Florence, Italy

Noted for its breathtaking architecture, Florence boasts striking places like the white-marble Baptistery, Bargello palace, San Miniato al Monte basilica, and the Medici Chapel.

When traveling to Florence, viewing the original "David" by Michelangelo is an unmissable experience. The sculpture is housed in the Gallery of the Academy of Florence (Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze). The Accademia also displays his other giant marble sculptures including the "Prisoners" and unfinished "Slaves", as well as other marvelous works like Botticelli's "Madonna of the Sea". Another place that gives tribute to the great talent is the library of San Lorenzo - a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius.

Other Renaissance landmarks worth of notice are the Baboli Gardens with incredible sculptures and of course the Uffizi Gallery, which is home to Botticelli's "Primavera" and "Birth of Venus", Filippo Lippi's "Madonna and Child with Two Angels", Titian's "Venus of Urbino" and other works by Giotto and Renaissance pioneers like Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Topping it all, there are many opportunities to spice up your Florence itinerary such as going on of the many available Tuscany wine tours from Florence, by visiting iconic cities near Florence like Pisa and Lucca, or even by setting off on an inspiring Cinque Terre tour from Florence.