Firenze!

To be honest I didn't really know what to expect from Florence. I knew it had some competition with Rome by being the capital city at one stage and that it was filled with art and architecture. We were also super excited to see David which we did on the first day we arrived. Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take any pictures of the real David but the bronze copy is coming up. By the end of our two nights in Florence, I was in love. It had the rich history, food and culture of Rome but without the panic of a city on drugs. Two days just wasn't enough so we'll have to go back. Below is our whirlwind tour!

 Of course, not to break tradition we had to climb more stairs to see the panoramic views of Florence. In the background is the famed Duomo (dome). If you're afraid of heights, the windy stairs are probably not for you..

 More stairs, are you kidding? Please don't make me go up there!

 

 Ok it's looking pretty awesome.. perhaps you do know what's best..

 Windy-windy-windy! Not to be confused with how the wind blows!

 Panoramic Firenze.

 The Church in the centre is the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and our hotel was just to the right in the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella. We woke up to a view of the church each morning. 

Fiersole. On day 2 we decided to do a bus tour in order to see as much of Florence as possible. Fiersole to Florence is like what Stellenbosch is to Cape Town and lies about 30km away from Florence. One day. I will have a holiday home there. All the conveniences of the big city nearby with the cooler climate and peace and quiet of as more rustic town.

 The view from our hotel window!

 The iconic Florentine picture: Ponte Vecchio by sunset...

 ...and at night.

 This is part of the Uffizi museum where all the Medicci's works of arts and where Botticelli's Venus is housed.

 We were those little people perched on top of the dome!

 

 We spent a lot of time in the great churches of Italy. We always light a candle for those dear to us who are no longer with us. This is especially for Ryan's mom.

 

 

 Relic Italiano.

 Piazza di Michelangelo. If you can't visit the Galleria dell'Accademia where the marble David lives then you can view the free copper one outside.

 

The Uffizi from the outside. 

And so loaded with heads and hearts filled with Florentine romance we bid one of our favourite cities farewell and commenced our journey southwards towards Rome. We had one more stop to make and although we could only spend one night there, it was essential not to miss Siena! Last but not least!