Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Florence




We had a great day exploring Florence. The morning was dedicated to shopping. First stop was the San Lorenzo leather market. This year stylish colours seem to be bright blues, pinks and oranges. Scarfs , purses, pashminas area always a great purchase in Italy. The prices are very reasonable and the selections are plentiful.  We stopped at a small pizzeria and picked up a slice of delicious pizza to eat as we hurried back to the hotel for a quick pit stop before heading to  the Uffizzi gallery.  Susanna, our guide took us on a tour of the Uffizzi galleries and then for a private tour of the Vasari corridor.  Built 500 years ago, this corridor linked the Boboli palace with the Medici family's private gallery. Over a mile long this incredible structure passes over the Arno River  and on top of the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. The corridor is filled with precious works of art and has spectacular views of the city. We exited onto the gardens of the palace.  We enjoyed a glass of Chianti at a quaint wine bar located in front of the palace.



 Back to the hotel for a quick change and off to dinner at Ristorante Boccanegra. The atmosphere is charming in the or private room. The menu consisted of a delicious pasta, roasted veal and potatoes, salad and a delicious apple cake for dessert. Of course there is free flowing white and red wines.  After dinner we took a stroll through the streets of the historical centre. Heather insisted we take a spin on the carousel which is something some of the ladies did 10 years ago when we lasted visited this charming city together. 

Our free day in Florence was spent exploring the San Lorenzo leather market, narrow cobbled streets lined with interesting shops and gilaterrias.  WE had lunch at my favourite restaurant, Borgo Antico,  located across the river from the historical city at Santo Spirito square.