Romantic Escape in Florence

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Tourism for Two  Florence is made for romance. Dante met Beatrice here and in Piazza della Signoria, the café lined hub of the city, E M Forster's heroine Lucy Honeychurch fainted into George Emerson's arms in A Room With A View. Soak up the sensuous art. It was in Florence that Michelangelo celebrated the body. Visit the Uffizi, one of the world's most famous galleries to see Botticelli's Venus. The Ponte Vecchio, Florence's famous covered bridge, is beautiful at sunset and late at night when it is illuminated. It's best seen from the Ponte Santa Trinita at night and the Ponte alle Grazie at sunset. You can't hang a padlock near the Ponte Vecchio anymore to pledge your love but touch one while you seal it with a kiss. Gaze at the view over the rooftops of Florence from the Duomo bell tower, the San Miniato al Monte Church, and from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Walk hand in hand Take a stroll along the River Arno. The light changes several times a day and the mood is always different, so be sure to do this more than once. Florence has some beautiful gardens that are at their best in spring. Wander through the Boboli Gardens that were laid out in the 16th century. The Giardino di Badini is smaller and less crowded but just as charming.

The Romantic Meal Choose a hotel with a roof terrace and take an aperitif at sunset enjoying the view of the Arno and the Ponte Vecchio. Then dine under the stars.

Get in the mood Soak up the view from Forte Belvedere. This enchanting 16th-century fortress is a favorite with local lovers and has breath-taking views of Florence and the Tuscan hills. Take a trip to Fiesole on the hills outside Florence. There is a wonderful view of the city and it was here that Forster's lovers were introduced to the sensual side of Italy.

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