How to have a magical out-of-season Italian vacation
For an inspiring Italian escape seeped in world-famous art, culture and beauty, there is rarely a better time to visit Florence (and avoid the crowds) than fall. Discover the majesty and artistry of the city’s former Renaissance monastery, with a last-minute stay at Belmond’s VILLA SAN MICHELE this fall, and plan the perfect out-of-season vacation to Florence – with invaluable insider tips from local tastemaker, Florentine native and jewelry designer Carolina Bucci…
There is much to be said for visiting one of the world’s most beautiful and celebrated cities when its usual crowds have dispersed and the artistry can be appreciated in full spectacle. An out-of-season exploration of Florence in fall offers unparalleled and intimate opportunity to revel in the storied array of cultural treasures. From a plethora of renowned galleries and museums to the historic cathedrals and ample culinary delights, the days are usually bright and clear, as visitors delve into the city’s splendor.
At Belmond’s Villa San Michele, the remarkable 14th-century Renaissance monastery transformed by Belmond into an exquisite boutique hotel, the history, architecture and legendary beauty of its location are observed in every element – starting with the magnificent façade, which is attributed to Michelangelo. Perched high in the Fiesole hills above Florence, surrounded by a lush landscape and set within immaculate, fragrant gardens, the views are similarly awe-inspiring – taking in the city’s sights across to the rolling Chianti hills. The scenic outlooks are matched in grandeur by the design of the hotel, where the rooms and suites are uniquely designed to celebrate the Renaissance spirit.
Here lies the perfect setting to soak up the romantic Tuscan sunsets – best appreciated from the heated open-air pool, with panoramic perspective, and a dreamy base from which to immerse yourself in the region’s countless wonders. Villa San Michele even offers cultural excursions to introduce guests to the local community of artisans – and to discover the skilled craftsmanship of Florentine creativity that the city is famed for.
To experience this beautiful city like a local tastemaker, jewelry designer Carolina Bucci, a Florentine native, shares her insider recommendations for planning a trip like no other…
The place I love the most in Florence
“The hills above the city where my family home is. If you escape the city below, it takes just 10 minutes to feel as if you are in the middle of the countryside. Pheasants and wild boar roam among the pine and cypress trees – and life moves satisfyingly slowly.”
One thing everyone who visits the city must do
“Wander up into the Boboli gardens above the Palazzo Pitti and spend a lazy afternoon imagining that they are your own private gardens, just as they were for the Medici family.”
The best view
“The postcard view of the Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo is, without doubt, the most spectacular. For something less well-known and very different, I also love the view from the terrace at Museo degli Innocenti.”
The best culture
“There is so much to see in Florence, from the Uffizi to the Duomo and the Santa Croce, but the Bargello National Museum, which houses the world’s most important collection of Renaissance sculptures, is often overlooked – and must not be missed. Similarly, the Palazzo Medici Riccardi was Lorenzo the Magnificent and Cosimo the Elder’s own home and features the incredible Magi Chapel, with frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli – my favorite in Florence.”
“If you want to experience Florence as it may have been 100 years ago, then you need to walk around at night. A stroll around the city center at midnight can be incredibly atmospheric.”
”Carolina Bucci
Enjoy a true taste of the region
“If you are fan of Tuscan wine, a visit to the spectacular Antinori nel Chianti Classico winery, about 20km outside the city, is an incredible experience.”
Just walk…
“Everyone has the views and sights of Florence in their head from books and movies, but unlike many imagined trips, the real thing is not a disappointment. And because the city is so compact and walkable, it rewards the curious over and over again.”
A night to remember
“If you want to experience Florence as it may have been 100 years ago, then you need to walk around at night. A stroll around the city center at midnight can be incredibly atmospheric.”
From classic culture to winter warmer…
For an alternative post-summer Italian escape, head south to Sicily, where the temperatures stay mild throughout the winter months – making the island an enchanting (and warm) European break, minus the throngs of sunseekers. The Grand Hotel Timeo, in the clifftop town of Taormina, boasts sweeping coastal panoramas towards Mount Etna and across the Ionian Sea to give an idyllic and all-encompassing vista of Sicily, which is as hypnotic in the winter as it is in the summer.
LIVING LA DOLCE VITA
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