Florence's brilliant past, which includes at one time being the largest and wealthiest city in Europe (with roots that stretch back to the Roman Empire), is reflected in it's elegant architecture, squares and 66 museums, including Michelangelo's 18 foot marble statue of David in the Accademia Gallery. Located in northern Italy, Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance (14th and 15th centuries) and where artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Giotto, Donatello and Raphael created works of art. But, the artwork doesn't end there, it concludes every sunset with picturesque views over the Arno. Florence is consistently ranked in the top 5 of most desirable cities in the world to visit.

Palazzo Pitti: Former home of the Medici ruling dynasty, was the largest residence in Europe before Versailles was built.

Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia): Collection of 13 - 18th Florentine artwork, including Michelangelo's David which was made in the early 16th century to symbolize the identity of the city and as having the ability to defeat larger cities (Golaith) despite it smaller size.

Duomo Cathedral: Completed in 1434, it's Florence's most important landmark and the world's fourth-largest church. Its dome, which towers 300 feet above the city, provides a romantic skyscape.

Piazza della Signoria: The political center of Florence for centuries dating back to the middle ages. Today, has many restaurants, bars and shops and an excellent place for sightseeing.

Find Cheap Flights to Florence: Florence summers can be very hot (high 90°'s F) and winters cold, however snow is rare. The best time to travel there is in late September/early October when the weather is perfect and the travel crowds start dwindling. From then on, there are great airfare deals to be had up through May, when the prices increase back up for the summer rush.