Near Florence: Fiesole

Fiesole Information:

Near Florence: Fiesole Perched on a hill overlooking the Arno valley, Fiesole gives weary travelers a break in the action and, during the heat of summer, a breezy location from which to admire the city below. The ancient Etruscans knew a good spot when they saw one, and chose to settle here, establishing Fiesole about 400 years before the Romans founded Florence. Wealthy Renaissance families in pre-air-conditioning days also chose Fiesole as a preferred vacation spot and built villas in the surrounding hillsides. Later, 19th-century Romantics spent part of the Grand Tour admiring the vistas, mutch like the hordes of tourists to today. Most come here for the view - the actual sights pale in comparison to those in Florence.

Getting to Fiesole: From the Florence train station, take bus n.7 - enjoying a peek at gardens, vineyards, orchards, and villas - to last stop, Piazza Mino ( 1€ 4/hr, fewer after 20.00, 20 min, departs Florence from the line of bus stops just out of the east exit of train station, and also from south side of Piazza San Marco). Taxis from Florence cost about 20 Euro. Drivers will have difficulty finding parking in Fiesole; if stayng overnight, arrange a spot with your accommodation.

At the Florence bus station, you can buy a 7,20 Euro Fiesole Pass, witch includes roud-tripp bus fare and the 7 Euro combo-ticket for the Roman Theater, Archaeological Park, Civic Museum, and Bandini Museum. Buy it from the bus ticket booth, immediately outside station's east exit.

Tourist Information: To reach Fiesole's T1 from the bus stop, face the cathedral, turn right and take the first left. The T1 is immediately to the right of the Roman Archaeological Park. Pick up a free map ( Mon-Sat 9.00/18.00, Sun 10.00/13.00 ).

More information: http://www.fiesole.com/
Fiesole Accommodation:
http://www.tuscanyaccommodations.org/uk/Florence_Apartments-7/Fiesole_Apartments-6/