http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20819
You can join in advance but it is easy to do when you arrive. Membership is for the calendar year and not for 12 months from payment but it is still value for money and encourages you to go to museums 'little and often'. Varied costs but it is 100 Euros for a family.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20819 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20590
It's usually warm to very warm spring weather. You can fly direct to Florence from Gatwick with Meridiana or to Pisa (one hour train ride) from Bristol with Easyjet. Both flights are around two hours.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20590 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20037 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20037 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19634
I learned to cook so many dishes and sauces, this course takes you well beyond the spaghetti bolognese. I can now cook a full three-course meal and many other side dishes to a passable quality. The wine flowed and the fact that it was produced from the vineyards in the grounds made it all taste so much better. I had a brilliant time and highly recommend it (so can my husband!). It's a brilliant add-on to a trip to Florence and I'll definitely go back for more lessons later in the year.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19634 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19619 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19619 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19569 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19569 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19394
Considered for a very long time a minor pottery production centre, the role played by Montelupo pottery in the history of Italian ceramics was re-defined only a few years ago, thanks to the unexpected discovery of an old well full of kiln shards.

Hundreds of ceramic pieces from the Renaissance were found in the excavations thanks to the hard work of an association of volunteers. Now they are the core of the Tuscan pottery collection housed in a newly renovated Museum of Ceramics.

What makes the Museum so definitely worth a visit is the uniqueness of its large collection of ceramic works. Most of the 5,500 pieces belonging to the collection come from the excavations made in the area of Montelupo in the last 33 years. They provide an extraordinary opportunity to travel back in time through five centuries in the history of one of the most important ceramic centres in Europe.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19394 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19155
You can choose to visit Florence by bike, following the cycle tracks that reach the most famous historic sites.

What to see:
- Piazza della Signoria
- Piazzale Michelangelo
- Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square)
- The Bargello Museum
- Ponte Vecchio: To one side of the bridge there is the majestic bust of the most famous Florentine goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini.

Scenic views:
- Bike along the romantic Viale dei Colli up to Piazzale Michelangelo to see the wonderful landscape of Florence
- Panoramic view of the Boboli Gardens

Bike rental estimated prices:
1 hour - about 3 Euro
1 day - from a minimum of 14 Euro to a maximum of 27 Euro]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19155 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19013 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19013 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18976
They drive every aspect of this lovely Florence hostel, and are constantly on hand to make sure that their guests (and you really do feel like a guest rather than a customer!) have everything they could possibly need.

I didn't stay long enough to take advantage of the offer, but long-term guests are invited out to their Tuscan farmhouse for the night.

It was a real wrench to tear myself away.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18975
On a summer evening, sitting high above the almost unbelievably beautiful city, quivering in the haze below, is a genuine Florence must-do.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18975 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18973
If you get tired of the market stalls, there's also the fantastic - on the inside at least - church of Santa Maria del Carmine to explore, and a host of bars and cafes (the area's also a hub of Florence nightlife) to sit in and watch the hustle and bustle unfold around you.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18973 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18898
Great food at low, low prices. We had dinner for 30 with wine (and not from a fixed menu!) that came to less than 20 euro per person. Wonderful spot.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18898 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18899
Great eclectic Italian menu with some southern as well as Florentine classics. Brilliant service. 30 euro per person]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18899 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18782
I have always pointed them out to my husband and sighed longingly at their charm, (there is something almost 'expensive accessory must-have' about them, like the latest pair of Marc Jacobs).

This trip to Tuscany we got behind the wheel and did a convoy tour in one! Absolutely hilarious!

"Again again again!" I wanted to squeal like an over-indulged child as we said goodbye to Paola (our little red head-turner) at the end of the glorious trip.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18782 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18564
The setting is rural, with all the picturesque features you might expect from staying under the Tuscan sun. The condo-style living arrangements come well equipped, with kitchens and living rooms that give families a spacious home base.

Most have swimming pools and you can also find full resort amenities with an onsite restaurant, tennis courts, a fitness centre and myriad other features.

There are more perks that come along with Italian farmhouse living. The owner or manager of the property may live onsite and serve as a point of contact to help your family with anything you need - from planning activities to offering general guidance about the region. Most are conveniently located so your family can sightsee for part of the day, touring neighboring towns and experiencing the local culture and history of Tuscany, and then relax at the pool for the afternoon.

Some Agriturismi offer structured onsite activities such as Italian cooking classes, horseback riding, and wine and/or olive oil tasting. Many properties serve their very own farm-harvested food in an onsite restaurant, so you won’t need to worry about cooking up meals - unless you’d like to showcase your new Italian cooking skills. Some accommodations even offer daily housekeeping, so you’ll be able to focus on the fun stuff.

Unlike the isolation you could expect if your family rented an independent villa, Agriturismi provide a wonderful balance of services and privacy. Well-located throughout Tuscany, it is easy to explore the surrounding areas. Most options are small with family-focused services including babysitting and equipment rental, making it easy to relax and experience the best Tuscany has to offer, both onsite and off.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18564 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18160 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18160 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18058 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18058 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17807
The place (built in 1500) was very central and the neighbourhood was safe, I could walk to all the main tourist sights. Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are about 2 blocks away. At the end I had a discount for paying cash without asking for one, the cost of my single was originally €88.00 but they gave it to me for €80.00 per night. A bargain!

The hotel also offers a left luggage facility which is handy if you have a late flight/train. I will definitely return for a longer stay in the future.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17807 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17684 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17684