If you're planning to be in Florence for more than a couple of days, you will probably want to spend some time outside the city and your options include visiting other art centres, relaxing in the lush green countryside, wandering through medieval lanes in the region’s many villages, or tasting wine at Chianti vineyards. You'll have plenty to keep you occupied.

Fiesole: Fiesole was at one time in its history more important than Florence, but it has long since been superseded by the significant culture powerhouse that Florence eventually became. Fiesole is now a peaceful and attractive spot boasting splendid views over Florence and is a good destination for escaping the crowds of visitors and the heat of the city in the summertime.

Siena: is a beautiful town in the Tuscan hills, with an illustrious past. It’s famous for its twice-yearly Palio contest, featuring horses that race around the sloping Campo, but Siena has attractions to lure visitors at other times of the year as well in its churches, museums and narrow, picturesque lanes.

There are express buses, operated by SITA, connecting Siena with Florence, departing hourly from the central station, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Medici Villa: the powerful Medici family ruled Florence for many years. The family was very wealthy and had a number of fine villas built in and around the city, typically set in lavish gardens.

Several are open to the public, including the beautiful villa at Poggio a Caiano, making for a pleasant excursion for visitors with an interest in the architecture and history of the Renaissance. Florence’s tourist information offices provide a leaflet, in English, with descriptions of the villas and information on how to reach them.