Escape to the Renaissance city of Florence for a luxurious winter break.
Florence takes on a whole new level of glamour and sophistication during the festive season. With its historic streets and iconic landmarks magically illuminated, the atmosphere becomes one of a romantic fairytale.
With quiet streets and clear skies, December is the perfect month to discover this enchanting city with its traditional artisan workshops, designer ateliers and boutiques. Explore the high-end shopping streets such as Via Tornabuoni and the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge with its classic goldsmiths and jewellery stalls.
Florence is famous for its fragrances and boasts several stunning boutique perfumeries which can tailor-make a scent just for you. If you are searching for gifts that truly capture Florence’s identity and traditions, then it has to be leather. There are inspiring contemporary designers as well as classic leathercraft workshops, where high-quality bags, shoes and belts can be personalised to your own designs.
While Florence offers an impressive array of artisan experiences, it is also home to some exceptional food producers and award-winning wineries. Book a food tour of the city’s atmospheric markets such as Mercato Centrale and try festive Tuscan specialities such as brigidini (liquorice-flavoured wafers), befanini (traditional biscuits), and copate senesi (honey and nut pastries). Or visit the truly local Mercato di Sant Ambrogio, which also has a neighbouring flea market with antique linens and vintage apparel. During December, a must-see is the German-style Christmas market in Piazza di Santa Croce.
Discover the finest local wines such as Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan, and Vino Nobile varieties with a private tasting in a secret cellar beneath Florence’s ancient streets. Or book a guided trip to the Chianti hills just outside the city to see where the wine is made.
Candlelit Christmas concerts are held in evocative venues such as Basilica di Santo Spirito that embody the timeless soul of Florence. During the weeks before Christmas, performances include Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah, and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.
With so much to see and do in Florence during the festive season, it can feel a little overwhelming. The best way to discover the ‘real’ Florence is with the help of an expert planner or guide, or better still, enlist the help of a highly experienced hotel concierge.
A hotel concierge can tailor activities and excursions to perfectly suit your individual interests. An expert concierge can give you access to the most exclusive venues, experiences and activities where you can meet local Florentine artisans and visit unknown studios and witness up-close private art collections. They can open doors to Florence that no one else can, one that is truly magical, especially at Christmas.
One of Florence’s most skilled and creative Concierges is Chiara Angheleddu, who is an expert in Florentine lifestyle experiences at La Gemma Hotel.
One of Florence’s most beautiful 5* hotels, located in the very heart of the historic city. A luxurious, design-led boutique hotel, La Gemma is just steps away from iconic landmarks, galleries, museums, and artisan boutiques.
A glamorous boutique hotel with 39 rooms and suites, La Gemma features a private spa and Michelin-star restaurant ‘Luca’s’. It is perfectly placed for those looking for a luxury vacation in central Florence.
La Gemma’s concierge Clara is a registered Les Clefs d’Or® concierge who takes great pride in designing itineraries and activities that elevate the guest experience. She explains…
‘Florence at Christmas is very atmospheric, with many unique things to discover. I like to create exceptional experiences for our guests. Visits to private artist studios, ateliers and lesser-known galleries and museums. Our tailor-made VIP tours take you deep into the heart of Florence’s culture, history and heritage. I like to inject a little magic into La Gemma’s activities. Florence is all about making unforgettable memories that stay with you forever.’
This Christmas, La Gemma Hotel is offering a 5* festive package which embraces the season with a true taste of luxury in Florence.
Luxury Christmas Break in Florence
Christmas package includes:Â
Luxury 5* accommodation
Gourmet Christmas Eve Celebration Dinner or Christmas Day Lunch
(4 courses with set tasting menu)
Artisan chocolates in room on arrival
Welcome drink at La Gemma Cafe
Gourmet à la carte breakfast
Complimentary access to ALLURE Spa
Starting from Euro 1.506,00 (for 2 guests, two-night stay)
Starting from Euro 938,00 (for 2 guests, one-night stay)
La Gemma Hotel is a 5-star, fine-dining destination in the heart of historic Florence.
LA GEMMA HOTELÂ
Via dei Cavalieri 2C, 50123 Florence, Italy
www.lagemmahotel.com
