Trip to Italy Part 2 – Florence

Welcome to the next post in my mini-series on Italy (previous post here). This one is all about Florence – such a beautiful under talked about city in the Tuscany region of Italy.

We were only in Florence for a short time, and looking back we did miss out on loads of tourist attractions so we will have to go back!

Florence – Our hotel

Our agent booked us a lovely hotel. When we got off the train google maps took us on the oddest route to the hotel so it felt like miles away, especially when dragging luggage behind us. But actually, it was quite fortuitous for us as on one of the roads it took us down we saw the bus that did return trips to the designer outlet. If we used the info on the website and leaflets we never would have found that bus stop! Anyway, back to the hotel.

The Moon Boutique was lovely, all marble, white, lilies and pristine with a glass elevator. It was worth the walk. Our room was on the first floor and it had a mini-fridge with complimentary soft drinks! We took two drinks out and told them on checkout only to discover that they were free!! (denied! no one told us before and the info said only the more luxury rooms had them). It also had a rainfall shower, TV and air conditioning.

As we found in our next hotel in Rome, we were obviously lucky in Venice to have a kettle in our room as they obviously are not supplied as standard here. But this hotel had free teas and coffees down behind the bar. They also offered a free prosecco and nibbles (their version of Aperitivo) from 6-8pm.

Wedding Anniversary Treat

Day one

With not much time in Florence, after we checked in to the hotel we walked into Venice to try and get our bearings as to what was where. We walked down a road that seemed like some sort of dodgy back street/slum. Not the best first impression!! we also figured it wasn’t the most direct route into the main part of Venice. If we walked along the main road it only took 10 mins into the centre. Anyway here are the day one pics

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The photos really do not do Florence justice, it was another grey and rainy day too.

The Facade of the church is made from marble and is a white, pale pink and pale green and really is stunning. The large octagonal dome is amazing and can be seen for miles around.

We went into the ticket office but unfortunately, we were not able to book tickets to walk to the top of the dome. We did get tickets to everything else. I almost booked a skip the line ticket before we went away and that’s one thing I regret not doing. I think I foolishly thought that Florence wouldn’t be that busy and that we would only need to skip the line in Rome. Big mistake!

Magnum shop

So this was the first time I have seen one of these – although someone has since told me we have one in London, I think that one is pop up and only there for a couple of months a year.

• 

• 

• 

• 

More exploring of Florence!

We headed back out and wandered around the district more and headed to the San Lorenzo market. This was an outdoor market with stalls on either side. They all were pretty much selling the same leather items, plus the occasional headscarves. Again they were extremely pushy, I pointed to one headscarf as it was the painting “Starry Night” which is a favourite of my mums. No sooner had I pointed at it than I was wearing it. The guy moved so quickly, it was around my neck in a blink of an eye. This was quickly followed by more scarves, all put around my neck in very quick succession!! I told him I wanted to think of it and vowed not to make eye contact the rest of the way through.

It was one time in Florence (apart from the dodgy road) where I didn’t feel too safe. I kind of felt as though I could get pickpocketed very easily, so I kept my bag across my body to the front.

After the leather market, we realised we were hungry and found a little pizza place called Livio. It was our first proper pizza in Italy and we weren’t disappointed.

Day Two

We got up to a delicious breakfast. Whilst the buffet was more limited than what we had in Venice, it was all delicious and they included some hot items that were made to order. I opted for a ham and cheese omelette and it was delicious!

• 

• 

• 

Next, we went back to the centre and visited the Museo Dell’ Opera Del Duomo, Giotto’s Bell Tower and The Baptistery of San Giovanni. It absolutely threw it down with rain. The peddlers were out in full force selling the ponchos and umbrellas to the huge queues (yep there were still queues even in torrential rain!).

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Sorry for all of the pics, but hopefully it gives you an idea of what it was like inside the museum. It made me realise that I am not keen on the work by Donatello, I much prefer Michael Angelo.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The ticket was an extremely good value for money. If you have multiple days in Florence, the ticket lasts for 72 hours so you really can take your time and see everything. I just wish we had more time so we could go up in the Dome, but it was booked – lesson learned for the future that’s for sure!

Barberino Designer Outlet

We dashed off to get the bus out to the Barberino Designer Outlet, and whilst it took a while to get there it was really good to have a walk around, get some bargains and compare it to the ones we have over here. I got some makeup from the Pupa outlet and some Sketchers. Eddie got some Ralph Lauren shoes. We treated the kids some Haribo’s as there was a Haribo outlet. We stopped off for a drink at the Lindt shop & cafe -it was a mix of hot chocolate and expresso (mmm).

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

We didn’t end up really having dinner out as we had eaten lots of snacks. Instead, we just had a slow walk back to the hotel and a couple of drinks there instead.

We really did enjoy our time in Florence. It was such a shame that the weather wasn’t better as it did hamper us a little. There is still lots to go back for, we will go back one day………….

Julie x