After spending time in two small, coastal towns we headed to the first big city on our journey – Florence! Florence is known to most as the center of Renaissance art and architecture. That sounds far too stuffy for what we experienced! For us, it was a dream place full of beauty and unforgettable moments. I’ll never forget when the cab dropped us off in front of a small side street with instructions to walk between two buildings towards our hotel. We were both busy looking down and maneuvering our luggage when something bright at the end of the street caught my eye. I looked up and saw our first glimpse of the Duomo. It literally stopped me in my tracks. It towered above the two buildings with it’s immense terracotta-tiled dome, bringing new meaning to the term “awe-inspiring.”

Miss a stop on our Italian Adventure? Catch up here!
Intro | Positano | Isle of Capri | Florence | Sienna | Venice | Rome

Seriously, guys. Our room at the Palazzo Niccolini was a work of art in and of itself. The frescos on the walls were original works of art from the 1600s. It kinda felt like we were a couple of kids who got locked inside a museum after it closed for the night.  A lovely view of the Ponte Vecchio.No trip to Florence would be complete without a visit to the Accademia Gallery, home to one of the world’s most iconic pieces of art – Michelangelo’s “David.” I kinda loved that David was positioned in the main hallway, visible as soon as your entered the museum. It felt like the musician who plays his biggest hit at the beginning of his set so everybody can relax and pay attention to the rest of the show instead of waiting anxiously to hear that single song. He was magnificent to say the least – and HUGE! Much larger than we’d imagined. We’ve been told since taking these images that they don’t allow photography in the gallery, but we weren’t the least bit sneaky with our two giant SLRs (and neither were any of the other visitors with cell phones or cameras that day), so perhaps we caught one of the guards on a snack break or something. Who knows? Either way, we were thrilled to capture such an icon.

Next stop – Pisa! Gotta see that infamous leaning tower! Filled with street artists and musicians, Florence was every bit as magical by night. On our second day, we drove out to wine country for an amazing food tour called the “Taste of Italy” which we booked through Viator.com. Such an incredible day visiting vineyards, castles and the gorgeous countryside all while enjoying home made wine, cheese and other delicious Italian delicacies. The Chianti region of Tuscany was truly the Italy of my dreams. It looked like a postcard and had the most stunning, golden light I’d ever seen.

Next stop: Sienna and more of the Tuscan region!

Miss a stop on our Italian Adventure? Catch up here!
Intro | Positano | Isle of Capri | Florence | Sienna | Venice | Rome