Mr & Mrs Smith

Spa Il Salviatino is worth dedicating a few hours of your life to, for its wonderful array of bespoke treatments. Try the skin-softening, sense-soothing 'Tuscany Pleaseure' wine-themed treatment package, which includes a blissful Italian-inspired aromatherapy massage, wine-must body wrap and exfoliating facial.

Ask the hotel to organise a private painting class, a cookery lesson, wine tasting or a session with a personal trainer. Il Salviatino can also arrange one-off experiences for guests, such as a visit to one of Florence’s skilled craftsmen to have shoes or a shirt made to measure. Explore the city’s boutiques, bars and galleries, and pick from the wealth of sightseeing options – admire the Duomo, visit the Campanile, trawl through the Uffizi’s collections and wander along the Ponte Vecchio. Walk through the olive groves and vineyards that lead to Fiesole and stop for a picnic.

Vinandro, a cosy wine bar, is five minutes’ drive away in Piazza Mino (+39 055 59121), and serves delicacies such as tagliata (Chianina beef steak with rocket and parmesan); the menu is brief but authentic (remember to book). North, on the outskirts of Montebeni, Ristorante Tullio on Via Ontignano (+39 055 697354) is worth visiting for hearty steak and peposo (spiced beef stew). Tullio has a deli, so stock up on picnic provisions, too. Sit among the bottles and hanging hams at Olio & Convivium (+39 055 265 8198), an elegant little eatery on Via di Santo Spirito that specialises in wine and olive oil.

Sweet-tooths should stop for ice-cream at Gelateria Badiani (+39 055 578682) on Viale dei Mille, or Il Tucano, at 8 Via Gramsci (+39 05 55 95 94).

Florence hosts five major international fashion events yearly. For more cultural diversions, however... May–June Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, at the Teatro Comunale, is one of Europe’s oldest music fests (www.maggiofiorentino.com). 11–24 June The Festival of San Giovanni; highlights include the regatta, near Ponte Vecchio, and fireworks in Piazzale Michelangelo. 7 September Rificolona festival, when children carry lanterns in a grand procession, and there are street performances and parties.