Our family is visiting Europe for the first time in July. We will be spending 4 days in Florence, Italy. We were wondering if anyone knew anything about the Hotel Berchielli. We are staying there because of a recommendation from our travel agent. Also, does anyone know where we can buy good but reasonably priced Florentine gold?

I have not stayed there but have heard good things about the hotel. It is in a terrific location on the Arno. As far as buying gold. do not expect any big bargains in Italy. The price is calibrated to the world price per gram, with variations for cost of labor and workmanship. There are lots of shops along the Ponte Vecchio right outside your hotel but I would do some research beforehand in your home city.

Assuming you are an honest individual who declares <b> everything </b> they buy in Europe to the Customs folks when they return and you also know what prices are like at home for <b> comparable </b> items, I'm not convinced you are going to get any great bargains.

BUT, there is something about having &quot;bought in in Florence&quot; that may transcend all those earthly concerns about getting a great deal and also makes the item memorable in more important ways.

We stayed at the Berchielle on an early trip to Florence, before the hotel became a 4*, and really liked it. Our room was cool and comfortable, and the location right on the Arno was excellent.

For gold, just walk over to the Ponte Vecchio, which has shops of quite a few goldsmiths. My husband bought me a gold and ruby ring for our tenth anniversary, and I've worn it ever since. The gold is much deeper in color that most I've seen.

Thanks everyone for the tips on Hotel Berchielli and buying gold. We feel much more confident now!!!

I don't think there are any bargains regarding gold in Florence but it sure is nice to have jewerly from Florence. The only problem we have occcurred is with rings. Gold in Italy is 18K versus our in the US which is normally 14K. Consequently Italian rings don't seem to hold up as well if worn on a day to day basis. Underhill, evidently you have not had that problem. Is the band of the ring quite thick? I just got thinking maybe the problem with our rings from Italy is that the bands are very narrow. Thanks.