Take a trip to the Renaissance

30/05/2011 Italy

On the banks of the River Arno, nestled among the rolling Tuscan hills, lies the world-famous city of Florence. One of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet, it attracts millions of visitors each year, and also boasts a thriving business tourism industry.

Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence’s cultural and artistic heritage is unparalleled, and it was home to such masters as da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Their work can be seen today in the city's myriad museums, which include the Galleria degli Uffizi, perhaps the most important collection of art in the world. Arguably the last preserved city from the Renaissance period, Florence’s monuments, churches and buildings are just as spectacular as the day they were completed.

With a wide range of venues and an excellent business tourism infrastructure, Florence is also a popular choice for meetings and conferences of all shapes and sizes. Here, meeting planners have the opportunity to organize events in beautiful historical buildings such as the Fortezza da Basso, which can host up to 15,000 delegates, and the Palazzo dei Congressi, as well as in more modern venues such as the Palazzo degli Affari and the Nelson Mandela Forum. Home to 35,000 hotel beds of all standards, there is also no shortage of accommodation for participants in the city.

The Firenze Convention Bureau provides a wide range of services for delegates to help them get the most out of the city once their meeting is over, including an online guide of its attractions and the recently introduced Congress Card. Downloadable from their website free of charge, this card entitles holders to special offers and fees at museums, shops, restaurants and car rental agencies, as well as special rates for sightseeing tours and taxis.

With such excellent facilities and enriching cultural attractions, as a meetings destination Florence has it all. Andiamo a Firenze!

www.conventionbureau.it