Firenze e Montecatini Terme

June 5, 2011: Florence and Montecatini

Day 3 in Italy began with a 3 hour ride to Firenze (Florence in English). Firenze is a charming small-ish town in the Toscana(Tuscany) region and the heart of the Italian Renaissance. We started our tour at the duomo (cathedral church) of Firenze, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. We also got to see the "Gates of Paradise," which are the sculpted golden doors that lead into the baptism building across from the church. The architecture and artwork were incredible! Our tour went through some markets in the town and ended on Ponte Vecchio, the most famous bridge in Firenze. We spent the rest of the day exploring the city, riding carousels, indulging in the best lasagna I've ever had, and playing in the rain/hail storm that would come later.

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore

Gates of Paradise

Florence Arch, Piazza della Repubblica

Ponte Vecchio

On Ponte Veccio

Best lasagna ever!!

This compelled me to purchase an umbrella for only 2 euros after bargaining. That's a big accomplishment considering I'm not very good at bargaining.

Looking out the bus window

 

 

 

After a long day in Firenze, we continued onto Montecatini, where our hotel was located. We were so happy to have free wifi at this hotel! Wifi could get expensive at our hotels, and this one turned out to be the only one that offered it for free.

Our second hotel room after a long day. See ya Cady

Downtown Montecatini

Montecatini was a two-night stay. Lucky for us, the second day, which in my opinion was the best day of the trip, still awaited us...