15% off for stays between Feb 1-March 16 '12. Valid on new bookings only taken from Jan 31, '12, minimum 5 nights to qualify for discount.

The tranquil Boboli Gardens were the private grounds of the Medici family's Pitti Palace, when this powerful family reigned supreme during the Renaissance. The 15th century wall that encloses these gardens, Florence's only central public gardens, runs directly behind the apartment. It is about an 10-minute walk down to Piazzale Porta Romana where there is a public entrance to the Boboli Gardens. To the east is the glorious walk up Viale Niccolo Macchiavelli to the million dollar view of Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo. No need to go to the gym if you make this walk up the hill each day to the top where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city, often featured in postcards and picture books.

This beautiful Florence vacation rental apartment will make you think you stepped onto a 1920's movie set when you enter the neighborhood behind the Boboli Gardens known as the "Bobolino", or little Boboli Gardens.

Set among a few small quiet streets are two-story residences that were built in the 1920's. This is a very elegant, quiet neighborhood unknown to most tourists. It's an easy walk to all the major sites but lets you escape to a private peaceful retreat with plenty of greenery and a terrace.

The Medici apartment is located on a picturesque lane off a small quiet street. As you walk down the lane you'll see the 15th century stone walls of the Boboli Gardens directly in front of you. The street is less then one block long and dead-ends at the ancient wall. It's a 15- minute walk to the Pitti Palace or the lively Piazza Santo Spirito which has many excellent restaurants and a daily outdoor produce market. The Ponte Vecchio is a 25 minute walk. This is an ideal location if you want to be outside the crowded historic center and don't mind walking. During daylight hours there is a shortcut through the grounds of the nearby Art Academy which shaves a few minutes off the walk. At night, after dinner out, you might want to take a taxi back to the apartment if your feet are crying for mercy after a long day of sightseeing!

For families with young children there is the playground for toddlers on the art academy grounds, something that you won't find in the historic center.

The Medici apartment is in a small building containing only two apartments. The Medici apartment is the lower of the two units but is one up from street level. Enjoy meals on the terrace and scenic views of the Tuscan hills from the living room windows. There is ample on-street metered parking in the neighborhood which is very reasonably priced when compared to the high price to park a car within the downtown area of Florence.

The living room has a very large window that overlooks the lane. In the spring and summer enjoy seeing the neighbor's mature wisteria vine in bloom. In the distance are views of the gentle hills that surround the outskirts of Florence, dotted with stately villas. The lush vegetation and bucolic setting will make you feel like you're in the countryside even though you're a reasonable walk away to the famous sites like the Duomo, the David and the Ponte Vecchio! The living room has two comfortable small sofas accessorized with sumptuous throw pillows. If you want to just sit and relax at home, there is plenty of reading light from the lamps next to the sofas. In the corner of the living room is a dining table and four chairs. Gaze out the living room window and you'll see the ancient walls of the Boboli Gardens immediately to your right.

The master bedroom and bathroom are at the back of the apartment and each have windows opening onto the back garden and patio. The second bedroom has a large window that overlooks the lane. Both bedrooms have large armoires with ample clothing storage space. A foldaway twin bed in the living room can be provided for 5th person.

The eat-in kitchen has French doors that open onto the terrace. Throughout the floors are handsome original polished terracotta tiles. You'll find this kitchen to be a delight to cook in. On the other hand, you're in Florence and on vacation, so chances are you'll be eating out at the many nearby excellent restaurants most days. However, the wonderful selection of fresh seasonal ingredients might tempt you to cook at home. Just at the edge of the neighborhood in the Piazza Porta Romana are a few daily produce stands that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, so handy if you need a few last-minute items. There's even one of Florence's few remaining tripe vendors at this location, if you care try this Florentine speciality!

The bathroom has a large window opening to the terrace, good lighting, and a fully enclosed shower.

A terrace is a "must have" for some of our guests and the Medici apartment has a lovely outdoor space. It's an ideal place to enjoy summer meals. There is a patio table with umbrella. You can just step right out onto the patio from the kitchen and we bet it's the spot where many of you will have some of your most pleasant Florence memories. This is a country where meals al fresco is a way of life and you'll find yourself getting into the swing of things, even if it's just lingering over a cup of coffee and reading a good book outside on the terrace in the mornings.

A DVD player along with a small selection of movies is provided. There is a selection of guidebooks for you to peruse and enjoy.

High Season
1-2 people 7 nights €1020, 6 nights €920, 5 nights €820, 4 nights €715. €3060/4 weeks

3-4 people 7 nights €1320, 6 nights €1190, 5 nights €1055, 4 nights €925. €3960/weeks

5 people 7 nights €1480, 6 nights €1330, 5 nights €1185, 4 nights €1035

Low Season
1-2 people 7 nights €896, 6 nights €805, 5 nights €720, 4 nights €630. €2688/4 weeks.

3-4 people 7 nights €1070, 6 nights €965, 5 nights €855, 4 nights €750. €3210/4 weeks

5 people 7 nights €1200, 6 nights €1080, 5 nights €960, 4 nights €840

High Season March 26 thru Oct 31, Christmas & New Year's weeks. Low Season Jan 3 thru March 25, Nov 1 thru  Dec 17

4 night minimum booking period. 1 week minimum Easter. 5 people maximum. The price includes taxes, final cleaning, internet, 15 Kwh/day utility allowance.

4 night minimum booking period. Included: Utilities up to an average of 15kwh/day, additional usage is charged at the rate of €.35/kwh, DSL internet, loaner cell phone, guests are responsible for phone charges.

15% off for stays between Feb 1-March 16 '12. Valid on new bookings only taken from Jan 31, '12, minimum 5 nights to qualify for discount.

The tranquil Boboli Gardens were the private grounds of the Medici family's Pitti Palace, when this powerful family reigned supreme during the Renaissance. The 15th century wall that encloses these gardens, Florence's only central public gardens, runs directly behind the apartment. It is about an 10-minute walk down to Piazzale Porta Romana where there is a public entrance to the Boboli Gardens. To the east is the glorious walk up Viale Niccolo Macchiavelli to the million dollar view of Florence from the Piazzale Michelangelo. No need to go to the gym if you make this walk up the hill each day to the top where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city, often featured in postcards and picture books.

This beautiful Florence vacation rental apartment will make you think you stepped onto a 1920's movie set when you enter the neighborhood behind the Boboli Gardens known as the "Bobolino", or little Boboli Gardens.

Set among a few small quiet streets are two-story residences that were built in the 1920's. This is a very elegant, quiet neighborhood unknown to most tourists. It's an easy walk to all the major sites but lets you escape to a private peaceful retreat with plenty of greenery and a terrace.