Action packed day in Florence

Under the early morning sky of Florence, we embarked on a journey guided by the vivacious Antonella, our guide for the day. With infectious enthusiasm, she led us through the cobbled streets, unraveling the city’s tapestry of history. Morning light danced on ancient facades as we wound our way through alleyways steeped in rich history.

Antonella’s stories breathed life into every facade, her passion for the city contagious. Her voice rang out loudly and with purpose as we traversed the city showering us with unique tidbits of history.  We walked for hours enthralled in her lessons of the past. Antonella, a fountain of knowledge, worked her magic to secure coveted museum tickets, granting us passage into many sold out adventures. Finally she left us to our own devices at the entrance to the lively open market. 

Amidst the clamor of the open market, we were embraced by a sensory whirlwind. Vivid stalls overflowed with Tuscan bounty - plump tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and wheels of Parmesan cheese.  The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the earthy notes of truffles, creating a symphony for the senses.

Lunch unfolded in a charming family style seating area, where we indulged in delicate ravioli, each morsel a burst of flavor. The wine, a bright and light Pinot Grigio, danced on our tongues, harmonizing with the rich pasta sauces. Laughter and chatter filled the air, blending seamlessly with the hustle and bustle of the market. We walked on through the lively markedly space amidst vibrant and vivacious venders. 

Cafés lined the streets, beckoning with the promise of respite.  We savored espressos and lingered over scoops of gelato, the taste of creamy pistachio and sweet strawberry brightening our palates.

Next, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore loomed before us, its marble facade a testament to human ingenuity and devotion.     We ascended its grandeur, absorbing the hallowed aura within. Light streamed through stained glass, painting the interior with a kaleidoscope of colors, while soaked in the revery of the sacred space. 

As the sun began its descent, we ascended to the Piazzale Michelangelo, perched high above the city. With anticipation, we settled into perfect seats, a glass of Tuscan rosé cradled in our hands.  The panorama before us was nothing short of enchanting – Florence spread like a Renaissance masterpiece, its domes and towers silhouetted against the sky.

As evening draped the city in an afternoon embrace, we made our way back down, navigating the picturesque streets and crossing the iconic Ponte Vecchio, with its gleaming stalls of gold shining brightly through the windows of eager shopkeepers.  We reached our sanctuary of a hotel for a midafternoon siesta before heading off to see the statue of David. 

Entering the Accademia Gallery after a blistering pace through the city was a mesmerizing experience.  The majestic statue of David commanded attention, its intricate details and towering presence left us awestruck. Michelangelo's genius was palpable in every chiseled contour. Other works adorned the space, each a testament to the Michelangelo’s unparalleled mastery. It was a profound encounter.

Tonight we planned on a 5 star meal..  Locale Firenze offered us such an extraordinary culinary journey. The nine-course extravaganza blended diverse flavors seamlessly, creating a pan-cultural symphony on our palates. The sommelier's selections were uncannily spot-on, enhancing each dish.   Meeting the chef was a highlight; their passion for gastronomy was pervasive. Towards the end of the meal the server kept coming out with “treats” from the kitchen including a flash frozen meringue that allows the diner to blow smoke while eating (Mary Jo enjoyed the wine pairings, what her attempt to blow smoke…).  As the final course concluded, the entire staff gathered for a memorable end-of-meal shot, sealing a night of unparalleled gastronomic delight. (I’ll write a review soon)

Finally, we returned to our hotel, the echoes of Florence’s history and splendor reverberating in our hearts. The day had been a symphony of art, cuisine, and breathtaking vistas, each moment etching itself into our souls as a testament to the enduring magic of one of my all time favorite cities.