FLORENCE is a city designed to be explored on foot, especially since the city administration pedestrianised large parts of the old centre, banishing the buzzing Vespas and tooting vehicles. This makes dawdling around gawping at its Renaissance splendours, amazing architecture – oh, and gorgeous shoe shops – a much safer proposition.
And if footwear is your fetish, you won't put a foot wrong. It's the city where Daniel Day-Lewis signed up as a shoemaker's apprentice before acting claimed him, Hannibal Lecter first dipped his toe into cannibalism and where shoemaker to the stars Salvatore Ferragamo's stunning creations for every star worth her handprint are on display in his museum. Just remember to pack your flip-flops as the cobbles are lethal in heels. n
JANET CHRISTIE