What's on in Tuscany & Umbria

WHAT'S ON IN TUSCANY & UMBRIA

Such a wonderful sweep of central Italy with history, great art, and mesmerising natural and manmade
beauty! I have learnt not to make a distinction between these two regions. They both offer such wonderful
and exciting holiday opportunities for any visitor. I'm placed now to enjoy them both, and often suggest to
my clients that it's possible over a few days to position yourself in sth Tuscany; there to access towns and
villages like Siena, Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano, Cortona and Arezzo. Then for a couple of days
base yourselves near Orvieto; from there you can easily access Spoleto, Assisi, Perugia, Lake Trasimeno,
and that southern corner of Tuscany that includes the ancient towns of Pitgliano, Sorano and Sovana. Over
the years I've collected so much information about accommodation, places where you can eat well, and
historical places to visit. Here I will gloss over the surface with a digestible amount of suggestions. Lets
start with Florence and work our way along. If you need more information, email me, and if I can help you
I will.

Accommodation in Florence

Hotel Porta Rossa - Via Porta Rossa, 19 (fax: 39 055/282179) The oldest albergo in Florence, from the
13thC no less! Still a favorite with me, although a bit tired, its location is hard to beat. I included the fax
number because they don't have email or a web site - now that is ancient thinking?

Hotel Helvetia & Bristol - Via Banchi di Sopra, 85 (www.charming hotels.it) is my favorite up class home
away from home in Florence. Small in size, sumptuous decor, attentive service - this is a treat of a place
that we all deserve once or twice in a lifetime. And Florence is a good place to spoil yourself!

Hotel Palazzo Benci - Via Faenza, 6/r, (fax: 39 055/288308), a former 16thC Palace of the Benci family
today is a very acceptable 3-star hotel, located close to the Medici Chapels.

Hotel Albani Firenze - Via Fiume, 12 , (fax: 39 055/211045), is close to the railway station and Santa
Maria Novella. A very pleasant, and reasonably priced hotel in this not so reasonably priced city!

For those on a budget and would rather spend their money on other things besides expensive
accommodations have a look at: (www.familyhotels.com) and (www.promhotels.it) Here you might find
the digs that suit a variety of budgets.

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