FLORENCE
Firenze, the birthplace of the Renaissance is located in the Italian region of Tuscany. Florence offers great Tuscan food, Chianti wine, gelato and is home to some of the most recognizable artwork in the world. One of my memorable experiences in Florence is walking under my umbrella on a drizzly night up the seemingly never ending cobblestone steps to Piazzale Michelangelo to see a bird's eye view of the city of Florence. I also lost my voice that night. The view of the Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Duomo and Santa Croce in the Florentine background was well worth it!
Uffizi Galleria
Accademia Galleria
La Gallerie degli Uffizi in Florence houses some of the greatest artwork of Italian artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Botticelli, Giotto and Raffaello. The Uffizi, "offices" was initially intended to display the artwork of the Medici family but was later opened to the public as a museum.
La Galleria dell' Accademia in Florence is home to Michelangelo's David.
Fontana del Porcellino
The Fontana del Porcellino is located in the Mercato Nuovo. Visitors will put a coin into the boar's jaw and hope that it falls through the grate below for good luck and they rub the snout to ensure a return trip to Florence. Take a visit to the San Lorenzo Market which has an outdoor section and an indoor section - Mercato Centrale. Bargain for leather goods and shop for souvenirs in the outdoor section. Most importantly, be courteous, respectful and have fun. Eat where the locals eat and shop for local ingredients in the indoor section.
