The residences at San Lorenzo are centrally located in the heart of the historical center of Florence. They are charming one-bedroom apartments, elegantly decorated and newly refurbished. Chloe and Olivia share the same entrance on the third floor of a building that dates back the Renaissance age. The two units, which can be rented separately or as a two-bedroom residence, are connected by a private hallway (Nicola is on the first floor. Elio and Sante are on the second floor. All apartments have central heating and central air conditioning).

Apartment Chloe
The apartment has a spacious, tastefully decorated living room that includes a sofa that can be converted into a very comfortable double bed. Other features are an original 19th century fireplace, a dining area with round table seating for four, and a new kitchen outfitted with modern conveniences. The large bedroom has a nice reading corner and a dressing room leads to the luxury shower bathroom.

Apartment Olivia
The apartment has a large living room with two sofas that can convert into two very comfortable single beds. Other features include a dining area with round table seating for four and a corner kitchen outfitted with modern conveniences. The large bedroom has a nice reading corner and a closet room leads to the luxury shower bathroom.

Apartment Nicola
The sharply restored apartment has a large living room with a double sofa bed. Other features include a kitchenette and a dining corner. The bedroom has a canopied double bed, frescoed ceilings, and an en suite bathroom with shower.

Apartment Elio
The apartment has a large living room with two sofas that can turn into two comfortable single beds. Other features include a separate kitchenette and a sitting area for two. The bedroom has a canopied double bed and en suite bathroom with shower.

Apartment Sante
The apartment has a large living room with a double sofa bed. Other features include a dining corner for 4, a separate kitchenette and sound-proof glass windows. The bedroom has a canopied double bed and an en suite bathroom with tub.

The Palazzo San Lorenzo apartments are located across the street from the entrance of the Medici Chapels, which feature the masterpieces of Michelangelo. Chloe's windows overlook these famous chapels. They are conveniently located within walking distance from all the major Florentine landmarks.

What to do in the Florence region of Tuscany:
Surrounded by hills, Florence rises on the banks of the Arno River. One of the greatest art centers of Italy, Florence is home to the Accademia, where you can view Michelangelo's "David", as well as the Uffizi gallery, arguably the most important art gallery in the world. Tour the cathedral with its pink, white and green marble façade and marvel at its remarkable Duomo by Brunelleschi and the gold Paradise door of the Baptistry. Continue to the Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence since the 1300s, then stroll the charming shops of Ponte Vecchio. Florence offers some of Italy's best shopping—textiles, leather goods, fashion, jewelry and ceramics are all specialties. There is nothing like enjoying a morning coffee and truffle panini at the celebrated Procacci bar before setting out for a serious morning of shopping in Via Tournabuoni. Scour the Gucci, Armani and Yves Saint Laurent outlets on the outskirts of the city.

For those wishing to explore some of Tuscany's other treasures, Florence is an ideal base of operations. Tuscany stretches along the western coast of Italy from the Apennines to the Tyrrhenian Sea—one of the best ways to see the region is by automobile. The small fortress cities are within easy driving distance of one another, and each offers its own special appeal, from San Gimignano to Pienza. Other cities to include in your excursion are Arezzo, with its grand plaza and Roman amphitheater, Lucca, with its olive groves and impressive Renaissance walls, and seaside resorts like Viareggio, Elba, and Forte de Marmi.

Siena and Pisa, both also important art cities, are also not to be missed. Siena is a beautifully preserved medieval city, constructed of checkerboard brick, and crowned by its Duomo. It was the seat of the Ghibellines who often crossed swords with the Florentine Guelfs during the 13th century. Other highlights of Siena include the beautiful Piazza del Campo, and the tower rising from the Palazzo Pubblico. A day trip to the lovely ancient city of Pisa is also a must, where you can see the famous leaning tower, and much more.

Recommendations:

Restaurants

Trattoria Cibreino
Superb dining at a good value.

Teatro del Sale
Offers an extensive buffet of Cibreo recipes.

Boccadama
Located in the trendy Piazza Santa Croce. Drink wine by the glass with classic Tuscan crostini, bruschetta and salads as well as hot dishes.

Coquinarius
Near the Duomo. Perfect for lunch.

Enoteca Pinchiorri
Best wine selection—considered the best restaurant in Florence Cantinetta Antinori (Piazza Antinori #3)—owned by the family wine producer Antinori BeccoFino. Great food; sophisticated, hip atmosphere.

Cibreo
Located in the heart Florence. Very well known.

Procacci – Via Tornabuoni
Ideal for a snack or a light lunch—fabulous sandwiches with truffles!

Shops

Luisa Via Roma – Via Roma (near Piazza Della Republica)
Great multi-brand clothing store.

Raspini – Via Roma (next to Luisa)
Great selection of shoes.

Caponi – Via Tornabuoni
Best stores for linen and lingerie. Most other stores in the Via Tornabuoni area are worth a visit.