February 17, 2015

An Insider’s View of Florence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melanie Gravdal
Melanie@eda-pr.com
847.420.8808

With Ancient Brushstrokes Waiting, Who Wants to Study a Map? …
FROM ART TO AFTER DARK EXPLORATIONS, MONOGRAMS OFFERS AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF FLORENCE

LITTLETON, Colorado – February 17, 2015 – The “Cradle of the Renaissance” is not only an art historian’s dream, it’s also the perfect destination for aspiring photographers, professional shoppers and foodies alike. Resting along the banks of the Arno River, Florence represents the best of Italy.

In 2015, Monograms is providing travelers nine (9) inclusive travel packages that feature Florence. Package options include everything from a 4-day Florence Getaway and 10-day Rome, Florence & Venice travel package to 13-day Venice, Florence, Rome & Taormina Riviera vacation and a 16-day, multi-country London, Paris, Venice, Florence & Rome itinerary.

In Florence – and the whole of Europe, as well as Asia, the South Pacific, South America and Africa – Monograms promises vacations that are both manageable and fun. When travelers choose to travel with Monograms, they stay in the heart of the action thanks to a choice of hand-selected hotels; they get the VIP treatment by skipping lines at must-see sights and they arrive stress-free, thanks to transportation to and around their destination.

In addition, Monograms provides travelers their own, on-site Local Host^® who helps them personalize their experience: A one-of-a-kind, featured component of every Monograms vacation.

Ornella Colella – a Monograms’ Local Host in Florence – has provided travelers planning a trip to this romantic and bustling destination some insider tips. According to her:

The best view of the city is from the Piazzale Michelangelo: A famous square with an incredible panorama. Beyond the view of the city itself are the hills of Settignano and Fiesole.
For a more locally inspired night out, head to the Santa Croce neighborhood: East of the Piazza Santa Croce. The streets around the Mercato di Sant’Ambrogio and Piazza de’ Ciompi have some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. It’s a place that gets lively (in a great way) after dark.
For a beautiful stroll, visit the Boboli Gardens – an outdoor museum of garden sculpture that includes works from the 16^th through 18^th
June is the best month to visit Florence. The weather is perfect and the crowds have not yet found their way to this riverside city.
To escape the city and the crowds, spend a day-trip in the Tuscan countryside. Specifically:
1. Val d’Orcia. It’s a two-hour train ride from Florence and boasts villages, castles, hamlets and farmhouses. Be sure to check out Pienza (the “Ideal City”).
2. The Chianti region. Drive through rolling hills, past vineyards, country homes and parishes and taste some of the best wine in the world.
Don’t forget to drink a Bellini (Omelia calls it the city’s “signature drink”) or taste Bistecca alla Fiorentina (the dish she says best represents Florence cuisine).
And, of course, no trip to Florence is complete without visiting the Piazza del Duomo, Galleria degli Uffizi (arguably the world’s greatest gallery of Renaissance art) and the Galleria dell’Accademia – home to Michelangelo’s “David.”