Day 6 - Wednesday April 19, 2023 - Florence Italy

By Ellen Outten

 

Today was my date with David!


I took the additional $$ tour, Italy's Art and Architecture. Our guide for the day, was Federici.  He was a wealth of knowledge! 
We had an hour and a half bus ride inland from Liverno to Florence. Our first stop was at the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell' Accademia) to see David who is made from Carranza marble.
It was very crowded with schools out on break. But with group, skip the line tickets, we didn't wait too long. We didn't get much time with David, but it was special. There is other amazing sculptures and paintings as well.







There was an entire room of Donatello sculptures





After we left the museum and walked to The Piazza del Duomo to see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or the Duomo.  I didn't know what to expect. You round the corner of the narrow street and see this!  WOW!  Words can't express the magnitude and magnificence of this cathedral.  We didn't go inside. But being outside and seeing it up close was unbelievable.





 

 
The Baptistry of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni)


Take a look at the dome and the bell tower.  I didn't believe it when our guide told us that the bell tower (414 steps to climb to the top that I didn't do) was lower than the dome of the cathedral.  Now see for yourself.


I took the first picture right in front, on the ground. The second, I took from the bus as we rode up the hill to see the overview of Florence.

From the Duomo ,we walked to Piazza della Signoria to see the second REAL David.  Yes, there were two made and they are identical.




After looking at all of these sculptures, we headed for the best view to be had of the Ponte Vechio bridge.  The only bridge that Hitler didn't have destroyed because he thought it too beautiful to do so.





Here is our guide, Federichi in front of the restaurant where we had lunch.  We had a typical Italian lunch.  Pasta first (lasagna).  The cheese was really different, so smooth and creamy.  Not like the ricotta we get in the U.S.  There was a second course, pork tenderloin and potatoes.  Then of course, dessert, panna cotta.  




There are just pictures of the desserts, gelato and pastries at the restaurant.

The restaurant is located in the Piazza di Santa Croce which had a cathedral looking much like the Duomo but smaller.

We had a 2 1/2 hour free time for shopping before the 5 pm pick up by the bus.  We were in the heart of the famous Florence leather factories and stores.   I wandered through some stores, but I didn't buy!

The group met up and took the 10 minute walk to the bus.  13,222 steps at the end of today.

Our driver took us up the hill to see the overlook of Florence where I discovered the Duomo was taller than the bell tower,   Pictures from the bus:





The bus didn't get back until 7:15.  Wayne and I ate in the buffet.  Tonight's specialty was Lobster Thermidor.   I had my share.  

Tomorrow, we take the excursion into Pisa to see the Leaning Tower!  I can't wait!












Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 19, 2023 at 3:47 PM

    David looks amazing packs a great unit lol

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 19, 2023 at 3:53 PM

    amazing photos Ellen thanks for the commentary and pictures. Barb

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 20, 2023 at 6:43 AM

    Magnificent pictures.

    ReplyDelete

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