Loading...
A MEDIEVAL CITY REMODELLED
Florence
RECONSTRUCTING A RENAISSANCE DREAM
For a brief moment in time, Florence was declared the capital city of the new Kingdom of Italy, and the intensive urban expansion which came with this status, beginning in 1865, changed the city forever. How did one of the most rigorous (and destructive) redevelopments in Italian history affect perceptions of Florence as a Renaissance ideal?
Access is granted to private homes and hidden gardens that extend along a green stretch of Florence safeguarded by the Firenze Greenway Association. Travelling through the ‘campagna urbana’ surrounding Florence, offers a special, unhurried experience of this majestic city, in the company of Maria Chiara Pozzana, a distinguished garden historian and architect.
THE JOURNEY
Price from £4,995 per person for two nights, based on two people sharing.
INCLUSIONS
Special access to Firenze Greenway projects
The company and guidance of Maria Chiara Pozzana for one and a half days
All museum entrance fees
Two nights' accommodation at Villa Cora
Transfers from/to Florence airport
Daily transportation as described in the itinerary
WHEN TO TRAVEL
The best time to travel is May and June
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Florence
All food and beverage unless specified
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
While the city slumbers, step inside Palazzo Strozzi for an intimate, early morning preview, or peruse the world-famous collections of the Galleria degli Uffizi after hours.
Enjoy the rare experience of a Florentine resident opening up their historic palazzo home, designed by an eminent Renaissance architect, to host a memorable Tuscan dinner, accompanied by wine from the family estate.
Amongst the gardens of the Florence Greenway, pause for lunch in a private home, offering a taste of true Florentine specialities.
Speak to a Travel Designer about exclusive experiences that can be added to your journey.
CULTURAL HEART OF THE RENAISSANCE
Home for the next few days is a converted noble estate, set inside a centuries-old park overlooking the Boboli Gardens. From here, explore the city’s richly frescoed palazzi and historic cobbled streets, taking in Palazzo Strozzi and the Galleria degli Uffizi, and their world-famous collections.
FLORENCE AND THE IDEA OF ITALY
Discover ‘Risanamento’ Florence, the period of intense urban growth and modernisation during the city’s brief spell as the nation’s capital. In the company of a 19th century political history expert, experience the grandiosity of Piazza della Repubblica and the Neo-Renaissance Rampe, created as part of Giuseppe Poggi’s modernising vision for the city, sweeping away much of the medieval centre. How do these bold architectural developments reflect the politics of the newly unified Italy?
CAMPAGNA URBANA
Following this, join Maria Chiara Pozzana, a prominent architect and leader of the Firenze Greenway Association, on a gentle amble through the ‘urban countryside’ landscapes first envisioned by Giuseppe Poggi, discovering the English-style gardens of the Viale dei Colli. Accompanied by a renowned expert, visit private villas and gardens not normally open to the public including a kitchen garden and a special restoration project.
Palazzo Strozzi
Galleria degli Uffizi
Piazza della Repubblica
Rampe del Poggi
Viale dei Colli
EXPERT
MARIA CHIARA POZZANA
Explore Florence through private villas and gardens not normally open to the public, under the guidance of Maria Chiara Pozzana, a distinguished garden historian and architect who has spent many years both designing private gardens and restoring classical monuments in Florence.
START PERSONALISING YOUR EXPERIENCE
We believe in the power of travel to nurture personal growth. Our goal is to explore and build upon the interests of our guests, while igniting newfound passions along the way.
From discovering the life of a classical composer with an acclaimed concert pianist, to unearthing treasures in Cairo with an archaeologist, our travel designers will create a personalised one-off journey, shaped by you.