When I studied abroad in Spain during my sophomore year in college, one of the perks was the ability to travel to so many cities and countries easily and inexpensively while there.  During Thanksgiving break, three of my friends and I took a train to Italy and traveled to Rome, Florence, and Venice.  We had plans to visit Milan, but we once we arrived in Florence, Milan was history. We were so enamored with the city of beauty and elegance, a quintessential Italian town.

You can walk anywhere in Florence, and if I had to compare Florence and Rome to two other cities in Europe, I would say Florence is to Sevilla, as Rome is to Madrid.  Both capitals are rich in history and culture and an incredible juxtaposition of new and old.  But Florence and Sevilla embody the true character of each of the two countries.  Although still well-occopuied and bustling, they house a more raw and authentic feeling of culture.  Everywhere you turn in Florence you hear singing or music or laughter.  Every turn you take on a winding little road,  you encounter  centuries old architecture that blows your mind.

I was so excited to return to this amazing city!

Our Arrival

We arrived in Florence about halfway through our incredible two week tour of Italy this past summer by high speed train from Naples. It was a rainy day, the only rain we saw that entire trip.  Our Airbnb host was available and responsive, and made recommendations for the path of least resistance to arrive at the apartment.  Once we exited the train station, we walked to an INSANE line waiting for taxis.  Apparently this is atypical and a result of the rain, as most people would have walked had it not been pouring.  But the line went surprisingly quickly, and our cab driver was kind and knowledgable.

Where we Stayed in Florence

Our apartment was PERFECT.  It was literally next door to the Duomo, and therefore close to SO many restaurants and sites.  We were met by the doctor who owned the building and had a small office on the bottom floor.  An added perk was he was there during the day and able to help us with any questions or issues we had.

It was a two bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, living room, and dining room.  The best part was the gorgeous terrace with views of the Duomo.  At any given time, the Duomo is being renovated–really just touched up and cleaned.  As luck with have it, the view we would have had was under renovation.  The fact that life just kept going as they renovated this iconic dome was so typical of Italy.  Old meets new, tourist meets everyday commuter, all in harmony.  It was still magical and sweet. And being so high up and away from the hustle and bustle on our terrace was such a perfect way to jump start our day with a cup of coffee or unwind with a glass of wine.

Dress // Sandals // Sunglasses

Our washing machine wasn’t working properly, but the doctor gave us keys to the apartment across the hallway to use and got the machine fixed by the next day.  I can’t emphasize how helpful it is to have washing machine when traveling with a child for such an extensive period of time.  It’s such a life saver!

What we did in Florence

Florence was smack dab in the middle of our two week vacation.  I had organized MANY planned activities and structure during our time in Italy.  But I wanted to really just “exist” in Florence during our stay there, and we did just that.  We walked around, explored, stopped in for gelato whenever we wanted, ate at whatever restaurant called our names, and enjoyed our leisurely time.  Florence was perfect for Espen’s scooter.  It was less busy than Rome, and you truly can walk absolutely anywhere you go.  We strolled over to the Arno River, took in the views, and found a really cute street vendor who made some gifts for Espen and my stepdaughter, Nikki, back home.

After a day and a half of doing our own thing, however, I realized I really did want an expert’s guidance to properly appreciate the city around us.  I did a quick google search for a kid-friendly tour guide, and found Virginia with a company called “With Locals.”  She was kind, patient, and extremely knowledgable.  This tour was on foot and at our own pace.  Our tour included the following:

Meeting Point  :  Piazza della Repubblica
Stop 1 :  Piazza della Repubblica, one of the main squares in Florence that marks the center of the city since Roman times.
Stop 2 : A visit to the stunning Duomo, the most impressive highlight of the city!
Stop 3 : Piazza San Martino, discover two of the best hidden gems of the city in this small square
Stop 4 : Have a break and enjoy the best gelato in town!
Stop 5 : Artisan Il Papiro, satisfy your creative side with a paper decorating demonstration.
Stop 6 : Chiesa di Orsanmichele, learn the fascinating story behind the gothic church.
Stop 7 : Fontana del Porcellino , test your luck with the wild boar.
Stop 8 : Ponte Vecchio, the best spots to take a candid family photo.
Final Stop : Piazza della Signoria, admire the open air museum around the square and hear the stories behind the sculptures of gods and heroes.

The Piazza dell Repubblica was beautiful and bustling.  I love that you find “plazas” all over Europe as they bring everyone together to one central location.  In busy cities, you walk tiny streets full of character and intimacy.  But then the skies open and you discover yourself smack dab in the middle of a gorgeous open-aired plaza with historical monuments around you and your choice of delectable restaurants on the perimeters.  The Duomo had a wait that was insane, and it wasn’t a priority for us to enter this trip.  Had we stayed longer, we would have gone with a “sites” tour so we could have purchased our tickets ahead and skipped the line.  But for now, we continued on our foot tour.  The Baptistry of St. John is located in the Piazza Del Duomo, and it is Florence’s oldest religious monument.  Up until the 19th century, all Catholics were baptized within its doors.  It boasts three gorgeous bronze doors that each tell a series of Biblical stories.  The intricate artwork and painstaking detail is one to behold.

Perche No!  is the oldest, and arguably most delicious gelato shop in Florence, Italy.  The gelato here was amazing!

Next we headed to Artisan Il Papiro where Espen had the opportunity to create his own Florentine masterpiece!  Check out that tongue!  You know he’s working hard when that tongue is visible…

“Il Porcellino” means “Little Pig” in Italian.  But this bronze piggy is actually a wild boar!  Legend has it that he brings good luck to passersby who rub his snout and put a coin in his mouth.  If the water washes the coin from his mouth into the grate below, you’ll return to Florence!  If not, well.  Just try again. :). The coins are going to good use, supporting a local orphanage.

Good news!  We’re going back to Florence! Thanks, Espen!

Our final stop, the Piazza della Signoria, was magnificent.  Our tour guide, Victoria, provided us with tremendous Espen-appropriate history regarding the sculptures and buildings around us.  On every corner of Florence, we found evidence of rich history and culture.  There was just so much to learn, it was as if I should have taken notes to accurately and justly recall what we had experienced.  Oh well. I guess we just have to go back!  There are worse things!

Shop My Look:

Skirt // White Tank // Purse // Sandals // Sunglasses

Shop Espen’s Look:

Sneakers // Scooter // Helmet

Our tour with Virginia was the icing on the cake.  It was somewhat unlike me to have not have an organizational flow chart for our stay in Florence (ha!) but it was perfect for that segment of our trip.  But as fun as it is to have no obligations and explore yourself, there is just SO much culture and detail that you’ll miss without a properly knowledgable tour guide.  If you go to Florence, I highly recommend Virginia and this tour.  It’s time and money well-spent, and you’ll understand your surroundings so much more.  Tell her I said hi!

Florence is a magical city within a magical country.  Although it’s a large city with so much to offer, it’s rich in culture and intimate in nature. I’m so grateful for that little piggy! I can’t wait to go back to Florence!

XOXO
Elisha