February in Italy

Many people don't think about vacationing in February, but it can actually be one of the best times of the year to travel. Flight costs go down and there are often specials on hotels and other travel arrangements. (ApartmentsFlorence.it even has 15% off your stay in February! - with a few restrictions, of course.) But there's also plenty to do in Florence, and throughout Italy, during this time.


In Florence, you can always enjoy great food and drink, but this is especially true during the cold February month. With hearty dishes and bold chiantis, you can warm up quickly with a loved one during your Valentine's Day stay. From Firenze, take a trip to the Italian Alps for some skiing or put on your party pants and head to Venezia for Carnevale! 


We have some more great ideas for you at ApartmentsFlorence.it!

From Paris to Florence: macarons Ladurée

During the whole month of December, in the Lobby L'orangerie inside the Four Season Hotel is open the Salon de Ladurée Christmas Tea Time, with the famous Ladurée macarons!!
Read more ...

Sausage, Prociutto, Salame – Oh My!

When people get to Florence, I often hear them first talk about Gelato. "Where can I find the best gelato?" "How many times a day am I allowed to eat gelato?" "What kind of gelato do I want today?"


These are all questions that I apply daily to the panini. Panini = sandwiches. In my mind panini = happiness. With all sorts of options to choose from, and trattorias scattered throughout the city, finding a good panini isn't hard. But if you have any concerns, ApartmentsFlorence.it has some suggestions of our favorite spots in town to mangiare! 

The Aperitivo

Italians do a lot of things right, especially eating and drinking. Put the two together and it's a thing of beauty. The aperitivo is a perfect blend of all things delicioso. 


Aperitivo is basically the American happy hour but done right. You order a drink, pay 8-10 Euros and help yourself to a buffet of vegetables, pastas, meats, cheeses, breads, you name it. Well, actually this depends on where you go for aperitivo. Some places only put out olives and carrot sticks, while some go the whole 9 yards to make your aperitivo experience one for the books. Here are some ideas for where to go for a nice aperitivo with friends in Florence, Italy. 

Florence for Families

A lot of people think of Florence as a place for romance (which it most definitely is, wink wink) but they may not realize that it is actually very family-friendly town with plenty to do for the whole family. There are festivals for children and activities for kids and teenagers throughout the year. There are ways for youngsters to get involved in the creative scene or to relax and hang out at one of the beautiful city pools or parks. You can find great apartments that are family friendly in the city center and keep those tots engaged and entertained during your memorable stay in Firenze. 

Thanksgiving in Florence

THANKSGIVING IN FLORENCE! WOOHOO!


What an opportunity to share some American culture with Italians for a change! I have a love-hate relationship with the way that Italians do many things. But at the end of the day, I tend to settle with the idea that "Italians do it better." However, there is one thing that they just can't compete with - no matter how good the gnocchi is, or how fresh the cinghiale ragu is, they just can't touch grandma's Thanksgiving dressing.

The good news is that most Italians I've met LOVE Thanksgiving. They wait for their invitation to an American dinner much like Charlie Brown awaiting the Great Pumpkin. And as much as I would like to make all of their Thanksgiving dreams come true, I would much rather keep Thanksgiving dinner an elite event and hand-select the few Italians I want to invite. (It's purely a control thing.) 


If you're going to be in Florence during Thanksgiving, let us know and we can help you find a great apartment and even introduce you to some Italians who would love to be YOUR guest for dinner. 

Lampredotto - The ultimate Florentine panino

I'll tell you what I know - it's made with the third stomach of the cow and it's the classic poor man's sandwich in Florence. The best place to get it is from one of the street carts found throughout the city center. I'll tell you what I don't know - what it tastes like. I'm fascinated by the thing, and honestly it smells pretty good, but I haven't had the guts to stomach it yet. 

December in Florence

 The city is alight with holiday festivities, twinkling lights and beautiful window displays, making it a December destination. The holiday month is one of the most special times of year to visit Florence. Not only do you get to experience the freshest olive oil, truffles and mushrooms that were produced in November, but you are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world for gorgeous holiday celebrations, beautiful lights and exciting festivities.

The weather in Florence is normally between 45-55 degrees (F) for the highs, which makes it perfect for bundling up and spending the day Christmas shopping through Florence’s historic city center. Florence shopping is among some of the best in the world for both designer designs and for personal, hand-crafted local goods. Not to mention, it’s not a bad place to stop for lunch and enjoy a warm risotto, or a nice hot chocolate in the afternoon.

The festivals throughout December start with the children’s festival, Florence Noel, which celebrates Babbo Natale (Father Christmas), and includes a holiday village, food and music. READ MORE...

Train service from Rome to Florence

The logistics of traveling can sometimes be daunting for the new traveler. However, getting from town to town in Italy is very easy by simply using the train system. From Rome, the easiest way to get to Florence is by taking the Leonardo Da Vinci express from Rome Fumincino Airport to Rome Termini Station. Once at Termini there are many trains with service to Florence. The main station in Florence is "Santa Maria Novella". The fast trains on the Eurostar run almost every hour and take approximately 1 1/2 hours. They cost between 40-50 Euros. For Eurostar tickets you have assigned seating and a specific departure time.

If you prefer to stay on a budget, there are several Regional trains from Rome to Florence that stop frequently throughout Tuscany. Read more here...

Tuscany Hot Springs - Winter Day Trips from Florence

There are thousands of day trips to take from Florence throughout Tuscany and even into other regions. There are countless ways to spend your day from antiques shopping in Lucca, to bike trips to Prato. However, there’s one trip that has this writer particularly excited to try out.

When you first think of Tuscany, my guess is that you think of wines like Chianti and Brunello, wonderful foods, and Renaissance cities like Florence and Siena. That’s what I always thought about. But what you may not realize is that Tuscany is a fantastic area to visit natural, hot springs and spas. Yes, please!

Southern Tuscany, in particular, has many natural hot springs where you can go and relax at any time of year. Some of the areas to explore here are Monte Amiata, Maremma, Saturnia, Petriolo, Venturina and San Filippo to name a few. From natural springs, to modern hotels with pools where they bring in the hot springs water, this fantastic experience can be suited to your particular taste.

Read more....

Florence Tips - Where to Shop for Fragrances by Ana

LORENZO VILLORESI
14 via de' Bardi, Florence (00 39 055 234 1187; www.lorenzovilloresi.it). 

Lorenzo Villoresi creates personalised scents for clients in his beautiful 15th-century palazzo. Make an appointment to have something tailor-made, or simply buy one of his lemon verbena room fragrances. Continue Reading...

Driving in Florence - An opportunity or inconvenience? by Christine

The historic centre is filled with incredible history of the Renaissance, beautiful piazzas, museums, charming restaurants & cafes. However, what many guide books forget to mention is that Florence is compacted with very small cobblestone streets, making it very difficult to drive through. Not only is it very challenging to drive on these streets, its restricted to local residents. You have to have a special parking pass to enter, otherwise you can be ticketed by the authorities from the hidden cameras. Continue Reading...

Salutations & Expressions by Sally

How to greet and say "ciao ciao"!

We all know Italians are an affectionate and passionate people, but did you know that this also carries over into their greetings, salutations and signatures whether bumping into someone on the street, writing and email or text, or chatting on the phone?

Here's how to do it:

First of all, the double cheek kiss is the common greeting for pretty much everyone. Friends, people you're introduced to, coworkers, neighbors, whomever - kiss everyone! It can be an air kiss, cheek touch or lip-to-skin contact. Linger for a bit if they're cute. Whatever you want, just kiss away! Continue Reading...

10 anni di Style.com by Lorenzo

"a special limited-edition collaboration"


To celebrate their 10th anniversary, the essential American website, Style.com, has asked 10 designers to create a special tee shirt to commemorate this symbolic date properly. Starting September 15th you can find the creations of Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Alexander Wang, Prada, Lanvin, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Christopher Kane, Rick Owens and Balmain.

Limited edtion of 400 of each.

Organic cotton


potete comprare online da Colette http://www.colette.fr/#/a/3/eshop/174/style-com/brand/104727/



Anna dello Russo fotografata da Tommy Ton con T shirt di Christophe Decarnin (Balmain) per i 10 anni di style.com

Walking in Italy - US and Italian Cultural Differences by Lorenzo

I know, I know, that the US is so large that what I am about to tell you doesn’t apply to all Americans. But it seems to us that many of our US friends are not so used to constantly walking from one place to another, because in America you pretty much always have to drive whether to go to the market, the dentist, or to a bar to meet friends.

So if you're planning a visit to Italy, I thought it would be interesting to point out some cultural differences between those more accustomed to being behind the wheel, and life in a European city center. Keep reading...

Bringing A Pet to Italy from the US by Sally

There is a ton of literature out there on the formalities and requirements of bringing a pet to Italy from the United States. We won't pretend to be experts on the ins and outs of the procedure, but from what we can tell, you have to obtain a Pet Passport, have rabies shots up to date at least 30 days before your trip, get your pet chipped, and they have to be at least 30 days old. …Along with a few other details. Then you have to check with your airline about proper stowage, crates, etc.. 

Here are some tips on other things to think about before your move or your trip to help you plan appropriately.

1. Get all proper documentation at least 30 days before your trip. I recommend at least 60 days just in case. “Bone up” on required documents HERE.
2. Check with your airline(s) for specific travel requirements.
3. Make sure your selected housing arrangement is pet friendly. (Here are some Florence apartments that are:www.apartmentsflorence.it)
4. Know your new city in terms of pet care: Where is the closest vet and will they need new vaccines? What will be my pet need upon arrival – food, bedding, toys, etc – and where will I find it? Where’s the closest kennel or pet-sitter and what are the costs? Where are the closest parks? What is the local “pettiquite” concerning leashes, muzzles, etc?

In general, Italy is very pet friendly with plenty of services and ways to pamper your furry, or not-so-furry, friends.

Just make like a boy scout and always be prepared. While it can be difficult to think about leaving a pet at home during your week-long travels or your new life adventure, make sure you’re doing the right thing for both you and your pet – ensuring them plenty of attention and TLC during their trip.

Getting to Know Florence's Neighborhoods

Quiet Morning Streets of Santo Spirito

Florence is a town of about half a million permanent residents in the city's center which contains six unique neighborhoods. Because the center is so compact, it an take only a few hours to walk through all six neighborhoods. However, to speed through them without appreciating each one's individuals feel and offering, would be "un peccato," a sin.

So take some time to walk through and experience the main channels and backroads of Florence. It is off the beaten paths in Santo Spirito that you will find the carpenter's door open, inviting you to watch him at his craft. Or in the streets spread from Santa Croce where you'll appreciate how the locals live with quaint but extraordinary cafes and restaurants.

Plan appropriately and read more about the 6 Quartiere of Firenze.

Who We Are

ApartmentsFlorence.it is your guide to finding a home away from home during your stay in Florence, Italy. We have beautiful apartments throughout the city that are available for a single night, or for an entire year. Our apartments are not only the highest quality, but are reasonably priced for all travelers and needs. Additionally, we will provide you personal assistance before your arrival and during your stay in Italy. See Our Apartments

Florence is a true Renaissance city in the heart of Tuscany and home to the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens, Michelangelo's David, the Uffizi Gallery and many more everyday treasures.

So while planning your trip....sit and enjoy learning about Florence; it's art, culture, people and explore it off the beaten path!

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