This is one of the most interesting and pleasurable places we stayed in Italy – and the other five were pretty great, so that tells you something! Do not let Rama’s location across the river from central Florence deter you! This is actually a welcome bonus, as it is a quieter, hip location than the city center offers; and you get to enjoy the pleasant, picturesque (esp at night) stroll along the Arno River on your way to and from the must-see locations. The studio apartment setting abuts a tiny plant-laden patio, visited by a friendly tabby cat, where one can enjoy one’s morning espresso or evening vino rosso; the bedroom has ample storage; and the kitchen accommodates simple food preparation (We picked up artisan bread, prosciutto and salumi, fromage, and local wines from the shop a block away for a simple quiet dinner). Just steps away from the apartment is the entrance to a lovely rose garden park, well worth exploring, and continuing the walk up the hill (and on up the hill a bit more) one comes to San Miniato al Monte
,(look it up – you definitely want to visit it), a 13th century Romanesque monastery and basilica that, apart from its interior treasures, affords sweeping views of the city and valley below.
Marco, the host, is a working artist – one of a dozen or so who daily set up their easels and offer original watercolor paintings (chiefly Florentine landscapes) for sale to visitors to the great Uffizi Gallery. You will pass by Marco’s studio on your way in and out; and, for us, this direct association with the cultural life and history of Florence added immeasurably to the enjoyment of our stay.
If time and communications permit you to meet the rest of Marco’s wonderful, engaging family, as happened for us, your trip to Florence will exceed your expectations. Grazie mil, Marco!