1. Travel

Tuscany

Read More
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?
14 / 231

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?

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.
  • No Comments
  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2023 SmugMug, Inc.