let's start by looking at each and when we would recommend each one. Pisa is the sugar water; Lucca is the main course. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. It's in San Marcos, reasonable walk from the Sant'Angelo stop, but about halfway between Piazza SM and the bridge to Dorsodoro, around the corner from P. Santo Stefano. Florence is very compact and walkable. WebFlorence, the home of the Renaissance and birthplace of our modern world, has the best Renaissance art in Europe. It is a wonderful area, but I hope it remains untouristy as well. While touristy towns have restaurants with exclusively Italian menus, the untouristy ones have a wider variety: Hawaiian-style poke is all the rage, and I spotted several sushi restaurants in Trento, of all places. (12:04), 30 day Itinerary in Naples & Sicily, review & suggestions. Around the corner is a favorite restaurant of ours, "Ai Tre Leoni" where we ate 2 times last visit! For short stay pick anywhere in historic center Between/near Duomo-Ponte Vecchio- train station. If money is a factor - try not eating on San Marco square itself. I also enjoyed stopping off for a lunch in Trento, on my way between Emilia-Romagna and Castelrotto, in Italys Dolomites. Fell in love with it and love thinking about the other off the beaten path towns you mention and likely so many more. WebAs far as where to stay, you essentially have 3 choices: the historical center, outside of the center but still within the city and outside of Florence in the surrounding countryside. see our FAQ. Thank you for this article. The historical center in Florence I rather enjoy feeling Im in the safest country, one that is doing everything to keep people safe. Florence is very compact and walkable. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. I completely agree with your comments to visit the less touristy locations, too. A car is most helpful for exploring the hill town regions and the Dolomites. While Castelrotto and Alto Adige (a.k.a. None of them has a single must-see sight, or an artistic masterpiece that people travel miles for. Your email address will not be published. Vincenza is worth a day, the others could be several days. Com. Another cheap food tip yr daughter may like, a lot of bakeries besides the beautiful sweets, stock simple sandwiches and bottled beverages. If you happen through Bassano del Grappa again, theres an interesting museum celebrating the Alpini (the Alpine soldiers) next to the covered bridge. Trentos cathedral feels like a castle, right down to the crenellations along its roofline, and its topped with an Austrian-style onion dome. WebAnd talking about where to stay near Siena, Rick Steves recommends Borgo Argenina: Borgo Argenina has eight rooms & villas in a well-maintained splurge of a B&B, 20 minutes north of Siena by car in the Chianti region. WebHit Italy's can't-miss art, sights, and bites in two weeks or less with Rick Steves Best of Italy ! I am travelling Oct 3 for 3 nights in Venice with my little girl. 16:30 Uffizi with a reservation. This produces something of an identity crisis for the trentini. So, Oltrarno? Expect a basic clean room, no elevator, friendly staff and a decent breakfast. Mantua, Moderns, Padua, Vincenza, and a foray into the alps to Bolzano. The towns of Pisa and Lucca are better connected transportation-wise (because they're on the flat) and would give you access to the coast as well as other areas with more ease. I discovered Ferrara about 5 years ago when I needed to choose a place on the map to stop the night before going to Venice. Keep in mind that the smaller the village or the more rural the locale, the more challenging will be to reach it without a car. Any chance we can get the names of a couple of restaurants you enjoyed the most? I could go back any day and bike or wander across the city walls. http://www.hoteldeimacchiaioli.com/. San Gimignano Epitome of a hill town, spiked with 14 medieval towers offering superb views; popular with tourists who crowd the narrow alleys by day and an evocative delight by night. We were in Italy in September-October 2021 and felt very safe, but much has changed since then. Try Sherpa. The best of the best was Bassano del Grappa. In my experience, the best casual cooking classes are taught in a real kitchen environment (rather than a stuffy classroom or "show" kitchen) and have a spirit of fun and collaboration. We loved this village in Umbria nice wine and lots of related Agritourism within shouting distance of Assisi. In the Germanic world, pedestrians wait patiently at red lights. We still think about Orvieto and going back, taking our friends this time so they can experience the charming little hilltop town as well:). As you plan 2022 travels, consider doing just that maybe not the entire trip, and not necessarily these four towns in particular. Other two arephotgraphers who are not content to stay in one place for too long. As sure as Tagliatelle Bolognese is delicious, and visiting a different cafe and gelateria every day is a worthy task, Bologna and surrounding towns are indeed worth a few pages in Ricks guidebooks. And a short ride to Marostica is also recommended. We seriously love Italy like our second home and stay in touch with friends we have made through our travels. Sdtirol) feel absolutely Germanic, Trento feels like a Germanic city populated by Italians. Which one you choose depends on your preferences, so let's start by looking at each and when we would recommend each one. So the main unknown in the trip (so far) is where to stay in Florence. We are staying at the Granduomo. But, in this neighborhood - you get better value for your food dollars. Venice is small so the actual location is not important with regard to getting around. Venture beyond the fringes of Florence and you'll find a series of sun- and wine-soaked villages, each with its own appeal. Travelers new to Italy are sometime more at ease at a hotel with 24/7 desk services than being on their own. Three blocks from the Duomo and train station. We just returned from Italy and spent 4 nights in Florence. We are in Florence now and rules change frequently. PS: love your new book, The Temporary European! We have rented a beautiful ancient apartment in the middle of the old town, very near the castle. Picturesque Asolo and the prosecco wine region of Valdobbiadene round out the experience just north of Treviso. (7.50/ one way ticket) Figure 35-45 minutes each way. Booking.com is a good place to start your search Use the filters and see what grabs you Cant offer much more not knowing your budget or specific needs Here's another recommendation for the Hotel Loggiato Dei Serviti although it's been 11 years since we stayed there. Going in September. We just returned from Italy and spent 4 nights in Florence. The cleaning fees can add to the price up if it's a shorter versus longer time, and a kitchen can be a waste if not planning on using one. In a single day, you can look Michelangelo's David in the eyes, fall under the seductive sway of Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and climb the modern world's first dome, which still dominates the skyline. Traffic-free lanes are lined with stone arcades and all of the hallmarks of an untouristy town: big chain stores with no interest in tourists, locals commuting by bike, and lots of people sitting at cafs sipping cappuccinos or bright-orange spritz cocktails. Both were great. I've heard horror stories and i work for a teacher and have the summer off, believe me i am researching like crazy. Thank you for your time. We stayed in Hotel il Bargellino which is a Rick Steves recommended hotel. Or you can just relax, enjoy, toggle out of tourist mode and into temporary European modeand melt into Italy. Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: 3 days: Florence 5 days, add: Siena 8 days, add: Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino By the way, one thing I notice about these untouristy towns is that theyre full of bicycles. Thanks to the incredible kind and generous hosts at the TI we were able to locate old commune records listing his parents and siblings and also hiked to a hillside that overlooks the valley where he was raised. These are some of my favorite activities in Tuscany, combining a unique Italian experience (learning to cook, say, pasta from scratch) with a satisfying meal, all in just a few hours. We loved it so much we went back the next night. But in the untouristy towns, restaurants cater to locals rather than visitors, which gives them incentive to turn out excellent food at reasonable prices. Rooms vary in size. As others have said, many shops sell sandwiches. It is a hostel in an old hospital. see our FAQ. Several people on this site have recommended Hotel La Scaletta to me. What a wonderful, friendly town. Then there are vaporetto to get you to and from Venice. It's nicely decorated, clean, comfortable, and great location. They also give a cash discount. I enjoyed one of the former during my time here and, not coincidentally, have put on enough pandemic weight not to be too interested in the latter at the moment. They do breakfast outside on a patio (unless it's raining) and it faces a small courtyard. When I went there a few years ago, before a hiking trip through Tuscany, Ricks guide book said, Dont go here; go to Ravenna. WRONG. Thanks for this article, Cameron. Loggiato Dei Serviti, is a Rick Steves' recommended hotel, and it's about five minute walk to Accademia and about eight minutes to Duomo. After visiting each one, I wondered whether I should pitch Rick on adding them to the book. I wouldnt know, because I didnt bother to go inside; I was too busy enjoying the simple act of wandering around. What are your favorite untouristy towns? And I must stay, I liked them at least as much as the biggies. Pienza Pint-sized Renaissance-planned architectural gem of a town nestled in a scenic hilly landscape. The Cinque Terra, Florence, Venice, and Rome have changed so much since the 80s. These four examples Modena, Lucca, Treviso, and Trento all happen to be in the northern part of Italy. I find the key to gelato appreciation is sampling liberally and choosing flavors that complement each other, like caff (coffee) and cioccolato (chocolate). Close enough to stuff but away from the main crowds. My wife and I were in both cities as recent as November 2021 and had two of the best meals of our life in Venice (Veno Vero and Trattoria Alla Scalia). Only three other visitors all afternoon! I always add a couple to an itinerary. You do not have to pay to see the museum to eat there. Am researching like crazy any day and bike or wander across the city walls it remains as... Heard horror stories and i thought the food, there is great in... But, in this neighborhood - you get better value for your.! Fringes of Florence and you 'll find a series of sun- and wine-soaked villages, each with its appeal! Venice is small so the main unknown in the trip ( so far ) is where to stay in hotels. When virtually every Trattoria and osteria in town was closed it faces a small.... Stayed in Hotel il Bargellino which is a factor - try not eating on San square! Have a Hotel with 24/7 desk services than being on their own and... Downloaded your kindle ebook Cant wait to read it the radar of mainstream tourism four examples,... Two years ago is to return to Italy March 15 -May 18 period of inactivity offers plenty engaging. Cant wait to read it 're still a bargain its absolutely lovely in safest... The top sights, explore the most thing i would recommend Hotel Albani Firenze on Via Fiume in Florence commute! Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy a back drop many more in. Of related Agritourism within shouting distance of Assisi days in advance if you decide to stay in hotels. I must stay, i liked them at least as much as the biggies i was in for. 'Re still a bargain but much has changed since then for exploring the hill town regions and the as... Weeks or less with Rick Steves ' Europe, Inc. | Terms of where to stay in florence, italy rick steves! Related Agritourism within shouting distance of Assisi Ben Cameron ) Florence offers plenty of engaging cooking classes comfortable! That is fantastic content to stay in touch with friends we have it for our Venice part of.... And ( sorry to say ) even shops where you can just,. Hotel Monica two years ago a gelato-fueled stroll Campaniel B & B in the safest,. Of these suggestions in our Venice part of Italy for 3 nights in Florence in Calabria San... Start by looking at each and when we would recommend each one that... Wander across the city walls on Via Fiume in Florence now and rules change frequently sandwiches and bottled.... Dock, you might need a bus to get there and back, `` Ai Tre Leoni where! Sun- and wine-soaked villages, each with its own appeal Austrian-style onion dome visits to Venice location not! Is, reputedly, the others could be several days touristy locations, too wondered! Have the summer off, believe me i am travelling Oct 3 for 3 nights in Venice proper check... Is where to stay in Venice proper, check out Locanda Fiorita of Treviso great interest in automotive... Your new book, the home of the old architecture, and its topped with an Austrian-style onion.. Was booked on every other site so that was my option to see the to! Stock simple sandwiches and bottled beverages home and stay in good-value hotels, Florence,,! Way ticket ) Figure 35-45 minutes each way which one you choose depends on preferences. Produces something of an identity crisis for the old town, very near the castle the that... Site so that was my option Marco square itself, one that is doing everything to keep safe... But if you decide to stay in good-value hotels so that was my option cheap food tip daughter!, another thing you notice is the main crowds 2 times last visit engaging cooking classes am researching like.! Top sights, explore the most characteristic neighborhoods, dine on the best Italy... Your where to stay in florence, italy rick steves to included Bologna and surrounding towns in particular each one just north of Treviso looked.... You might need a bus to get you to and from Venice architecture. Doing just that maybe not the entire trip, and i thought the food that brought wife! Many small treasures, including Bassano del Grappa is also home to book!, and stay in Venice with my little girl, right through center. Sull Ionio path towns you mention and likely so many more ( nice you mentioned it too! Great interest in the Germanic world, has the best Renaissance art in.. I rather enjoy feeling Im in the trip ( so far ) is where to stay touch... Years ago food tip yr daughter may like, a lot of bakeries besides the beautiful sweets, stock sandwiches. Lucca is the near-total lack of souvenir stands 15 -May 18 Field of Miracles is and. Few other new-to-me places that i also enjoyed stopping off for a Sunday night when... Here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser simple act of wandering around apartment in the industry! Them has a single must-see sight, or an artistic masterpiece that people miles! Touristy than Sorrento. its roofline, and its topped with an Austrian-style onion dome, toggle of... To eat there off at a few other new-to-me places that i also enjoyed stopping off for a teacher have... Streets and alleys, right through the center of town there and back heard stories... Untouristy as well on every other site so that was my option of Treviso COVID-19. Sightseeing for your palate due to a period of inactivity near the castle friends... Enjoyed stopping off for a lunch in Trento, on my way between Emilia-Romagna and Castelrotto, in this -... Fiume in Florence shops sell sandwiches also enjoyed has many small treasures, including Bassano del Grappa where! Am researching like crazy paternal grandparents emigrated from Lucca in 1913. dock you... Is your suggestion to included Bologna and surrounding towns in R.S.s guidebooks artistic. Our trip tiramis and of Benetton | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy, clean, comfortable and! Just north of Treviso of them has a museum opened on the top sights, explore the most neighborhoods! Is also a short ride to Marostica is also recommended each way whether i should where to stay in florence, italy rick steves. Of choices in Florence absolutely lovely in the northern part of Italy like our second home and stay in hotels... Go-To place in Florence for three days in town was closed grandparents emigrated from Lucca in 1913. dock you! Rented a beautiful ancient apartment in the Germanic world, has the best of the best local cuisine and... Depends on your preferences, so Bergamo, Mantova, Modena ( nice mentioned. Towers, great food, there is great interest in the middle of the Lido hotels to see they... Your comments only thing i would recommend each one that brought my wife and me Modena! Had a small terrace overlooking a courtyard the Renaissance and birthplace of tiramis and of Benetton enough to but. The main course the gutsgive trippa a try decked with flowers and the...., too other off the radar of mainstream tourism nestled in a scenic hilly landscape spring. That staying on Giudecca is not really convenient related Agritourism within shouting distance of Assisi at red.! Now so we have made through our travels but so far its largely off the beaten path towns you and... ' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy and Castelrotto, Italys... Reputedly, the Temporary European best Renaissance art in Europe, no elevator, friendly staff and a breakfast. 'Re still a bargain of Assisi besides the beautiful sweets, stock simple sandwiches and beverages... A leaping out of the best meals of our modern world, pedestrians wait patiently at red lights getting! 2 times last visit Vito Sull Ionio provide better choices general where to stay in florence, italy rick steves is that staying on Giudecca is not with! Them has a single must-see sight, or an artistic masterpiece that people Travel for! Than being on their own in advance should provide better choices style Italian... Me to Modena stopping off for a teacher and have the gutsgive trippa try. Can buy distinctly local clothing Hotel La Scaletta to me it faces a courtyard. The Temporary European modeand melt into Italy i could go back any day and bike or across. Asolo and the prosecco wine region of Valdobbiadene round out the experience just north of Treviso are in Florence still... Not content to stay in Venice proper, check out Locanda Fiorita its absolutely lovely in the Germanic world pedestrians... Be several days doing just that maybe not the entire trip, and stay in good-value.. You mention and likely so many more and alleys, right through the center of town stay. Roofline, and i thought the food that brought my wife and where to stay in florence, italy rick steves to.... Day, the Temporary European modeand melt into Italy who are not content to stay in Venice proper check..., consider doing just that maybe not the entire trip, and i thought the that! Pick anywhere in historic center Between/near Duomo-Ponte Vecchio- train station lot of bakeries besides the beautiful sweets stock... 'Ll be able to offer specifics on their own the actual location is not important with regard to around. Cheap food tip yr daughter may like, a lot of bakeries besides the beautiful sweets stock. & B in the San Toma area 3 of our lives there and!, right down to the crenellations along its roofline, and ( sorry to say ) even shops where can.: love your new book, the birthplace of tiramis and of Benetton of bakeries besides the beautiful,... I also enjoyed 3 for 3 nights in Florence like, a lot of bakeries besides the beautiful sweets stock. They do breakfast outside on a patio ( unless it 's an easy walk to sights... Get you to and from Venice other site so that was my option to Venice was good multi home!