connoisseur travel
Destination...
Florence
Birth place of the Renaissance, and a city where all the finest things in life can be found in abundance, indulge in the delights of Florence Don’’t miss:
Music: The Food Of Love
Adapted from a fifteenth century monastery, with a façade reputedly designed by Michelangelo, the stunning Villa San Michele boasts spectacular views stretching over the Arno Valley, to the city of Florence. Located in Fiesole in Tuscany (but just 15 minutes from the centre of Florence with the free shuttle bus), the Villa is also famous for its cookery school. The school offers a series of great classes, from half day to longer two, three and even five day courses, with themes such as children’s cooking, cooking for one and healthy eating. Some even include wine tastings at local vineyards, or trips to discover the cuisine of local regions such as Chianti. Don’t miss A Symphony of Pasta, a three day course, with each day taken by a different chef from notable restaurants all over Italy, such as Cipriani in Venice. Another highlight, Italian Intermezzo works with the famous creator of this book of recipes matched to music, Sharon O’Connor, to explore the cultural and gastronomic beauty of Florence. www.villasanmichele.com
The CityJet route to Florence will commence in January 2011.
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For more information, schedules and to book your flight visit www.cityjet.com or www.londoncityairport.com
Where to play::
Shoppers’ Paradise
If shopping is your forte, whilst in Florence, it is worth veering away from the obvious choices. Sure, a stroll down Via Tornabouri opens up a plethora of high end options such as Gucci, Armani and Ferragamo. But come on people, we have those at home… Florence is also famous for the wealth of great quality artisan goods, many of which have been made using the same techniques, passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Head to Ponte Vecchio (Florence’s picturesque “old bridge”), lined by quaint, little jewellery shops, where gold and silversmiths have been make their fine creations since the sixteenth century. Via Maggio and the streets around the Oltrano district are also great for hunting out antiques and objet d’art, and for those keen to sniff out a bargain, the antiques flea market near Piazza Santa Croce is also not to be missed.
What to see::
Florence Syndrome
Florence is a city rich in art and culture, after all, it gave us the Renaissance and the dawn of the modern age. So much so, that there is actually a syndrome named after the dizzying heights of admiration and awe the art of this city is thought to induce. So explore, delve deep, but just don’t overdo it… Art lovers should make a pilgrimage to the Uffizi, a huge gallery housing a spectacular collection of Renaissance art by such veritable masters as da Vinci, Botticelli and Raphael. Book tickets to the Uffizi in advance to significantly cut short waiting times, which can be as much as five hours in the summer months. Perhaps that is what causes Florence Syndrome? www.uffizi.com
Where to eat:
Tuscany’s Finest
Only an hour outside of Florence, luxurious resort Castel Monastero’s gourmet restaurant Contrada boasts the direction of internationally acclaimed chef Gordon Ramsay. This sophisticated restaurant offers the flavours of traditional Tuscan cuisine, reworked and given a modern edge in a gorgeous setting amongst chestnut forests and cyprus trees. And if a satisfying lunch leaves you feeling slothful, head down to the Castel Monastero Spa, to try out one of their rejuvenating treatments. www.castelmonastero.com
Where to stay:
For All Seasons
To encapsulate all the romantic and history rich charms of Florence, a stay in the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is a must. Only a stroll away from the Uffizi gallery and the Duomo (Florence’s famous cathedral), the Four Seasons offers a charming sanctuary, in the heart of the city. Set in a Renaissance palazzo, enjoy the abundant art and beautiful frescoes, as well as spectacular views and relaxing under the trees of a centuries old park. www.fourseasons.com/florence