Car Rental Florence - Exploring Florence

Before even leaving Florence there are some sumptuous palaces worth seeing including; Pitti Palace, Strozzi Palace, Rucellai Palace and Pazzi Palace.

A good view of the city can be seen on the hill beside the Fort de Belvedere.

Within the area of Greater Florence, you can drive northeast to the hill-village of Fiesole and to the nearest of the various Medici villas – originally breathtaking country retreats, now absorbed into Florence’s ever expanding suburbia.

Thirty minutes to the northwest, near Lucca, lie the neighbouring towns of Prato and Pistoia, both bursting with art and historic architecture. These towns can serve as both delightful day-trips or even as alternative bases for those deciding to stay in the area.

Journeying west to Pisa, home of the famous leaning tower, there are worthwhile diversions to Vinci – Leonardo's birthplace – and the hilltop town of San Miniato gazing down on the valleys below.

Finally, to the south towards Siena lie the world renowned hills and vineyards of Chianti, Italy's premier wine region.

Whether stopping for two days or two months this lush Italian province offers so much beauty and diversity that one is bound to return time after time.