Summertime in Florence

Libertyville, IL, April 22, 2013"”Florence: the city of Renaissance art, fabulous Tuscan food, great museums, fashion-forward shops, stylish cafés and Italy's best gelateria. TourCrafters has put together a 4-night, land-only Florence package that starts at $385 and includes accommodation in the 3-star Hotel Machiavelli, daily buffet breakfasts, a complimentary gelato at the Vivoli Gelateria, taxes, an electric bike tour of Florence and its major sights; plus a Vespa tour (like an old-time movie) OR a classic Fiat 500 tour of the Florentine hills and nearby Tuscan landscape. Each tour provides a professional guide, two-way radio, and a glass of Chianti with a tasting of Tuscany's best prosciutto and cheese on a scenic terrace.

The Best of Florence

In Florence, a veritable treasure house of art and architecture, you'll want to see the Duomo (Cathedral) and Baptistry, the Accademia (Michelangelo's David), the Uffizi Gallery, the Piazza della Signoria, the Ponte Vecchio, the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens. The smart shops can be found on Via de' Tornabuoni and nearby streets, but prices are lower in the department stores and don't ignore markets like San Lorenzo. (The Mercato Centrale is good for picking up picnic fixings.) Outside the city there's an amazing view from Fiesole and the Tuscan countryside is a picture of olive groves, vineyards, villas and castles, perfect for taking memorable photos.

Of course there are hotel upgrades available. The boutique Hotel Rivoli which was once a convent and has a lovely patio, costs $505. The historic and elegant Grand Hotel Baglioni, which boasts a roof garden and free Wi-Fi, is $634.

All prices quoted are per person, double occupancy, are available from July 7 to early September, are subject to availability and do not include city taxes, which must be paid on the spot in euros. For more information about this Florentine Summer Emotions package, visit www.tourcrafters.it/tour.lasso?ID=179. For reservations, call 800-482-5995. Note that the same package is available in spring and fall for an additional price.