Mauro is an excellent host, and his apartment is ideally located for walking to all the museums, and just 10 minutes to the Duomo, the heart of the city.
He was very helpful in showing me the area by offering a map, and marking places I came to see. He offered excellent suggestions for the locals favorite gelateria, Vivoli (18 min walk) outside Piazza Santa Croce and places not to miss, such as the Giardino Boboli and Piazza Pitte, home of the most impressive art collection in Florence, next to the Uffizi.
His apartment is classic in design and kitchen window opens to a garden with magnolia trees. His home is quiet, a lovely respite from Florence’s vibrant street life that flows throughout the day and long into the night.
I highly recommend Mauro as your host, especially for solo travelers. I immediately felt welcome in his home and plan to stay again with Mauro on my return to Firenze!