Florence, Italy is widely known as home to some of the best artwork of the Renaissance period. It’s obvious in the architecture, monuments, museums, and landmarks that make Florence so breathtaking. Despite being considered a ‘smaller city’, I believe Florence has the biggest heart. Amongst the Italians, there is a phrase for when one visits this romantic city: ‘La mi porti un bacione a Firenze’ which means- bring me a kiss from Florence.

Cradle of the Renaissance, romantic, enchanting and utterly irresistible, Florence (Firenze) is a place to feast on world-class art and gourmet Tuscan cuisine. This city is surrounded by wine-rich hills, is a gourmet paradise where eating and drinking exceedingly well is mandatory. Be it a traditional bowl of earthy ribollita, a tripe panino at a family-run food truck or a blue T-bone steak served in a market trattoria unchanged since 1915, dining in Florence is timeless and memorable.

Stand on a bridge over the Arno several times in a day and the light and mood changes every time. At sunset hike to Piazzale Michelangelo to be dazzled by a palette embracing every known shade of soft pink, orange, fiery amber. Rich in culture, backdropped by history and anchored by family, faith and food, Florentine lifestyle is enviably sweet. Enjoy a go-slow afternoon passeggiata, indulge in an aperitivo at dusk, savour la dolce vita.