Kate Hitchen
My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.
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Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Home to masterpieces of art and architecture; Brunelleschi, Bernini and Michaelangelo all left a lasting impression.
Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a small and vibrant city that is steeped in history and full of narrow streets and market squares that evoke a thousand tales.
Visit Michaelangelo’s David in the Museo Accademia, Walk to the Piazza del Duomo to climb the 436 steps of Brunelleschi’s venerable Duomo with its pink, green and white facade. Admire some of Bernini’s most famous works of art in the Uffizi gallery. Walk around stately palaces, world-class art galleries and the picturesque Boboli gardens, not forgetting to try the renowned Fiorentina cuisine in one of the many characterful restaurants that line the city streets.
It’s all here. Things to see and do, places to explore and moments to discover.
Our Italy experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.
Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.
Villa San Michele is a stunning, small luxury hotel, beautifully converted from a 15th-century monastery and set in the quiet hills overlooking the city of Florence. It is perfectly positioned with breathtaking views of the city and Arno Valley. With just 46 rooms, including 25 suites, it offers the perfect base from which to explore this part of Tuscany. The large pool overlooks the peaceful gardens which are filled with plenty of flowers, lemon and olive trees. This truly is one of the most romantic places in Italy.
The Hotel Brunelleschi in Florence is located only a stone’s throw away from the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza della Signoria and one of the world’s most famous shopping streets. The hotel was converted from a Byzantine tower (6th century) and medieval church and offers all the comforts of a modern hotel but keeps all the character of the original buildings. This charming four-star hotel offers two restaurants, three meeting areas, a gym and 96 rooms and suites, some with a jacuzzi and spectacular views of the Duomo. The hotel is a perfect option for a short weekend break to discover the capital of Tuscany.
Situated on Piazza della Repubblica, Hotel Savoy puts you right at the heart of Florence. The hotel is next to the Duomo and within walking distance of the River Arno, Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace, as well as the finest designer boutiques of Via Roma and Via Tornabuoni. The hotel has 80 rooms and suites all with complimentary Wi-Fi, interactive entertainment and many rooms have views of the Piazza or the Duomo. The hotel is an excellent choice for visitors with children as there is an award-winning children’s programme available. The hotel also offers a gym and spa.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.
Very satisfied with all aspects of our trip. Steppes kept us fully informed of the progress of the arrangements and gave us various choices of hotels.
Nick
The spectacular Amalfi Coast is considered Italy’s most scenic stretch of coastline.
Combine the natural beauty and dramatic landscapes of the Italian Lakes with the chic sophistication of Milan.
Its wonderful coastline and unique charm are both little-known gems of this country.
Spectacularly poised between the ancient world and the new.
Golden sandy beaches, rocky headlands, baroque architecture, a rich history and Mount Etna.
Beautiful landscapes, exquisite food and wine, artistic legacy and World Heritage Sites.
A beautiful region full of hill towns, cliffside castles and stunning mountain scenery.
Meander through a unique waterway and colourful architecture in this icon.
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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Sign up and take advantage of our Wishlist if you would like to create your own holiday boards. You can click on the heart across our website and curate destinations, holidays, properties and experiences that you would like us to build your future holidays around.
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