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Florence ItalyINTRODUCTION Florence is one of the largest cities in Italy, located in the region of Tuscany. Best known for being the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is full of beautiful architecture and art. A city of history, it is filled with ancient churches and temples, along with the awe-inspiring Statue of David. A beautiful community where the local people make you feel very welcome, Florence makes for an exciting getaway where you can see and touch the past. HISTORY Florence dates back to Roman times and still bears parts of this history. As one of Caesar's colonies, it was built between the meeting of the Arno and the Mugnone streams for protection. Florence flourished during the 9th and 10th centuries as it began to gain more power. This city has been ravished by plague, political unrest, and war. Florence is still an important center for art throughout the world. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO There is a strong scholarly presence in Florence. Many students from all over the world come there every semester to study. Because of this, a lot of people who work at restaurants and shops speak English. The train station has two parts in Florence. If you can't find where your train should be leaving from you must go to the other section, located through a covered pathway. ATTRACTIONS Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore COOKING CLASSES Apicius-This private school holds classes from the amateur level to the professional level. Students gather from all over the world interested in the cuisine of Italy anywhere from one week all the way up to a semester. Subjects such as wine, cooking, and hospitality are taught in both English and Italian. Cordon Bleu-These classes are unique in that not only are they taught in fluent Italian, but they attract Florentines as well as foreigners. Although this school is not related to the Cordon Bleu school of Paris, it provides fun and informative classes at reasonable prices. For those who do not understand Italian, there are week-long intensive courses taught in English at different times throughout the year. Divina Cucina-Judy Witts Francini, a woman with many years of culinary and pastry experience, will take visitors on a market tour across the street from her home. For as little as $375 students can attend the market visit, taste local favorites like olive oil, balsamic vinegar and cheese, and end the day with an authentic Tuscan cooking class and meal. Jeff Thickman-Just outside Florence resides a caterer and teacher with years of experience and an amazing reputation. Jeff Thickman uses his home as the location for his customizable Italian cooking classes. Whether you want to take a short class in hand made pasta, or spend the whole day cooking and visiting the market, Thickman can help make your Italian vacation a unique culinary journey. Market To Table-If you're looking to walk away with more than a full stomach and new recipes, visit Faith Willinger, a culinary author and teacher who has resided in Florence for more than twenty-five years. In addition to a market tour and a meal created by Willinger herself, students will gain gastronomic knowledge on the ingredients used that day in class, and will receive gifts like bottles of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and other small gifts. RESTAURANTS Cibreo: Famous for its traditional Florentine cuisine, Cibreo is considered one of the best restaurants in Florence. The style is simple and rural, the atmosphere cozy. Along with many typical Italian meals, this restaurant offers a number of delicious desserts worth a sin. Baldovino: A mixture of modern and traditional elements, this restaurant offers a rich and varied menu. Its popularity is certainly due to the combination of a warm reception and outstanding meals. In addition to Tuscan food, the restaurant also serves Neapolitan pizza. Angiolino: This traditional trattoria attracts people not only with its great food, but also with its beautiful decorations. Red festoons, dried flowers, and carboys adorn the entrance and dining room. Belle Donne: A small restaurant ideal for having lunch or an afternoon snack. The menu consists of a number of traditional Florentine specialities that vary daily. Noir: This lovely bar & lounge is a meeting place for young people to chill, chat, and eat. Noir is the most popular "aperitivo" place in Florence--by ordering a drink you can enjoy the delicious buffet for free. LODGING Hotel Leonardo da Vinci: This is a 3 star hotel located on the borders of Florence. The hotel is built into a palace and has an inhouse bar. Hotel Kraft: Found in a quieter area of Florence, this wonderful 4 star hotel boasts a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. Hotel Arizona S.A.S: This beautiful, 19th century, 3 star hotel has been completley renovated; it is set in the heart of town and is only short walk from dining, shopping, and attractions. Hotel Davanzati: As a 3 star hotel, they do more than necessary to make your stay in Florence exceptional. Run by a father and son, Hotel Davanzati offers a personalized experience. The son or father is always at the front desk, and both are more than willing to make reservations at restaurants, get tickets for museums, or organize cab rides for their guests. Another thing that makes the hotel so unique is its happy hour from 6-7 p.m., which offers free wine and champagne, along with snacks such as bruschetta, for hotel guests. Hotel Leonardo Da Vinci: This is a 3 star hotel located on the borders of Florence. The hotel is built into a palace and has an inhouse bar. 
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