Destination: Florence

Located in the North of Italy, Florence has long been a favourite destination for adults who want to experience the best that Italy has to offer. It is a wonderful region for local cooking, great tasting wines and miles upon miles of rolling vineyards and olive groves. But with so much to offer families on holiday as well, it is now becoming a popular destination with the younger members of the family as well.

Florence, called Firenze in Italian, was once the capital of Italy and was a bustling metropolis and centre of trade. The old heart of the city is still old fashioned, with elegant mediaeval town houses mixing with traditional Italian villas and accessed by winding cobbled streets. Everywhere you look, tiny trattorias are open to the pavement and offer a delightful array of authentic Italian ice creams and pastries to savour, and the Italian experience continues with the lengthy list of cultural museums and music houses to tour at your leisure.

Florence was once visited by Casanova, that infamous Italian lover and scoundrel, and several of the Museums here have works dedicated to his life, but although there is a real emphasis on culture and religion, kids are definitely not missed off the list, and the opportunities for some carefree childish fun are endless.

As with most of Northern Italy, the weather is largely on the favourable side. Throughout the winter it can get fairly cold, but the summers see long, lengthy days of sunny weather and warm breezes. The months of June to September are a great time to visit, but beware the long queues for the most popular attractions, as these are the months that most tourists choose to visit Florence.

Things to do  in Florence with kids

Visit to Museum of the History of Science is one of the must visit in Florence. A fantastic collection of scientific instruments like Gallileo’s telescope and models based on Leonardo's drawings. More details...

The Boboli gardens in Florence are among the most beautiful gardens in Italy. Stroll thruth the garden hand to had with your kids and enjoy the beauty and quiet (providing the kids are not running around and laughing with excitement). More details…

Tours in Florence

Florence Sightseeing Tour
Take a sightseeing tour in Florence for a slice of Italian history. Known as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence enthrals tourists with it's wealth of historical buildings and monuments, many museums, striking architecture and precious works of art. More details...

Florence Bike Tour
Ride slowly along Florence’s city center streets, in a very pleasant, easy, relaxing way. The tour escort will lead the way and will drive you through the narrow streets, in pedestrian areas, reaching the most amazing monuments of Florence and unknown spots from where to admire the city. More details...

Florence Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Florence is packed full of treasures – great art, architecture, palaces, churches and more – and sightseeing here can be tiring. But your hop-on hop-off ticket makes it all easy. Choose a 24-hour or 48-hour validity ticket to suit your schedule. More details...

Treasures of Tuscany
Explore the glorious countryside and medieval towns of Tuscany in the friendly atmosphere of a small group. Leaving the beaten track, you and your companions will have the chance to see hidden places few others reach. More details...

Your tour will also include some of the Italy's finest gems. Most famous is Pisa with its leaning cathedral bell-tower, but the ancient walled towns of San Miniato and Lucca are also full of architectural and historical treasures.

The Chianti region is definitely a favourite destination of adults, thanks to the numerous wineries that offer regular tasting sessions, but with Horse Riding Tours on offer, it is also a great place to get out with the kids (although the wine may have to stay off the menu)! Your trek will take you into the outlying Tuscan countryside and comes complete with lunch and the chance to swim in the farm’s pool. Children 6 and over are welcome.

Florence, and Italy in general, is famous for its cuisine, and what better way to get the most out of your trip than by indulging in a Florence Cooking Class. Your session will see you learn about the local produce, before allowing you to recreate some of the old Italian classics, and even the kids are allowed to join in the fun. A great way to spend the day and to bring back a real memory of Italy.

For a little retail therapy away from all that sightseeing, then a Gucci and Prada outlet visit will be just the thing. Your prearranged transport will take you to this popular retail outlet, where every designer label is on display, and where the prices tags are considerably less shocking than they would normally be. Children of all ages are welcome.

Recommended family friendly hotels in Florence

Residenza Vespucci is set right on the banks of the River Arno, 5 minutes' walk from the Ponte Vecchio. You will have great views, friendly service and free Wi-Fi. Vespucci Residence is 700 metres from the Duomo and close to streets full of antique shops. All of Florence's sights are walking distance away. Hotel offers Babysitting/Child Services and All children under 4 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. More details...

Hotel Alba is right next to the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella. This beautifully restructured property overlooks its quiet internal courtyard and offers a host of modern comforts. The Alba Hotel preserves its original Florentine style with attractive features such as terracotta floors. Relax in the TV room and lobby bar and enjoy a hot or cold beverage. The hotel offers Babysitting/Child Services and all children under 2 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. More details…

Family friendly holidays in Florence

If you've ticked off all the usual Italian suspects, take your European city break to Florence. Tuscany's number one city is a Medieval masterpiece with its old piazzas, elaborate churches and treasure-filled palaces. In fact, Florence has got more artwork per square mile than any other city in the world, so you've got culture and history around every corner. More details…

Package holidays to Florence can be found with Thomson Holidays, Expedia and Thomas Cook