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Since we didn't need to catch our train to Cinque Terre until late morning, we decided to visit the Duomo, Florence's biggest masterpiece.
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Since we didn't need to catch our train to Cinque Terre until late morning, we decided to visit the Duomo, Florence's biggest masterpiece.

Italyscenictravel

  • We arrived in Florence on Sunday, September 19, after a 10 hour flight with a stop in Frankfurt. After checking into our small B and B, we took a short nap and awoke to the sound of church bells ringing throughout the city. It was time to get up a go explore.
  • Our room at Il Villino, in the heart of the historic center of Florence, overlooked a small courtyard where we had breakfast. A very nice inn, with a helpful, pleasant staff.
  • Then it was off to explore the sights and sounds of Florence.
  • We made the first of many stops at the local Caffe for a shot of espresso.
  • We explored the nearby area and were immediately captivated by the narrow streets and landmarks, like the Campanile of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, better known as the Duomo.
  • Walking, cycling, or riding a motor scooter is the easiest way to get around in Florence.
  • Untitled photo
  • Most of the city streets are narrow and crowded with pedestrians and cyclists, but at any moment a motor scooter or taxi could come flying by.
  • Kathy spied some leather coats and the salesman did his best to close a deal . . .
  • but somehow this one wasn't really "her"!
  • Untitled photo
  • After a quick stop back at Il Villino, we walked to the bus stop across the Arno River to catch a bus up to the Piazzale Michelangelo, passing by the Basilica di Santa Croce along the way. The weather was spectacular, warm and sunny with a bright blue sky.
  • Piazzale Michelangelo is on a hilltop overlooking Florence, near the Boboli Gardens -- a great place to watch the sunset over the city.
  • We were not alone! We were joined by many tourists, college students, and Florentines watching the spectacular sunset from the steps of the Piazzale. Can you spot Kathy?
  • An art student sits on the steps and paints the Duomo . . .
  • which rises over the heart of Florence.
  • After the sunset, we walked back down and across the Arno, where the moon was rising over the Ponte Vecchio. We found a restaurant on the way back to our B and B and celebrated our first day in Tuscany.
  • The next day Lou was out early, as the street vendors set up their carts and Florentines began their day . . .
  • . . . riding to work through the narrow streets.
  • Since we didn't need to catch our train to Cinque Terre until late morning, we decided to visit the Duomo, Florence's biggest masterpiece.
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