Florence

Florenz. Firenzi. Fiorenza. Known throughout the world, Florence is located in the heart of Tuscany and boasts a city-wide population of 350,000 inhabitants. The UNESCO recognized medieval site is alive year-round with locals and students taking in all of the city. And who wouldn’t? Florence is a hot spot for travelers from all corners of the world and has been for hundreds of years. Known as the “birthplace of the Renaissance” and home to some of the most famous pieces in art today, Florence was the forerunner to leading the western world out of the Dark Ages.

From the Duomo in the epicenter, Renaissance-era neighborhoods identified by central churches and piazzas stretch out and house neighborhood based customs and identities. To the south of the city the Arno River flows under the Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge in Florence that was spared the destruction of World War II.

Ferrara

Historically Ferrara was once the domain of the powerful Este clan, rivals to Florence’s Medici in power and prestige, who endowed the city with its signature building – a huge castle complete with moat positioned slap-bang in the city centre. Ferrara suffered damage from bombing raids during WWII, but its historical core remains intact. Of particular interest is the former Jewish ghetto, the region’s largest and oldest, which prevailed from 1627 until 1859.

Historically Ferrara was once the domain of the powerful Este clan, rivals to Florence’s Medici in power and prestige, who endowed the city with its signature building – a huge castle complete with moat positioned slap-bang in the city centre. Ferrara suffered damage from bombing raids during WWII, but its historical core remains intact. Of particular interest is the former Jewish ghetto, the region’s largest and oldest, which prevailed from 1627 until 1859.