Firenze

We caught the fast train to Florence this morning. It took about 1hr40 mins with just one quick stop at Bologna. We loved the train with the wide seats and smooth ride with speeds of up to 300km/hr.  We all agreed we could easily do a few more hours on it. We were seated opposite each other with a table in the middle and free WiFi, what more could you want? 

We grabbed a taxi to our B&B Le Stanze di Santa Croce in the old town. Our heads turning this way and that as we drive up the tiny streets and past leather shops, markets, enormous cathedrals and restaurants all with people buzzing everywhere. It was such a contrast to Milan, so exciting!! Our B&B didn’t disappoint. It’s such a cute little place and once again a great location. 

We spent the afternoon exploring and getting lost trying to get our bearings. It’s such maze of little streets, though Ken informed us every road leads to the Cathedral and he was right. Mind you there are several cathedrals but this at least helped us get our bearings.  Of course we had to sample some gelato as Florence is the home of gelato. We are staying right near Santa Croce church which is just gorgeous. 

We ventured out for dinner and found so many restaurants, too many to choose from really. We tried to stay away from the big squares and found a lovely little place in a back side street called Trattoria l'Oriuolo. The food was so tasty and almost half the price of food in Milan, which is a nice change. Early to bed tonight as we have an early start tomorrow as we head to the Tuscany hills.