Traveling with Kids – Where to Stay and What to Do
If you haven’t started planning your family vacation for the coming year, then you need to check out Florence. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, it is a romantic destination for couples; and in the heart of wine country and rustic culinary excellence, it is a dream for girls’ trips the world around; it is also a great jumping off point for adventures with the whole family.
Obviously there are countless things to do if you want your family to get the ultimate cultural experience. Check out the many museums, palaces, markets and cultural events running non-stop throughout the year. But we all know that kids of all ages hit a breaking point when it comes to visiting churches and museums before they start pushing your buttons and drive you crazy. That is why we suggest giving your family the ultimate travel experience this year. Visit the museums, drink the wine (adults only) and then mix in some family fun that the kids will truly appreciate – and might even take the edge off of going to the next historical site. Florence has all of these things both within the city walls (literally there are historic city walls!) and within driving distance in beautiful Tuscany.
Whether you are planning now for the Spring, Summer or a bit farther down the road. We would like to give you just a few ideas for your trip and some great options of family-friendly apartments in Florence to base your trip.
In Fall and Winter these is much to see and do. Walk through the World Market in September, attend special musical concerts and plays, or enjoy the shopping and fresh food markets in the Fall when olive oil and truffles are at their best. Starting in December you can take the whole family to Florence Noel – a celebration to kick off the holiday season with workshops and play area for young ones. There are plenty of special exhibits such at the Damien Hirst Diamond Skull at the Palazzo Vecchio (now through May 2011). Or take an evening to get into the spirit of Italian soccer by attending a Fiorentina game at the stadium with games from August – May. You can also hop in a car and take only a few hours to get to the Tuscan natural hot springs or ski areas in the southern Italian Alps.
Spring and Summer possibilities are endless. Of course there are more pleasant things to do outside like visit the Boboli Gardens at the Pitti Palace, bike in Cascine park before spending an afternoon at the pool, or walk through the antique markets and explore Florence’s historic Fortezza di Basso. The museums are open throughout the summer for afternoon visits to get out of the heat, then join in the evening festivities happening throughout various Florence neighborhoods with carnival rides, live music and wonderful food. You can always rent a car and drive through the countryside or get to the beach at Forte di Marmi for a few days by the surf to satisfy the needs of your family beach bums.
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Where to Stay With Kids
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We have plenty of apartments perfect for families of various sizes such as the beautiful four-bedroom house in Via Ghibellina (http://www.apartmentsflorence.it/articoloT1.asp?ID=ART00036). It is centrally located and only a block away from Piazza Santa Croce.
We also have a beautiful two bedroom next to the Duomo in Via dei Pecori (http://www.apartmentsflorence.it/articoloT1.asp?ID=ART00066).
These are just two of many inside the city center.
If you’re looking for a villa outside of the center where you can plant your family for a month or more, there’s a beautiful two bedroom at the Bisarno Castle (http://www.apartmentsflorence.it/articoloT1.asp?ID=ART00091) or we have a gorgeous three bedroom just outside the city in Settignano. (http://www.apartmentsflorence.it/articoloT1.asp?ID=ART00051)
Or ask us about staying in a beautiful house in Forte de Marmi with a yard, full kitchen and living room and is only 800 meters from the beach.
If you have special needs such as a crib or stroller, we have them available for you with advance notice.
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Getting Around Florence with Kids
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Having a car in the Florence historic center can be very tricky. There is a limited driving zone where you need a special residence permit to enter. We recommend, even with kids in tow, that you use a taxi from the airport or train station to get to your apartment then walk throughout the city center. Florence is very much smaller than it appears on maps, and you can walk from one side of the city center to the other in about 20 minutes. Of course there’s so much to see and do along the way that your journey will probably take a little bit longer. There are busses running throughout the center that are easy to use and navigate as well. If you do plan on renting a car or have questions about driving in Florence or Tuscany, let us know and we can point you in the right direction.
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By Admin Apartments Florence (11/30/2010 3:29:26 PM, in Life & Culture, read 713 times)
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