Florence
After spending three wonderful days in Venice, we drove straight to Florence on day four. We enjoyed a Renaissance tour of the city's historic center and visited the Franciscan church of Santa Croce, where we admired the 13th century frescoes by Giotto and paid our respects at the tombs of some of Italy's greatest minds. Later, we learned about Brunelleschi's magnificent cathedral dome, Ghiberti's Baptistery doors, and other creations that helped define this world-changing era.
On day five, a local scholar joined us for a walking tour of the backstreets of Florence, with some fascinating peeks into Roman, medieval, and 19th-century Florentine life along the way. After our morning explorations, we made our own pasta during a fun and informative cooking class.
Full of food and great wine we explored Boboli Gardens during our free time. Boboli Gardens was commissioned by the Medici family in the 16th century as a place of retreat from the city. The gardens were designed in the Italian Renaissance style, and feature a variety of sculptures, fountains, and hidden grottoes. The Medici family, who were known for their patronage of the arts, used the gardens as a showcase for their extensive art collection and commissioned many of the sculptures and features that can be seen in the gardens today.
We finished the day enjoying l'aperitivo, a popular Italian tradition, at SE·STO on Arno Rooftop Bar at the Westin. L'aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink and snack meant to stimulate the appetite, and is a staple of Italian culture. The bar offers stunning views of the city, including the iconic Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River, making it a perfect spot for a sunset drink and some picture-perfect moments. The delicious cocktails and delectable snacks served up by the bar only add to the unforgettable experience.
On day six, we devoted our time to the breathtaking Renaissance art of the Uffizi, which is home to the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere. We saw works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more. Walking through the gallery's halls, we felt like we were taking a journey through time, exploring the development of art and culture throughout the centuries. From the strikingly realistic sculptures to the vibrant and colourful paintings, each piece in the collection was more impressive than the last. One of the highlights of our visit was seeing Botticelli's famous painting, The Birth of Venus, in person. The sheer beauty and elegance of the painting left us speechless, and we now understand why it is considered one of the most important pieces of art in history.
Our tour at the Uffizi ended right around lunch next and close by was a famous sandwich shop. All'Antico Vinaio is a very popular stop, known for its delicious and affordable paninis. The shop is tucked away on a side street near the bustling Piazza della Signoria, and is often crowded with locals and tourists alike. The shop's signature sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients and served on homemade focaccia bread, with options for both meat lovers and vegetarians. The staff is efficient and friendly, and the sandwiches are well worth the wait. A stop at All'Antico Vinaio is a must-try culinary experience.
After lunch, we headed to explore the Medici Chapel. The Medici Chapel, commissioned by the powerful Medici family in the 16th century, is a stunning example of Italian Renaissance art and architecture. Michelangelo played a significant role in the chapel's design, creating the iconic sculptures of Night and Day, Dusk and Dawn, which adorn the tombs of Giuliano and Lorenzo de' Medici. These sculptures are considered some of Michelangelo's finest works, and are a testament to his mastery of marble and his contributions to the Italian Renaissance.
After some free time to make our own Florentine discoveries, we gathered again in the evening at the Accademia Gallery to marvel at the power of Michelangelo's rough-hewn Prisoners and his greatest masterpiece, David.
Pro travel tip: Use the Rick Steves guide book to make dining reservations ahead of time. These popular spots fill up fast so it's worth the time to plan ahead. Descriptions are accurate and will exceed your expectations.
