A travel insurance policy may offer peace of mind to those venturing to Florence.

The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is a popular tourist attraction for those wanting to experience life outside of Rome and Venice.

For many years Florence was considered the most important city in Europe - even experiencing a short stint as capital of Italy in 1865 - and it has retained much of its cultural importance in the country's modern age.

Art forms a central part of Florence's history and there are many galleries and museums to choose from.

Most notable is the Galleria degli Uffizi - which is home to renowned Renaissance paintings and sculptures such as Botticelli's The Birth of Venus - and the Accademia Gallery, where Michelangelo's David stands.

Tourists short on time or eager to take many photographs of the sculptures may instead wish to visit the replicas at Palazzo Vecchio.

Florence has many more appealing sites on offer too, with some visitors choosing to take a break from the rich history and spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or enjoy the enchanting view of the city at the top of the hill at the church of San Miniato al Monte.

One of the most iconic photo opportunities is at the Ponte Vecchio bridge. It stands as the oldest and most famous structure over the narrowest point of the Arno River and was the only Florentine bridge to survive World War II.

Once occupied by butchers, the shops lining the bridge are now home to jewellers and art dealers.

Most of the major tourist sites in Florence are within easy walking distance of each other and can be accessed via a series of alleyways and bridges.

While Florence is a popular and relatively safe destination for travellers, it is still wise to look at taking out a travel insurance policy before taking any journey outside of Australia.

The right insurance policy can protect you against stolen luggage or personal effects, leaving you to relive the Renaissance with peace of mind.