Truly captivating, inspiring, and unbelievably beautiful are just some of the words and phrases befitting a place as glorious as Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, a hub for many arts and cultures, and a city undeniably rich in history. Famous artists, such as Leonardo DaVinci, Giotto, the Lippis, Donatello, Masaccio, Michelangelo, and Botticelli called Florence home and left their marks. To the great families of Florence, displaying their wealth was paramount...and display it they did. Their excesses are on display throughout Florence, in the form of churches, mansions, public buildings and in their private collections of works of the masters, still viewed today in the great galleries here. Florentines, growing up with excess and riches, carry on their heritage through the possession and display of some of the most famous designers in the world, like Gucci and Ferragamo. And the food...mmmm. No one does food like the Florentines.

Choosing a lesser-known, low-cost carrier such as Transavia, Ryanair, HLX and Easyjet may enable you to save a sizable amount of money. Look for flights that go through large cities such as London or Rome. Doing so can save you a great deal, as there are more connecting flights within Europe on low budget carriers than on there is on direct flights. Another way to get a cheap flight to Florence would be to head first to Pisa and then from there you can go between cities or straight to Florence on the train or bus. This could take some time but taking the train for the first time or being able to see the countryside on your way, may be an experience you would cherish for the rest of your life. Airfare is cheapest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the low-volume travel days. It is also best to book your vacation during off-peak seasons such as during the months of January to March and during the winter season, except for religious holidays.

Airports serving Florence, Italy

Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR), formerly known as Peretola Airport and Florence Airport, handles mostly domestic flights and a very few international flights. Airfare tends to be somewhat expensive within Italy, so most people fly to one of the international airports in larger cities, and then take the train or drive to Florence.

Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) located in Pisa, Italy may be your cheapest avenue to Florence. Busses and trains connect to the central train station from which you can take a train or bus to Florence's Santa Maria Novella Station. A number of low-cost carriers have service to Pisa from numerous European locations. Pisa is just 63 miles west of Florence, on the coast, and an enjoyable 80-minute train ride.