Saul Schwartz and his wife Fern embarked on their first European adventure since the pandemic, choosing Northern Italy as their romantic getaway. They meticulously planned a two-week itinerary to explore Milan, Florence, Pisa, and Venice.
For their Florence tour, Saul and Fern kicked things off with a two-hour walking tour focusing on Renaissance history and the Medici tales. Meeting at the Basilica di San Lorenzo, their guide, Alberto, shared rich stories about the iconic Medici family and their influential role in banking.
They began by visiting the Riccardi Medici Palace, a Renaissance marvel now functioning as a museum. Alberto highlighted its unique design elements replicated throughout Florence, including its stone walls and kneeling windows. Inside, the palace houses two stunning libraries, Biblioteca Moreniana and Biblioteca Riccardiana.
Next, they wandered through the Piazza della Repubblica, learning about its historical role as a political and commercial center. Saul was particularly drawn to the statue of Lady Justice in Piazza Santa Trinita, placed atop Florence’s tallest ancient Roman column.
The tour continued in the Ponte Vecchio area, with its iconic bridge spanning the Arno River, bustling with shops and tourists alike. Their guide ended the journey at the bustling Piazza della Signoria, home to a replica of Michelangelo’s David and the impressive Fountain of Neptune.
Later, Saul and Fern visited the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David, by pre-booking tickets to skip the queues. They admired the famous statue and other unfinished works by Michelangelo, immersing themselves in Renaissance art.
The couple also explored Florence’s renowned Duomo with a guided tour that included the cathedral, its awe-inspiring dome, the stunning clock, stained glass windows, and intricate mosaic floors. The tour ended with a breathtaking view of Florence from the dome’s terrace after climbing 463 steps.
Food was also on the agenda. After the Duomo visit, they dined at Osteria Dell Olio, a wine bar near the cathedral, and shopped for on-the-go meals at Conad City supermarket. They also enjoyed an informal dinner at Vinaino Florenza, a sandwich shop with tasty vegetarian panini.
On their second full day, they visited the Uffizi Gallery, securing a skip-the-line tour so they could appreciate masterpieces from Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli. They moved on to the Jewish Museum and Synagogue of Florence, learning about the community’s history and savoring delicious kosher food at Ruth’s Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant.
Saul and Fern also relished a meal with Anna, a local artist, who shared her home-cooked vegan dishes while offering a glimpse into Florence’s culinary culture.
Then, they made a quick day trip to Pisa on a high-speed train, enjoying the iconic Leaning Tower among other sights. Concluding their four-day Tuscany adventure, they headed to Venice, eager to explore more.
Their journey continued smoothly with a comfortable train ride from Milan to Florence, detailed train arrangements, and a well-located Airbnb. Despite Florence’s limited public transport, the city’s compact nature made it easy for them to navigate on foot.
Saul, an Alexandria-based travel enthusiast, shared his love for European explorations, reflecting on his memorable experiences in Northern Italy, including unique local interactions and cultural discoveries.
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