6 Hidden Gems in Florence

6 Hidden Gems in Florence

Florence is full of world famous sights to see, but here are some of our favorite small museums and churches in Florence to deepen your experience of the city’s rich history. Even if you think you’ve seen all there is to see in Florence, these hidden gems might just have you planning a return trip! ... Read More

Visiting the World’s Oldest Pharmacy: Santa Maria Novella in Florence

Visiting the World’s Oldest Pharmacy: Santa Maria Novella in Florence

In Florence, the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, the oldest pharmacy in the world, has been crafting beautiful fragrances, remedies and herbal products since 1221. A visit to this one-of-a-kind place offers the chance to step back in time and bring home a scent of Florence that will transport you right back to Italy! ... Read More

Discovering the Historic Santa Croce Neighborhood in Florence

Discovering the Historic Santa Croce Neighborhood in Florence

Florence is a city of beautiful squares, from the buzz of Piazza del Duomo to sweeping city views from Piazzale Michelangelo and the historic grace of Piazza Santa Croce. Come along on a journey as we delve into the history of Piazza Santa Croce and share our favorite things to see and do in this lively Florence neighborhood. ... Read More

Movies and TV Shows to Inspire your Trip to Italy

Movies and TV Shows to Inspire your Trip to Italy

There is so much information to plow through when you are planning a trip to Italy. Do you head to your local library or bookstore for a pile of guide books? Maybe you prefer Instagram, saving posts that catch your eye. There are blog posts to read and podcasts to listen to. Now you can ... Read More

What to do on a Rainy Day in Florence

What to do on a Rainy Day in Florence

Planning your vacation in Florence during the winter and spring months is a great idea. You miss the summer heat and the high season crowds. It is the best time of year for hearty food like pappardelle al cinghiale and glasses of deep Tuscan red wine. Most of your days will be sunny and crisp ... Read More

Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Harvest Time in Tuscany

Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Harvest Time in Tuscany

Summer is traditionally the most popular time to visit Italy, but we’re here to make an argument in favor of autumn in Tuscany.  Autumn means harvest time when many of the country’s most popular food and drinks are produced for the rest of the year. If you plan your trip right, you could be in ... Read More

Taking a Vintage Vespa Tour of Tuscany

Taking a Vintage Vespa Tour of Tuscany

Italy Perfect Reservation Team member Kelly shares her fun experience of taking a vintage Vespa tour of Tuscany from Florence. ... Read More

6 Free Things to Do in Florence

6 Free Things to Do in Florence

Florence is a once-in-a-lifetime type of place, and you want to make sure you see it all while you’re there. We understand the potential stress of narrowing down an itinerary that fits with your budget, and so we’ve created this handy list of six free things to do in Florence! From world-famous museums to delicious ... Read More

How I Started Italy Perfect Vacation Rentals

How I Started Italy Perfect Vacation Rentals

Lisa Byrne, founder of Italy Perfect, shares her story of Casetta Bonsi, the little house in Florence that gave Italy Perfect its start. I can’t tell you how many times people say to me “I wish I had your job!” I’m so lucky to wake up excited to go to work every day, to share ... Read More

Where to Stay in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence

Florence is an intriguing small city, packed with wonderful thing to see, do, eat and drink.  We recommend finding a vacation rental that you like and using that as your base to explore this fabled city. You really can walk to anywhere in the center, even with children. But if time and distance require, take ... Read More

Handy Tips for Getting Around Florence for Travelers

Handy Tips for Getting Around Florence for Travelers

What’s the best way to get around Florence? On foot, bicycle, taxi, bus, rental car? This is one of the most frequently asked questions from our vacation rental clients when planning sightseeing itineraries and trying to judge time for getting around Florence. The short answer is: Florence is easy to get about. It is small ... Read More