From Rome, we took the train to Florence for three days of adventure. We walked everywhere, from the old city center to the Piazzale Michelangelo lookout. Climbed 414 steps (which felt more like 4,114 to be honest) to the top of Giotto’s Bell Tower. Wandered through the cobblestone streets. Did a DIY wine tastings with comments such as “supple, like a young birch tree” and categories such as “face-to-shoulders ratio.” Learned that in Italy, lamb is considered a white meat. Went on a self-appointed quest to find the best gelateria in Florence.

Much of our time in Florence was spent indoors at sights such as the Duomo, Cathedral, and nearby museum as we beat the heat wave sweeping Italy. The papers have nicknamed this extreme weather “Lucifer” and I completely understand why. Apparently the heat is so much in Florence that it’s unbearable for even the locals.

Regardless, we stayed indoors during the hottest parts of the days and ventured out in the mornings and late afternoons. Of course, our daily gelato consumption helped considerably. 🙂

Pics from Piazzale Michelangelo during sunset (including the first of many skyline photos…you’ve been warned!).

Exterior view of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, next to the famous Duomo by Brunelleschi.

Inside the Cathedral — looking up into the Duomo and a cool 24-hour clock.

Climbing the steps of Giotto’s Bell Tower.

Views from the climb.

This was a very confusing museum. Probably a job for a…museum curator!

Moonrise pic from Ponte Vecchio.

More skylines during sunset.

Funky street art.

The Basilica di Santa Croce.

After three days in Florence, the heat was getting to us and we were definitely ready for some beach time. Good thing the last stop on our trip was to the “fab five” of Cinque Terre. Coming soon!