Florence

Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region in central Italy. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with 383,084 residents in 2013 and a metropolitan population of almost 1,520,000. Florence was one of the richest towns in medieval Europe and a center of medieval European commerce and banking. Many scholars believe it was the origin of the Renaissance, and it grew into a great artistic, cultural, commercial, political, economic, and financial center.

This little town nestled in the Tuscan hills casts a long shadow through history. Firenze (or Florence), the birthplace of the Renaissance, housed the strong Medici family and inspired artists such as Michelangelo (David) and Brunelleschi (the Duomo). You'd believe you'd stepped back in time to the 14th century if it weren't for the trendy Italians and chic stores that line Via Tornabuoni. But it's not just the Renaissance art that draws people to Florence; it's also the beautiful sunsets, the Italian cuisine, and the romantic atmosphere. Make the most of your time in Florence by allowing a native to show you around on one of the city's greatest tours.