Tavola Rosso » florence http://tavolarosso.com the good life = travels + food + wine Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:08:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Tavola Rosso Florence Travel Guide http://tavolarosso.com/2009/03/tavola-rosso-florence-travel-guide/ http://tavolarosso.com/2009/03/tavola-rosso-florence-travel-guide/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 05:36:13 +0000 Sean O'Connor http://tavolarosso.com/2009/03/tavola-rosso-florence-travel-guide/ floduomFlorence is a special place for many reasons, and I share many great memories of this town with both family and friends. The ancient city is unchanged, yet very different than it was during the days of Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, da Vinci, and Dante.  The streets and the buildings seem immovable and that they will live on in eternity.  The people of the city have evolved with the influence of other cultures, but have retained a soul that is distinctly unique. 

 

Please enjoy this guide to the city, and share your own experiences in the comment section.

 

Getting Around Florence

Top Florence Day Trips

Dining in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence

Tourist Attractions in Florence

 

Andiamo!

]]> http://tavolarosso.com/2009/03/tavola-rosso-florence-travel-guide/feed/ 0 Florence – Getting Around http://tavolarosso.com/2009/03/florence-getting-around/ http://tavolarosso.com/2009/03/florence-getting-around/#comments Sat, 21 Mar 2009 05:54:18 +0000 Sean O'Connor http://tavolarosso.com/2009/03/florence-getting-around/ The grand old city of Firenze can really only be enjoyed in one way – walking.  Bring your most comfortable walking shoes and set off on foot for the entire day.

 

Here is a link to some of my favorite spots, if you are starting your day arriving at the train station.

 

The historic center of Florence is easily covered from end to end in a half hour of walking.  Additionally, very few of the streets in the city center are setup for any sort of meaningful movement of automobiles.  Traffic moves slowly, and there is simply no where to park.

 

If you want an adventure, rent a moped for the day and cruise around the perimeter of the city or up to Fiesole.  Bikes are also a unique option, and can be rented easily.  

]]> http://tavolarosso.com/2009/03/florence-getting-around/feed/ 0 Where to eat in Florence http://tavolarosso.com/2008/07/where-to-eat-in-florence-where-to-eat/ http://tavolarosso.com/2008/07/where-to-eat-in-florence-where-to-eat/#comments Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:41:19 +0000 Sean O'Connor http://tavolarosso.com/2008/07/where-to-eat-in-florence-where-to-eat/ Florence has historically served as the capital of Tuscany, rivoreand hence the culinary centre of the region as well.  You’ll find plenty of dining options from traditional Tuscan favorites such as Ribollita to the regional classic Bisteca Fiorentina at many a restaurant.  There are also a number of establishments that are branching out from the traditional regional fare and presenting some world class meals.

Breakfast - in Florence breakfast seems to consist of bread from last  nights dinner (saltless of course) and concentrate jam/jelly that has been sitting at the same table for over a year.  If you are staying in Florence, skip the hotels complimentary breakfast and head on down to Rivore for a cappuccino or hot chocolate and pastry.  They have the world best drinking chocolate – really.

Lunch – customarily, this isimage the big meal in Italia.  Eat lots of pasta,  nap, and then get after the rest of your day… Here are three can’t miss options:

  • La Spada: go for the Bruno Speciale or Lasagna to go and take your meal to the Triangle bridge for a picnic – or- sit down and enjoy the vino di casa with tortellini alla’ medici.
  • Antico Noe: the best sandwiches in town.
  • Baldovino’s – great for lunch or dinner, these guys know how to do pizza, pasta and more with a nice modern twist. Also, do check out their wine bar around the corner if the trattoria has a long wait.

Dinner: if you only have one night in Firenze, then there is really illatinionly one option for dinner: Il Latini.  Get there at quarter to 7 and be ready to spend your entire  evening delighting on a giant jug of chianti, tasty appetizers, tuscan specialities, roasted meats, and a selection of amazing desserts and digestivos. Make sure to ask for the off the menu pre-fixe meal – and let them take care of you.

Other notable eateries in town include:  Beccofino, Buca Mario, Amons, and Aqua al 2.

Also, check out our hotel recommendations in Firenze.

]]> http://tavolarosso.com/2008/07/where-to-eat-in-florence-where-to-eat/feed/ 1 Firenze: Top 5 Hotels http://tavolarosso.com/2008/07/firenze-top-5-hotels/ http://tavolarosso.com/2008/07/firenze-top-5-hotels/#comments Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:41:16 +0000 Sean O'Connor http://tavolarosso.com/2008/07/firenze-top-5-hotels/ This is the first post in a Best Of Firenze series. Stay tuned for dining, nightlife and day trip recommendations.

Florence is without a doubt one of the world’s favorite cities.  From the renaissance art and the Tuscan views, to the world class food and the quaint, walkable city centre, the city Florence is enjoyable for a day, a week, a year, or a lifetime.  But, where to stay?  Here’s our top 5 recommendations, with something for all budgets.

Hotel Fiorentina(*): A great location, clean rooms, and a friendly staff make this old Gonzaga haunt an easy place to call home for a couple of days.

Hotel Medici(**): recently remodeled, you can not beat the views of the duomo and baptistry from their rooftop terrace.

VRBO: A vacation rental can be a great way to go. Stay close to the San Lorenzo market, and buy groceries to cook your own feast in your own vacation kitchen.

Grand Hotel Minerva(****): Located right on Piazza Santa Maria Novella you can stumble to lunch at La Spada or run to the train station to catch your train out of town. 

Hotel Savoy(*****): This place is straight class.  You’ll want to pull up in a Ferrari or something fancy as they might not park your Fiat Punto.

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