Destination guide: Florence

Glorious Florence, arguably Italy's most beautiful city, is an essential destination for any serious art lover, who'll be overwhelmed by the quantity, let alone the quality, of some of the most important examples of western art anywhere in the world, concentrated into one small, beautiful city.

Situated in the northwest of Italy and surrounded by the lush wine-growing hills of Chianti, the enduring image of Florence, reproduced on myriad postcards and paintings, is of the terracotta dome of the city's great cathedral hovering above the mediaeval rooftops.

Of course, like many other cities, Florence suffers from too much traffic (although efforts have been made to restrict it from the centre of town), too many tourists, and an historic old centre tainted by cheap-looking fast food restaurants.

The city is undoubtedly expensive - so pick your hotel and restaurant carefully, and as far away from the main sights as is practical. But it is those sights that make Florence such an unforgettable destination.

The chapels, galleries and museums capture the spirit of the Renaissance more fully than any other city in Italy: no visitor could fail to be impressed.

The 14th-century Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, is still home to many quaint shops selling gold and the place to get a great view of the River Arno at dusk.

But for a view you'll never forget, take a bus, or, if you're feeling fit, walk up to the Piazzale Michelangelo, perched up on a hill. From here, Florence can be seen in one splendid panorama, to be permanently imprinted on your heart.