Hotel Villa La Vedetta * * * * *

The large garden in the back, giving onto the splendid panorama, slopes down to a natural park that is all part of the villa’s property. The pool is surrounded by a carpet of grass and a paved area with chaise lounges and tables for the small outdoor pool bar, which also serves meals. Should you wish to stroll, you can follow the path lined with bamboo that winds among the laurel, cypress, and olive trees, among the arbutus berry plants and irises.
The garden is lit at night to particularly scenic effect. The pool, looking out over the entire city of Florence, is divided into a number of levels with waterfalls, aquatic plants and an unusually large whirlpool that can accommodate 20 people.

ABOUT FIRENZE

FLORENCE, capital of the region of Tuscany, is a spectacular and historic city, interspersed with many famous art galleries and churches. Birthplace of the Renaissance, an amazing outburst of activity from the 14th to the 16th century that completely changed the Tuscan town and the world. Under the benevolent eye (and purse) of the Medicis, Florence blossomed into an unrivalled repository of art and architectural treasures by geniuses such as Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Cellini, Donatello, Fra Angelico, Ghiberti, Giotto, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Since the 19th century, it has been visited by millions wanting to see Michelangelo's David, Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Brunelleschi's dome on the Duomo, and Giotto's campanile (Bell Tower).

From the hotel, walk to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is particularly romantic at sunset. From there, walk along Michelangiolo Boulevard or down to the Arno River for an introduction to the city. Ponte Vecchio spans the river and is a great place to stop and take in the romance of Florence. Other notable attractions are the Uffizi Gallery, San Marco Museum, Pitti Palace, the Duomo, Boboli Gardens and Giotto Bell Tower. Elegant stores can be found on Via Tornabuoni and Via della Vigna Nuova. An excursion to Ville Medicee, based just 30 minutes away, combines unique architecture with picturesque gardens. Once the private residences of the Medici family, the villas are based in the surroundings of Florence and have also been home to writers, artists and nobles.