A most beautiful and historic city! One day I hope to return there and explore its many facets. The historic art, beautiful architecture and warm people. Viva Firenze!

Next was Florence, and luckily for us the sun had come out and it was quite warm. It was the older part of Florence that impressed methe Palazzo Vecchio with clock tower, the Piazza della Signoria with the statues of Neptune, and various sculptures, from where we walked to the famous Ponte Vecchio over the Arno River (bridge with shops along it selling every thing from jewelry to shoes), the beautiful architecture of the Duomo with its colorful Bell Tower and Baptistry. Had delicious genuine Italian Pizza at one of the outdoor cafes, admired from afar the gorgeous clothes of the Italian Haute-Couture shops. Soon it was time to take our taxi back to Livorno and our ship.

Florence (or Firenze, Florentia and Fiorenza) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany, and of the province of Florence. It is the most populated city in Tuscany with 364,779 people. From 1865 to 1870 the city was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Florence lies on the Arno River and it is known for its history and its importance in the Middle Ages and in the Renaissance, especially for its art and architecture. A centre of medieval European trade and finance, the city is often considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and was long ruled by the Medici family. In fact, the city has been called the Athens of the Middle Ages.[1]

Florence is a beautiful place to travel. Its like time stopped there and refuses to continue. The tranquility you find in this city is hard describe. The locals are really nice and they treat tourists with so much kindness. If you have a chance to visit this place, don't forget to go to the Uffizi Gallery and the Boboli Gardens. Also, if you want a great meal visit Trattoria Anita, this is where the locals eat.

beautiful, great simple food, friendly people,