Florence

Today I took a ship’s excursion to Florence. It was a full day, bookended by long bus rides (just over three hours each way from La Spezia).

We started at Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, to view the original Michelangelo’s David. Spectacular. The workmanship, artistry and careful anatomical study are evident centuries later.

Next we walked around the outside of the externally-magnificent Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. The detail work of Florentian marble of white, green and red was impressive.

Following this was lunch – and much more of a treat than expected. Two types of pasta, fresh bread, biscotti, wine. More importantly, it was served in what was once the private rooms of Camillo Borghese, 6th Prince of Sulmona and Princess Pauline Marie Bonaparte – sister of Napoleon. The rooms were maintained as original to that time period- absolutely sumptuous.

Next we visited the square with Basilica di Santa Croce di Firenze, which holds the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, Da Vinci and others. We had some free time to shop and explore here.

The next stop was a surprise – the city hall, Comune di Firenze. It had an exquisite entry area, highly ornamental. It was also the original home to David, and a replica now stands here while the original is safe indoors.

Our final stop was Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345, it was the only bridge to survive the WWII bombings.