We left Rome (Roma Termini) early in the morning for Florence’s train station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella Stazione). The train ticket to Florence cost 22Euro and the journey takes an hour and a half. We checked into Archi Rossi hostel immediately upon arrival. This hostel has been recommended by several sites and they do not take advanced reservation, and only accept visitors on a first come first check-in basis.
Florence (Firenze) is a small city but I find it to be too touristy. It falls under the province of Tuscany. The charges are high for many attractions too. The patron saint for Florence is St John (San Giovanni). Once we had placed our luggage at the hostel, we began our exploration of Florence. I was momentarily lost during the first hour trying to find Santa Maria Novella church and Duomo. At last, we arrived at Duomo. The cathedral is based on gothic architecture.
Thereafter we began shopping at the San Lorenzo markets. It is also here we have our first complete Italian dinner with Antipasto, Primo, Secondi, Dessert and Vino. It cost 11Euros.
13th April (Tuesday) – Florence City
We woke up early in the morning to visit Galleria Academia. It contains one of Michaelangelo famous work – David. Entrance fee costs 6.50Euro. It is a large and magnificence sculpture. Around the city, small miniature David sculpture can be bought as souvenirs. It cost around 3Euro which I bought one for a Singapore friend named David.
We went on to the Galleria Uffizi next. It is actually an art gallery too and it cost around 10Euro for the entrance. It mentioned the history of Tuscany and how it was ruled by the Medici in the past.
After that, we walked to Piazza Michelangeo. It is actually at the top of the hill which offer a breathtaking view of Florence.
We heard melodious chant coming from one of the monastery and decide to check it out. They are currently having their prayer session.
Here is another one of Florence famous landmarks, the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).
We walked across Ponte Vecchio where shops lined both sides of the bridge.
We had a great Italian dinner at another restaurant. Gradually, we are beginning to splurge on dinner which cost 8Euro this time round. It is also from Florence we began to have Gelato (ice cream) every day. It cost around 2Euro each.
14th April (Wednesday) – Pisa Visit
Just a short distance from Florence is the town of Pisa. The train ticket cost 5Euro one way from Florence to Pisa. Pisa is famous for its leaning tower and it is here where Galileo is said to drop a cannon ball. The leaning tower is a short walk from the train station. It passes by a quiet town and river.
Here is the famous leaning tower.
And me trying to pushing it back up from the side.
We got back to Florence in the afternoon and went to check out the Ferragamo museum of shoes.
Florence is a small city. We allocated 3 days for Florence and Pisa. But based on this trip, we believe 2 days will be sufficient to clear all the sights.
