holidays in florence italy

Donatello Bed and Breakfast in Tuscany

My name is Mary…I am a single Canadian woman who likes to travel.

I love to travel in Italy!  The warmth of the Italian people is outstanding and unique in the world.  Italy is indeed sheer perfection. The family and the community are still a top priority. From the moment my plane lands in Florence I find that the atmosphere is charged with sunshine and happiness. This is my third trip to Florence to enjoy “la dolce vita”.

On my very first trip I discovered such a wonderful place to stay. Simone Biliotti, the owner, has created "a home away from home". The Donatello Bed and Breakfast in Tuscany is in the nicest residential part of Florence, just steps to the medieval centre.

On this visit, a big cup of my favourite tea greets me upon arrival. Right away I can email my family back home of my safe arrival from Simone's modern computer centre.

On my first night in Florence I always go to dine at EDI House, a few blocks away, choosing a panzerotti and a small beer. The evening stroll home reveals the wonderful surrounding neighbourhood.

For my first night I easily relax in my charming room with a private hot shower, my favourite calming balm and a choice of DVDs to watch in the comfort of my room. There is no substitute for a comfortable bed and the cleanest accommodation is always appreciated when one is away from home.

In the morning I enjoy a breakfast which includes lots of fruit!! There are so many ways to have coffee here in The Donatello Bed and Breakfast in Tuscany that a tea drinker like myself can easily be persuaded to try one. There is a grocery mart around the block, with a friendly staff. I buy a few simple items to store in the modern kitchen for the odd night that I want to eat in.

When I do dine out it is nice, beyond nice!     I use the suggestions from Simone who knows all of the most delicious places to eat. His recommendation for gelato was out of this world!!  Florence at night is s wonderful. After a nice dinner I like to pop into Edison, the best book store in town, then step out to listen to the live music in the piazza under the stars.

I love my Italian activities.  Typically I have lunch at the Cafe Postal where they serve tea, shop for leather purses in the Market and buy night wear at Firinni's. which is  my absolute favourite store here .

Florence is a walker's paradise, I however am a fan of mass transit so I always get a bus pass and travel throughout the city and beyond on the ATAF. There is a city bus map posted in The Donatello Bed and Breakfast in Tuscany

The number 13 bus, which stops right in front of the B and B, circles the city. Day or night one can take this bus to the top of the city –what a vista!!!

With the number 7 bus , I go to Fiesole . It is a short 15 minute ride up the hill to the original Florence and the setting for the film, A Room with a View.   I just stroll about and enjoy a picnic on a bench with a view .

I also look for a list of local music concerts and current exhibits. This year I note that a  Galileo show is on at the Piazza Strozzi. Last year it was Cezanne. There is always something new in this most creative city.

The Uffizi Art Gallery and the statue of David are the MUST DOs and the Ponte Vecchio is the MUST SEE. near this wonderful old bridge there is a wonderful glove shop, Madovas, that provides a special souvenir of Florence. In February, when I put on my Italian leather gloves , I am reminded of Italy and dream of my next visit.