As our readers know, we normally steer well clear of larger, touristy towns like Florence, opting for the small towns down the Little Roads (of course!) .

But for our trip in April, we’ve splurged for two nights in a hotel right on Florence’s Piazza del Duomo, where we’ll watch the city’s famous Easter morning celebration, the Scoppio del Carro. This parade of medieval costumes and music culminates in an explosive finale in front of the cathedral. Thousands of people pack into the streets and the square to watch this centuries-old ritual; but we’ll be watching it all from above the throng, in the comfort of our hotel!

We’ll mitigate this extravagance of this costly city with two weeks of beautiful, out-of-the-way lodgings in the heart of Tuscany’s charming landscape. Wide open spaces, delicious and authentic food… Luxury travel doesn’t have to be costly!