Experiencing Florence: Art, Gelato, and a Fiat Cinquecento or Two

Too many people settle for just seeing Florence. I mean, there you are in the center of the world's greatest art (and science) city and if you close your eyes and listen closely, you could be in Cleveland. Well, except maybe for the quality of the gelato.

Even in April, tourists outnumber the locals most everywhere. And everyone knows, tourists don't drive in Florence. Now that would be insane.

But what if you could experience Florence? What if you could drive--not in your ordinary econobox rental special--but in an icon of Italian style and charm, the Fiat Cinquecento, or 500? What if you got outta town, to the hills overlooking Florence, where rich and influential Fiorentines spend their restful nights? I did this recently, and I'm tellin' ya, this is the way to experience Florence!

Here are my immediate suggestions. First rent a room (or small apartment) at the Villa Piazzole (book direct), a 16th century nobelman's estate that produces its own wine and olive oil. Wander its formal garden or take a dip in the pool offering a fantastic view that includes the Certosa of Florence (the Villa Piazzole was built by the same folks who built the Certosa, we're told). From the Villa it's a pleasant, downhill 40 minute country walk to the Ponte Vecchio. Visit Florence and the Uffizi, then walk around the back of the Uffizi to view the incredible, restored Fiat Cinquecento fleet of the Touring Club 500. Then book a caravan tour with them. You'll get to tool around Florence and the Florentine countryside as you would in a car club--in a meandering multi-colored segmented worm of tiny Fiats all in a row. You'll see all the sites and learn new things you didn't know about Florence, all at a very reasonable price. Get more info: Touring Club 500 Cinquecento Tours.

^{Pictures of Florence © 2008 by James Martin, licensed to About.com}