Florence

We left Vincenza for Florence traveling by train to the city where the renissance began. As we traveled the countryside, we were astonished to see how many vineyards were in production. Almost every house had a small garden and vineyard and of course some vineyards covered the valleys and hillsides.

We arrived at the hotel in early afternoon and used the terrace next to our room to enjoy the local vino. Sunday we visted the Accademia in the morning and the Ufizzi Gallery and the Dumo in the afternoon. Our hearts and souls were overwhelmed by the artistic abilities of the painters and sculptors of those centuries long ago. We were impressed and amazed at the number of people willing to stand and wait in lines to see these masterpieces.

By late afternoon, we were ready for our afternoon bruschette and Italian wine. In the Italian way, we dined late at a local trattatora followed by a glass of wine on the terrace next to our room. We went to bed happy, fueled and ready for our next adventure in Cinque Terra - the Italian Riveria.