Beautiful Florence, I wish I had spent more time there, two days was way too short. I definitely will return to be able to explore the streets, restaurants, museums, and just soak up the ambiance of this incredible place. My next Italian trip could be spent just in Tuscany visiting Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Cortona, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Pienza and leisuring enjoying the Tuscan countryside. Who wants to join me – let’s plan a trip!

I arrived by train, which are very comfortable and reliable – they were always on time. I took a bus and easily found my lodging near Piazza Oberdan, which was within walking distance to all the museums. I loved my room which looked out onto a private garden and was very quiet and peaceful. The hostess was a fabulous chef and made delicious pastries and deserts for her guests.

I spent the afternoon with Rick Steves and his “Renaissance Walk” audio tour. Florence was crowded with tourists, and it was a challenge to get a clear view of many landmarks, but it is such a special city you just have to grin and bear it. I was very annoyed with people constantly taking selfies, and vowed to not take any selfies. Since I only had one more day in Florence, I needed to plan for a very full day. I bought tickets for 8am at the Uffizi Museum, noon at the Accademia Gallery where the David statue lives, and the Bargello Museum at 4pm.

I definitely need to return to Florence, there was no way I could see everything I wanted to in the Uffizi Museum in just a one morning. I didn’t even finish the Rick Steves audio tour, because I kept pausing the tape to savor a piece of art. I could spend all day with Botticelli’s paintings. Next stop was the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s David.

The Accademia Gallery was absolutely packed with people and was surprised I could photograph David without a selfie taking tourist in the way. This museum was actually small compared to others, but worth the stop to see the seventeen foot tall David. I was particularly moved by the powerful energy conveyed by the Rape of the Sabines.

My two days in Florence were full of incredible sights, and walking over ten miles each day was exhausting, but worth every step. For my last evening in Florence, I had a delicious ravioli dinner, with fresh warm bread just out of the oven. Upon returning to my lovely garden room, I found my hostess had made a tiramisu chocolate pudding for me. A perfect end to a wonderful day.

The next morning, my hostess walked me to the train station, and I was off to Rome. My next post will share my whirlwind sightseeing adventures on the final leg of my Italian vacation.