Put on some comfortable shoes, pack bottle water and have an espresso to get you going. Start your day taking in the view from Piazzale Michangelo since this will reveal a sprawling, grand city that’s possibly unique in it’s Renaissance majesty anx give you the lay of the land. History buffs can have a field day, and for the art afficionados, well, just skip the espresso since there’s more than enough here to stimulate all your senses.
The Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza San Giovani form the center of town and will captivate. How about Ghiberti’s Doors of Paradise which took almost 30 years to complete? Don’t miss the Medici Palace and the Uffizi Gallery since both house excellent master pieces. The Medicis were the ruling family for a couple hundred years and greatly added to the importance if this area and the timeless treasures it would safe guard for generations to come. How could I forget to mention Michelangelo’s The David, which reigns strong and beautiful in the Accademia galler?. Try to get an entrance appt so you can skip the long lines, especially in summer. Better yet when you book an Italy tour, tickets are taken care of in advance, and there is a group entrance, so again you save a lot of time and get to see more during your stay.
Maybe after another espresso or a gelato, head for some shopping at the famous Ponte Veccio or the market near San Lorenzo and the Duomo.
As the late afternoon gives in to a beginning sun set, I suggest taking in the view from Piazzale Michangelo, whether you started there or not, since the changing golden glow will ensure a beautiful photograph in your mind that will long remind you of this very special city.
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