Italian Villas and Luxury House Rentals in Florence
Florence is more a collection of exciting and diverse neighborhoods than a big city. For example, the Oltrarno neighborhood, near the city center, is Florence's "Rive Gauche". It's quirky and arty and combines Bohemian flair with historic buildings.
In this neighborhood, Villa Turan and Apartment Scudo offer stunning views, historical style, and modern amenities, all within walking distance of many of Florence's top attractions.
On the other side of the Arno River near the Duomo, the atmosphere is active and highly charged, with easy access to restaurants, shopping and sightseeing. Villa Capital takes full advantage of this prime location, while offering an elegant and cozy place the escape the summer crowds.
A little further away from the city center, on the hills surrounding the city, you'll find a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere while still being within easy access to all you want to see and do in Florence. Villa Duca is an excellent example of what's available just outside the city limits with its private swimming pool and sweeping terrace.
Best Villas for Couples: Your Perfect Romantic Getaway
Florence is a charming city for couples looking for a little romance. Whether you're on your honeymoon or celebrating your 30th wedding anniversary, you'll enjoy the intimate atmosphere of Florence. Enjoy a private wine-tasting, watch the sun set over the Arno at a roof-top bar, or hold hands while being chauffeured around the city in a horse-drawn carriage.
There are several romantic villas for rent in Florence. For example, Villa Ippolita is a unique, two-bedroom apartment located in the heart of the city, only a short walk from museums, cafés, and the Santa Maria Novella rail station. It even has its own frescoed library stocked with art books.
Another excellent choice for couples is Villa Turan , with its spectacular views of the Ponte Vecchio and its elegant decor.
What are the Best Villas for Families?
Families with children will also find plenty of things to see and do in Florence. Many of the city's art museums have kids programs, where your kids can dress up in Renaissance garb or create their own Medieval masterpiece.
A ride of the antique carousel at the Piazza della Repubblica is always fun. You can even take a Tuscan cooking class with your kids.
Staying in a luxury villa in Florence is a great idea for families with kids as it gives kids more room to spread out and just be kids. You might want to choose a villa outside of town to give your little ones the chance to enjoy the Florence hills while still being close to the city. For example, Villa Fontanelle has five bedrooms, a private swimming pool, and beautiful views of the Tuscan countryside.
Florence Vacation Ideas
Plan Your Florence Vacation
Luxury Hotels in Florence, Italy
If you prefer to stay in a luxury hotel while you are in Florence, the city offers some of the most elegant and gracious hotels in the world. For historic ambiance, convenient location, and (carefully concealed) modern amenities, we suggest the Palazzo Magnani Feroni , the Hotel Brunelleschi, with its dramatic views of the Duomo, or the Four Seasons Florence, with its Michelin-starred restaurant. For a more modern hotel within walking distance of major sites and shopping, try the Hotel Cerretoni.
Renting Luxury Villas or 5-Star Hotels in Florence - Which One Is Right for You?
Deciding on the right accommodation for your family's dream vacation to Tuscany can be a challenge. Do you pick a luxury apartment rental in Florence or one of the many beautiful private villas in Florence and the surrounding countryside?
Luxury villas in Florence are a great choice for families, couples, and groups looking for a little quiet away from the bustle of the city. They also give you more room, so that family members can each have their own space.
Most of our Florence villas have fully-equipped kitchens that make it easy to prepare a few of your own food if you don’t want to go out for meals. Some villas in the greater Florence area have amenities like private swimming pools and terraces with views of the Tuscany vineyards. We will even help you staff your luxury vacation rental with your own private chef and butler.
Luxury hotels in Florence, on the other hand, are all about convenience. All of our diverse collection of partner hotels offer restaurants, room and laundry service and housekeeping service multiple times a day. Most are just steps away from the streets of Florence.
The experienced and personable staff at WIMCO can help you decide which luxury accommodation in Florence is best suited for you and your family. We can help you create that luxury Tuscany vacation that you've always dreamed of. If that means a luncheon for your family in a Tuscany vineyard or a Florence shopping tour with your own shopping guide, we can make it happen.
Where is Florence and Why Visit?
Florence is located in central Italy, in the Tuscany region. The city of around 330,000 residents, is one of the premier showcases of art, architecture , and cuisine in the world.
If that wasn’t enough it’s also one of Europe's fashion capitals and the gateway to the Tuscan wine district. Home to makers of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and the "Super Tuscans", among other wines.
"Forbes" magazine has ranked Florence among the 15 most beautiful cities in the world.
Top 5 Things to Do in Florence
1. Go museum-hopping. Florence has some of the best art museums in the world. Make sure to visit the Pitti Palace, the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery.
2. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza Duomo. The Piazza Duomo is the centerpiece of Florence. Make sure to see the octagonal Baptistry of St. John, one of the oldest buildings in Florence, with its bronze doors, and the unique brick, domed roof of the Cathedral.
3. Cross the Arno River on the Ponte Vecchio. This iconic bridge, which dates back to the 15th century, is lined with shops and history.
4. Explore the Boboli Gardens. Located adjacent to the Pitti Palace, these beautiful manicured gardens were originally designed for the Medicis in the 18th century.
5. Take in the sights, tastes and aromas of the Mercato Centrale. The central food market in Florence is a great place to grab some ingredients for dinner, sample the local fare, or sit down for a quick snack.
What is the Best Time to Visit Florence?
The best time to travel to Florence is between May and September when warm weather ushers in art festivals, al fresco dining and the sort of long, sun-filled days that have inspired painters since the Renaissance era.
We particularly like September because the crowds have largely left, but the weather is still beautiful. From mid-August to mid-October is "vendemmia", the time of the wine harvest in Tuscany. Many vineyards allow visitors to share in grape harvesting.
How to Get to Florence?
Most international travelers reach Florence by flying into Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport or Milan's Malpensa airport and then taking a train on to Florence.
Travelers from North America can get non-stop flights
to Rome from New York City, Dallas/Fort Worth, Newark and Toronto.
to Milan from New York City, Newark and Miami
There are also two smaller airports near Florence. Pisa's Galileo Galilei Airport is about 60 miles away from Florence and connected via bus service.
Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport is located about three miles northwest of the city. British Airways offers several flights daily to the Florence Airport from cities around Europe. A new tram line connects the airport to the city center.
United States and Canadian citizens are required to have a valid passport (with at least six months validity left on it), but no visa is required for stays of three months or less.
What Do I Need to Know Before Visiting Florence?
Below are a few tips to help you get the most from your visit to Florence:
1. Mealtimes are later than in the United States. Florentine diners usually sit down to dinner around 8:00 p.m. or later. If you arrive at a restaurant at 6:00 p.m., you might find it shuttered. If you're hungry before the restaurants open, you can usually find small plates of food at local bars. Italians call these pre-dinner snacks "aperitivo".
2. The temperatures soar in Florence in the summer. It can be very hot in the city from mid-June to mid-August. Florence is located away from the sea breezes and the concrete combined with the influx of tourists can make it hot during the day. Make sure to bring light clothes.
3. Florentine food is delicious. Local specialties include Florentine steak (a juicy, T-bone steak cooked over smoked chestnuts), Tuscan-style crostini, "pappardelle alla cinghiale" (ribbons of pasta with wild boar meat) and "ribollita and pappa al pomodoro" (a hearty soup made with bread, tomatoes and cannellini beans.
Of course, the perfect end to any meal is the ubiquitous and delicious Italian "gelato".
4. Cash is handy. ATMs in Florence usually charge a high fee for Visa and Mastercard-branded transactions, which could mean your debit card from home.
Be ready with some cash for tips, street purchases and taxis by converting a small amount of dollars to Euros at home and exchanging additional funds at your hotel or at a bank counter as you need more cash.
5. Free WiFi spots abound in Florence. Most restaurants and cafes offer free WiFi to patrons. Don't be shy about asking for the password. Florentines are very tech-savvy. Your server will be happy to accommodate you.
If you happen to have an Italian phone (such as a pre-paid phone), you can get an hour's free Internet access in the city center. Of course, be careful when using a public network, just as you would at home.
What Services Does WIMCO Villas Provide to Our Clients Vacationing in Florence?
When you make your arrangements for a luxury villa in Florence with WIMCO Villas, you can relax and leave all the planning to our experienced and caring staff.
One call to us handles everything from finding the perfect villa for your needs to the small details that make a vacation truly memorable. Like hiring a private chef for a romantic dinner overlooking the rooftops of Florence or a private guide to show you the many art treasures in the city.
Of course, we'll also take care of your transportation, stocking your kitchen with your favorite foods and beverages, and meeting you at the airport, and escorting you to your luxury "home away from home".
We believe it's our excellent, friendly, detail-oriented staff that sets WIMCO Villas apart. And, when you rent one of our villas, you get this amazing resource at no additional cost.
It's our mission to make your trip as wonderful and memorable as you've always dreamed it...whatever that looks like to you. If you want a private winery tour and picnic for you or a large family reunion in Tuscany, we can make it happen.
Learn more about WIMCO’s concierge services, and contact us today so we can start planning your perfect getaway to Florence!