Friendly Rentals Blog

Florence is a great city for going shopping. In addition to fashion stores, craft workshops and small shops, you will find numerous markets. Food, clothes, typical products, leather items, antiques, etc are sold on the stalls in the Florentine markets at very good prices, especially if you’re an expert in the art of haggling.

Chianti, with its strong and aromatic flavour, is one of Italy’s most prestigious wines. This deep-red coloured wine is produced in a region situated between Siena, Arezzo and Florence with marvellous landscapes and occupying a large part of Tuscany.

This summer you can enjoy a different kind of holiday and that is by wandering the paved streets of Florence, watching the city go dark sat on the banks of the River Arno with the Medieval Bridge, going shopping in their elegant stores and admiring the fascinating heritage of this Renaissance city.

Do you like ice-cream? Would you like the pleasure of trying the best Italian ice-cream? Then, you have a delicious date with the sweetest week of the year. As from the 25th to the 29th of May, the second edition of the festival devoted entirely to this refreshing and international dessert, will be celebrated in the romantic Tuscan city of Florence. The variety of colours and flavours will take over the city and palate of visitors and locals alike, revealing the secrets of authentic Italian ice-cream, famous for being the best in the world.

On Easter Sunday this year, and just like every year, Florence locals will be gathering in Duomo Square to watch a dove-shaped rocket, commonly known as the “Colombina” soar out of the square. This event, taking place on the 24th of April this year will ignite a huge wooden cart filled with explosives and fireworks in the process, thus causing the Explosion of the Cart.

Florence is one of the most attractive destinations in Florence, especially now that spring is well on its way. And there is nothing like enjoying the beauty of this Tuscan city by going for a stroll through its cobbled streets and admiring the classic and renaissance architecture.

This annual opera festival founded in 1933 comprises one of the oldest musical events in Italy and one of the most prestigious in the European Union. It takes place in the “Teatro Comunale“, the centre of musical life in the Tuscan capital, and will be celebrating its 74th edition from the 1st of May to the 30th of June this summer.

From the 10th to the 13th of March this year visitors to Florence will be able to participate in ARTOUR-O, an unusual art tour in Florence featuring conventions and exhibitions that highlight the relationship between territory and contemporary art, endorsing Italy’s artistic production. Through this event, participants will also get the opportunity to discover this charming Italian city and discover some of its many beautiful landmarks and monuments.

It’s all happening in Florence as Christmas celebrations are barely over and further plans are being made for more festive events in this Italian city. What with the Viareggio Carnaval, and the Gourmet Chocolate Fair visitors to Florence are truly being spoilt. And that’s not all because there are further celebrations lined up and this includes the Feast Day of Saint Giuseppe taking place on the 19th of March.

Its carnival time, and what a carnival! The Carnival of Viareggio, an annual event held in the town of Viareggio a short distance away from Florence is considered amongst the most renowned carnival celebrations in both Italy and Europe, and is a world famous celebration. This incredible event will be taking place from the 20th of February to the 13th of March 2011 for the entertainment of visitors and locals alike comprising 16 days of fun during the Mardi Gras festivities i.e. the feasting and merrymaking just before Lent starts with its 40 days abstinence from all things good.

All you chocolate lovers out there will be delighted to know that Florence will be holding its annual Gourmet Chocolate Fair from the 4th to the 13th of February 2011 in Piazza Santa Croce, which promises to be a really tasty event.

Like in practically all cities, the Christmas markets are definitely worth a visit during your wanderings around the streets of Florence. In this Tuscany Italian city, the most famous Christmas Market is the German Market situated on Piazza Santa Croce, whose original name is Mercato Tedesco di Natale. From the 3rd to the 30th of December locals and tourists alike wander around the many stalls that reside in this German market where they can try and buy typical German products, whether its German strudel, mulled wine, or other treats and food products such the traditional German bratwurst (sausage), as well as ceramics and various craftworks. In addition, there is a small merry-go-round for the entertainment of children, a true Christmas classic. Finally, there is another typical market in Florence which is the Florence Noel, situated in the Statione Neopoldo that hosts this Christmas Fair and Father Christmas himself. Here, you will find all the typical Christmas articles and artisan products for some perfect gift ideas.