"The creator made Italy with designs by Michaelangelo"
-Mark Twain
Florence
Laurel posted notices daily with things to know, including time for breakfast, meeting times, office hours, and general guidelines. She also made a list of suggested activities. Laurel was a huge help in planning our day! Today we hopped on the train, and then took the bus to Florence. Our plan while in Florence was to see David, of course, tour the Uffizi Gallery, and do RS: Renaissance Walk. Once we arrived we walked to the Hotel California and checked into our rooms. Off we went, out to explore the city of art! Florence is a very crowded city! Using our RS guidebook we went in search of quiet Florence! As we wandered the city we ended up at the Medici Chapels. In a small room off the chapel we found the tombs of Florence's ruling family, designed, and carved by Michelangelo! There were only around 10 people in the room with us. This was a wonderful chance to see Michelangelo's work up close! Thanks for the suggestion RS! I booked a RS Advice: ArtViva Tour. We took the Original David tour and the next day we took the Uffizi Gallery tour. We loved the fact we did not have to wait in line and that we had an expert guiding us along! David was amazing. I only wish I could have taken a picture of him. The next morning we took the RS: Renaissance Walk Through Florence. It takes you through the core of Florence from the Duomo to Ponte Vecchio. RS Advice: Download the audio guide to your phone or iPod!
In the afternoon we visited the Uffizi Gallery. On the ArtViva Uffizi Gallery tour our guide shared great stories about the artists that changed art forever. Our tour covered both levels of the Uffizi Gallery and included the best masterpieces giving us a comprehensive overview of the must-see artworks in the Uffizi Gallery. Fresh Advice: Go to the Uffizi Gallery, the most amazing place! We chose to take a tour lead by experts, but others on our tour used the RS Audio Europe, Uffizi Walking Tour. They found it perfect. Looking back it would have been perfect for us too!
Later we enjoyed watching the football fans marching through the streets chanting for their favorite teams. We wanted to join with them!
In the afternoon we visited the Uffizi Gallery. On the ArtViva Uffizi Gallery tour our guide shared great stories about the artists that changed art forever. Our tour covered both levels of the Uffizi Gallery and included the best masterpieces giving us a comprehensive overview of the must-see artworks in the Uffizi Gallery. Fresh Advice: Go to the Uffizi Gallery, the most amazing place! We chose to take a tour lead by experts, but others on our tour used the RS Audio Europe, Uffizi Walking Tour. They found it perfect. Looking back it would have been perfect for us too!
Later we enjoyed watching the football fans marching through the streets chanting for their favorite teams. We wanted to join with them!
Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto
Eat well, laugh often, love much
Eating in Florence
With our guidebook in hand we searched the city for our recommended restaurants. It took us a while but we found them! RS Advice: Cantinetta dei Verrazzano, it is a long established bakery/cafe/wine bar. We were looking for a light meal on our first night in Florence. We ordered wine and the selezione Verrazzano, four little crostini featuring a variety of breads and cheese. So delicious! The next night we ate at Ristorante Paoli, right next door. Older men, dressed elegantly, served us an amazing dinner. The restaurant was richly frescoed, with a relaxing ambiance. Fresh Advice: You will love both restaurants!
With our guidebook in hand we searched the city for our recommended restaurants. It took us a while but we found them! RS Advice: Cantinetta dei Verrazzano, it is a long established bakery/cafe/wine bar. We were looking for a light meal on our first night in Florence. We ordered wine and the selezione Verrazzano, four little crostini featuring a variety of breads and cheese. So delicious! The next night we ate at Ristorante Paoli, right next door. Older men, dressed elegantly, served us an amazing dinner. The restaurant was richly frescoed, with a relaxing ambiance. Fresh Advice: You will love both restaurants!
Best RS Advice:
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Best Fresh Advice:
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Wow Moment: Standing in front of Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Medici Chapel without the crowds... |