Experiencing Italy - Florence

Day 5 Rome to Florence 

April 3

This morning we left Rome and headed to Florence via the train. We arrived at our apartment and at first didn't know if we were at the right place. A kind man Leandro came to our rescue. He spoke English and even called the number we had to confirm we were at the right place. We just had to wait another 10 minutes for the lady checking us in to get here. We just dropped our bags off since they hadn't cleaned the apartment from the previous guests. 

We headed across the river and climbed the hill to Piazza Michelangelo. We spent a long time enjoying the views and the warm weather. We climbed up even higher to Basilica San Miniato al Monte. It is a church with lots of graveyards but it has some beautiful views. 

From there we walked back down and across the campus bridge Ponte Vecchio. We admired all the gold shops but could quite afford anything. 

We continued on Rick Steves tour except we went backwards. First to the outside of the Ufizzi (it's closed on mondays). We walked through the middle courtyard and into Palazzo Vecchio and the Piazzo Della Signoria. We admired the fake David that once stood there as well as many real sculptures done by various artists.
From there we went up the to Orsanmichele Church to admire Donatello's St Mark sculpture and several others. We went into the church and upstairs (it was free today) to see the sculptures. 

After the church we passed the triumphal arch and ended the self guided in the Piazza del Duomo. We wandered around the bell tower, Baptistery and inside/outside of the duomo. Due to very long lines we didn't climb it. It is truly magnificent. The outside colored marble was my favorite feature. The dome is impressive too.

We continued a little farther north to the Midici Chapels, San Lorenzo church and Piazza di San Lorenzo for some shopping. Michelle and I got a leather purse and decided we would go back tomorrow to get a few more things. 

Day 6 Florence 

April 4

I ran along the river this morning. I love the mornings when there are less people/tourists out and about. 

We got ready and headed to the Pitti Palace. This place reminded me a lot of Versailles in France. We bought a ticket to explore the Costum, silver and Porcelain exhibits as well as the massive gardens. There were high school students there giving free tours in each exhibition room. It was fun to talk to them and to get more detailed information.  
You could spend all day in the gardens. Again think Versailles. Some flowers were in bloom but it would be wonderful to be there when the roses were in full bloom. We meandered through the gardens for several hours. It was a nice change from the crowded city streets.

 After the Pitti Palace we headed back to the main city market at San Lorenzo and did more shopping. We went into the food market and eat the most delicious pizza. We shopped some more, sat and people watched and the shopped a little more. Since this is the leather capital we purchased purses for the girls, a wallet for my mom and a really nice soft briefcase for G.

 We headed jack to the apartment and ate at All' antico Vinaio. Those most superb sandwhich we had ever all had before. So yummy! All for only 5 euro! For dessert - gelato of course.