Travel: Da Vinci's Code in Florence

Visiting Florence makes for a great introduction to Italy. Like so many old-world cities, it's a fascinating mix of ancient and modern sensibilities. It's also home to some of the most awe-inspiring works of art in the world. Leonardo da Vinci walked the streets of Florence, as did Machiavelli, Galileo, and Amerigo Vespucci. If that's not enough to impress, then what is? Oh yes- a fellow by the name of Julius Caesar also hung out here.

The central area of Florence straddles the river Arno, which runs generally east-west. North of the river is home to the Duomo (Dome) and great galleries such as The Uffizi Galleries and Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, which displays Michelangelo's' David. South of the river (the Oltrarno) is less frenetic, less touristy, and eminently liveable. It has its historic sites (and sights), like the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, but this southern quarter of the city plays out on a smaller, more intimate scale.

And of course, this being Italy, you want to eat and drink. Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region of Italy, which means rolling hills, vineyards and Chianti.

Our suggestion? Get an AirBnB (or equivalent) on the south side of the Arno. Take a day trip or two into the Tuscany countryside. Eat great food. Walk the galleries, walk the gardens, walk the neighbourhoods. Hang out in the piazzas. Talk to people.

And finally, try this: go to the Osteria Santo Spirito (it's a café) in the piazza Santo Spirito and order gnocchi infused with truffle oil. Forget that it might sound too 'foodie' for you; it is one of the best dishes you will taste in your life.

Four quick scenes of Florence and the Tuscany countryside.

- Tom New