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Travel Rome Italy Vacation - the colosseum is a must see 

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Rome & Florence
 

 

  
Florence Italy Travel offers exquisite architecture
 

Architectural details from past centuries capture a visitor's eye and imagination

 

Rome and Florence are among the most glorious cities in Italy -- and the world. They are at the top of most travelers’ wish lists when deciding where to travel in Italy, and offer a wealth of opportunities for visitors.

Italian Vacation Villas offers weekly rental apartments in the heart of the old city of Rome and central to many major sightseeing attractions. We also offer a large array of well-furnished, elegant apartments in elevator buildings in the historic center of Florence, in addition to apartments a short bus ride from the city. Please contact us for information on many other Florence apartment rentals that are not displayed on this website.

Rome, the Eternal City, is located between Italy’s northern and southern regions in the Lazio region. The country’s third largest river, the Tiber, runs through the city center. While the city is expansive, most major sights are within or near the relatively small historic center, and are easily accessible on foot and with public transportation.

Originally the seat of a great empire, Rome has become the home of the papacy and the capital of the country. Rome’s extensive history, and its importance in Italy’s culture and art, is evident throughout the city. Visitors will not want to miss St. Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Museum’s art collection, which culminates in the frescoes of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. The impressive architecture of the ancient Romans can still be seen today in the structures of the Pantheon and the Colosseum. The Forum, as the center of ancient Rome, was used for official announcements, as a meeting place, and for street markets. The Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are perfect for relaxed evenings of people watching.

Ponte Vecchio - Florence Italy Vacation
 
 

Florence's famous shopping bridge, the Ponte Vecchio, spans the Arno River

   

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is situated in northwest Italy. It extends along the banks of the Arno River and onto hills both north and south of the city. The Duomo (cathedral) and the Arno River, with its four central bridges, act as reference points for the city center. Most of the main sights are close to the historic center, and easy to navigate on foot from your Florence rental apartment.

As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has a wealth of great artwork. The Uffizi Gallery houses a vast and rich collection of some of the best Italian paintings, in addition to works by Flemish, French, and German artists. Michelangelo’s famous statue of David can be found in the Accademia; a copy of the statue stands in the main Piazza della Signoria, which is in the heart of the city. The Santa Maria del Fiori cathedral, more commonly known as the Duomo, has the third largest nave in Christendom. The cathedral’s dome, designed by Brunelleschi, was the first of its kind constructed in the Renaissance, and it provided a model for later architects.

    
Rome's many pizza shops are hard to resist
  a Rome apartment rental offers endless dining options

A walk along the famous Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”) offers excellent views of the Arno River as well as shopping opportunities for gold and silver. Small historical streets, an extensive collection of art, a well-deserved reputation for excellent shopping opportunities (especially leather goods and jewelry), and a pleasant city atmosphere make Florence a charming place to visit and to rent an apartment.