The area
Firenze
The capital of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance, an hour and a half from Peralta.
- By car1 hr 35
- By trainfrom Viareggio station to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, in the city centre
- What’s on5 dated events in 2027 →
About Firenze
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a city rich in history, art and culture. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it boasts iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio.
Visitors can stroll through its charming streets, discovering exquisite architecture, world-class museums and vibrant piazzas. Florence is also famous for its culinary delights, offering traditional Tuscan cuisine and fine wines.
What to see
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The Duomo Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The iconic cathedral of Florence, famous for its impressive dome designed by Brunelleschi. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the city.
duomo.firenze.it -
Uffizi Gallery Galleria degli Uffizi
One of the most famous museums in the world, home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
uffizi.it -
Ponte Vecchio
The historic bridge with its famous jewellery shops hanging over the Arno. A must for a romantic stroll.
visitflorence.com
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Accademia Gallery Galleria dell'Accademia
Famous for housing the original David by Michelangelo.
galleriaaccademiafirenze.it -
Piazzale Michelangelo
The best panoramic viewpoint over Florence, especially at sunset.
visitflorence.com
Shopping
Florence is a top destination for luxury shopping, with high-end boutiques, artisan workshops, designer outlets and vintage shops.
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Via de' Tornabuoni
The main luxury shopping street in Florence, home to the most prestigious Italian and international brands: Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Emilio Pucci, Prada.
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Louis Vuitton
Piazza degli Strozzi
Leather goods, ready-to-wear and luxury accessories.
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The Mall Luxury Outlet
Leccio Reggello, about 30 minutes from Florence
Discounted high-end brands such as Gucci, Prada, Valentino and Fendi.
firenze.themall.it -
Melrose Vintage
Via de' Ginori 18r and Largo Fratelli Alinari 8
A Florence staple since 1988, with a vast selection of vintage clothing and accessories at affordable prices.
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FLY Fashion Loves You
Borgo Pinti 20r
Run by the Florence University of the Arts, combining vintage clothing with student designs; proceeds support scholarships.
fashionlovesyou.it -
Lady Jane B
Via dei Pilastri 32B
A hidden gem in the Sant'Ambrogio district, with a curated selection of vintage clothing, bags and accessories.
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Tartan Vintage
Via dei Palchetti 5/5A
A vintage shop with a British feel: plaid waistcoats, trench coats and unusual retro finds.
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Boutique Nadine
Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli 22r
A stylish mix of vintage fashion and emerging Florentine designers, with a focus on accessories and jewellery.
boutiquenadine.com
Spring to autumn 2027
What’s on
March 2027
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Sunday 28 March 2027 (Easter Sunday), 11:00 am
Scoppio del Carro
Florence, Piazza del Duomo
On Easter morning a decorated cart is drawn by white oxen to the cathedral square, where a mechanical dove sent from the altar sets off its fireworks.
cultura.comune.fi.it
April 2027
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From 18 April 2027
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Florence, Teatro del Maggio
Florence's spring festival of opera and concerts opens with Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream on 18 April; Riccardo Muti conducts the opening concert on 21 April.
maggiofiorentino.com
June 2027
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Thursday 24 June 2027
Calcio Storico Fiorentino: the final
Florence, Piazza Santa Croce
The final of Florence's historic football tournament, played in costume on sand in Piazza Santa Croce between two of the city's four historic quarters.
The semi-finals are played earlier in June; their dates are announced in the spring.
feelflorence.it -
Thursday 24 June 2027
Festa di San Giovanni
Florence
Florence's patron saint's day, with a morning procession to offer candles at the Baptistery and, in the evening, fireworks from Piazzale Michelangelo.
cultura.comune.fi.it
September 2027
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Evening of Tuesday 7 September 2027
Festa della Rificolona
Florence, Piazza Santissima Annunziata
On the eve of the Nativity of Mary, children and families carry paper lanterns through the city to Piazza Santissima Annunziata.
comune.firenze.it
Dates are from the organisers and the towns’ own sites; do confirm before you travel. Checked September 2026.
Getting there
- By car, about an hour and a half.
- By train from Viareggio station to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, in the city centre.
Staying at Peralta
Firenze is about 1 hr 35 by car from Peralta, where we let stone houses and apartments in a medieval hamlet above Camaiore.
Casa Giovanni
House · Sleeps 4 · 2 bed
This elegant & private house with panoramic view over the valley is on two floors and offers private and green outdoor spaces.
Casa Nuova
House · Sleeps 2 · 1 bed
A very romantic and private house.
Studiolo
Apartment · Sleeps 2–4 · 2 bed
This apartment was originally an artist studio.
Also in the area
Lucca
A walled city of a hundred churches, forty minutes from Peralta.
Cinque Terre
Five painted villages on the Ligurian coast, and Porto Venere across the bay: an hour and a quarter from Peralta.
The whole area
The towns, the coast, the marble mountains, wine, walks from the door and the restaurants we return to.
The Area