We left our hotel in Poggibonsi after 3 nights, loaded suitcases into the bus and set off early for Florence, expecting heavy traffic. It was, indeed busy, but we had to wait for our guide at the pickup spot. We then went in the car to an observation point to look down on Florence.
We had a good view of the major landmarks including the Cathedral, Santa Crocce, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponté Vecchio
Then it was on to Florence itself where we were dropped off by the river Arno before being taken on a walking tour in the centre by a guide, weaving in and out of streets until we reached the most impressive and well known sights of the city. This technique was also used by the guide in Siena.
We reached the Piazza del Duomo
The details of the building always intrigue me
This replica statue of David and Perseus with the head of Medusa at the Palazzo Vecchio
At this point, we only saw the outside of the cathedral and Baptistry, but would return after lunch to see the interior. The Cathedral outside and in.
The Baptestry, outside and in
After lunch in a small restaurant, we were free for several hours to wander the streets and monuments. We will return to Florence on Friday and will be able to see more, including climbing the Cathedral Campanile.
We are now staying in Montecatini. After dinner, we walked down to the town where we came across a gathering of what appeared to be young teams of footballers from every region of Italy. Other than the European cup. what it was all about, we do not know.
- Pat and John on tour
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