Renaissance of the Florentine break

The Times, by Tony Dawe

If you feel the urge to visit a European city before Christmas, choose one where more is happening than just festive markets. Florence, for example, is hosting the world’s largest contemporary art exhibition, the Florence Biennale, from December 5 to 13, and the city’s famous sights will be less crowded than at most times of the year. Attractively priced short breaks and deals for individual travellers are also on offer.

Staged at Fortezza da Basso, the Renaissance fortress in the city centre, the biennale showcases the work of 800 artists from all corners of the world. Among the British artists exhibiting are Nandita Chaudhuri, noted for her emotionally charged abstract paintings, Alice Kettle, the textile artist, and Dameon Priestly, whose dark, disturbing works have a strong following. A highlight of the event will be the appearance of Shu Yong to receive an award and present his series of paintings about Chinese myths.

Those who prefer classic works of art should find it possible to enter the Uffizi Gallery without queueing for an hour or more to view the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo and many more Renaissance masters.

Visitors will also find space to stand back and admire the art and architecture of the iconic Duomo, with its black and white exterior and beautifully decorated dome, the medieval baptistry and the original Michelangelo sculpture of David in the Accademia gallery. They might even be able to cross the Ponte Vecchio without the usual crowds, although they will find the Christmas markets and designer stores busier.

Voyages Jules Verne has rooms available during the biennale in the Hotel Executive, a four-star property close to the River Arno and within walking distance of the historic centre and the Ponte Vecchio. It has a breakfast room and bar and en suite rooms with mini-bar and satellite TV. Three nights from December 5 cost from £346, with a flight from London and B&B. A week’s stay is £466.

Kirker Holidays has three-night breaks for the price of two until the end of the year at the three-star Pitti Palace, a famous little hotel near the Ponte Vecchio. They cost from £590, with flights from Heathrow to Pisa, transfers, B&B, guide notes and guaranteed entry to the Uffizi. Individuals making their own travel arrangements can benefit from a special rate at the five-star Helvetia and Bristol Hotel, part of the Royal Demeure Hotel Group. It also has a central location and offers two-night breaks from €220 (£200) a person, based on two sharing.

On a Chianti vineyard a 20-minute drive from the city, Invitation to Tuscany has the Poggio Capponi apartments available next month. They are bright and centrally heated with chestnut-beamed ceilings and terracotta floors. Prices for a two-bedroom flat for four start at £501 a week.