Hi there <BR>I am trying to arrange a romantic weekend for two in Florence in September 2001. My girlfriend spent a year in Florence and Pisa when a student a few years ago so I would like to show her a different side to Florence. Apart from the usual sights is there anything different/romantic to do? Limo rides? Boat trips for two? etc Many thanks for your help

Nat, <BR>Have you considered staying in Fiesole instead? It affords you the ability to view the Florence skyline, which is utterly gorgeous day or night. Also, to get into Florence proper for sightseeing, just hop the bus, which is convenient, & very economical. Fiesole is very romantic. Also, consider having dinner at Da Noi (in Florence), which is a wonderful, intimate restaurant with great food & outstanding service, located at 46 r via Fiesolana . There are carriage rides in Florence you might both enjoy & find appealing; as far as I know, I don't believe I've seen boats go down the Arno. <BR>Have A Wonderful Time, <BR>BC

This isn't sightseeing, but food <BR> <BR>Special treat: The best hot chocolate I've ever had was at Rivoire, Piazza della Signoria 5. Rivoire is perhaps the best café-bar for people-watching in Florence and the Piazza della Signoria is by far the most striking square in Florence. If you sit outside you can at the same time view the magnificent sculptures displayed in the Piazza, keeping in mind that the "David" is a copy because the original is in the Accademia museum. <BR>Seating is available both indoors and outside. Chocolate, pastries, and sweets are the claim to fame here. <BR>The hot chocolate is thick with a huge portion of whipped cream on top. Sandwiches are also available, as is coffee and wine. Closed on Mondays. I've also read theat the hot chocolate is wonderful at Café le Rose, Piazza dell Unita, near the train station. <BR> <BR>For a nice dinner (but not inexpensive) think about Paoli. The dining room was pretty and very Florentine with frescoed walls and a 14th century vaulted ceiling. It was very crowded, but the service was good. Via dei Tavolini, 12/r tel.: 055-216-215. Restaurant is also recommended in the Lonely Planet guide for its lower-priced "tourist menu". <BR>

Hi, <BR>I was going to suggest going to Fiesole for the evening. For our anniversary we took the bus from Florence and went up to Fiesole. There are many restaurants to choose from. Fiesole is the mother city to Florence. You can look from high above down upon Florence. It is like a a mini vacation away from it all. <BR>garry

yes yes to Book Chicks suggestions, <BR>If you can afford it Villa san Michele is a wonder, Fiesole another place entirely from Florence but a 15 min bus ride away. Da Noi or cibreo both are minutes from the hotel and are exceptional . The view from Fiesole is breathtaking and so quiet at night and utterly romantic

JOdy, <BR>Great minds think alike! (To the extent that I, too, will be in Paris in October!!!) <BR> <BR <BR> <BR>BC

Thanks alot for the suggestions, I will check out Fiesole as Florence seems to be booked out for a trade fayre that weekend anyway!