There could be no better setting, on the banks of the River Arno, for the birthplace of the Renaissance than Florence, the city of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Giotto, Dante and their patrons, the Medici family. The list of works of art is almost overpowering, but our Kirker Guide Notes will help you find quieter secrets and some special trattoria and restaurants, not found in other ‘official’ handbooks. All holidays include a guaranteed timed entrance to the Uffizi so you can avoid the lengthy queues.