My wife Baby and kid CJ - taken minutes after arrival at Termini Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
A common travel route among first-time visitors to Italy would be ROMA-FIRENZE-VENEZIA.
Fly in via Rome (Leonardo da Vinci Airport) and the rest of Italy (in fact, the rest of the Schengen states) are just a train ride away (the popular Eurostar line include high speed trains "Alta Velocita").
Truth be told, relative to Rome and Venice, I really don't have much of a clue at the onset of why we should include Florence in our travel plan in the first place.
Rome of course would always be on the list for any first-time visitor to Italy. "The Eternal City"...home to the more renowned destinations and iconic landmarks like the Collosseo, Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Spanish Steps...
And who haven't heard of Venice? "The Italian Job", "Casino Royale"...countless other movies were shot on location in Venice...with its Grand Canal and the familiar gondolas steered by boatsmen in familiar striped shirts and wide-brim hats.
But Florence?
When I was planning our "first-ever" [we hope, nope, "dream" is a better word, that there'd be a 2nd, even a 3rd trip, who knows? ;-) ] family Euro trip last July 2009, I naturally sought out friends and office colleagues who actually toured Italy for "BKMs" (Intel lingo - "best known methods"; e.g. practical tips)...from booking the lowest airfare and affordable (and decent) hostels, to best places to eat, and of course suggested itineraries...
Fly in via Rome (Leonardo da Vinci Airport) and the rest of Italy (in fact, the rest of the Schengen states) are just a train ride away (the popular Eurostar line include high speed trains "Alta Velocita").
Truth be told, relative to Rome and Venice, I really don't have much of a clue at the onset of why we should include Florence in our travel plan in the first place.
Rome of course would always be on the list for any first-time visitor to Italy. "The Eternal City"...home to the more renowned destinations and iconic landmarks like the Collosseo, Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Spanish Steps...
And who haven't heard of Venice? "The Italian Job", "Casino Royale"...countless other movies were shot on location in Venice...with its Grand Canal and the familiar gondolas steered by boatsmen in familiar striped shirts and wide-brim hats.
But Florence?
When I was planning our "first-ever" [we hope, nope, "dream" is a better word, that there'd be a 2nd, even a 3rd trip, who knows? ;-) ] family Euro trip last July 2009, I naturally sought out friends and office colleagues who actually toured Italy for "BKMs" (Intel lingo - "best known methods"; e.g. practical tips)...from booking the lowest airfare and affordable (and decent) hostels, to best places to eat, and of course suggested itineraries...
For some reason, there was this common suggestion "to visit Florence".
Now that we've been there and done that, hand over heart, I would also say to prospective tourists..."Make sure you visit Firenze!".
Florence is a quaint, charming city smaller (much smaller) than Rome which means all the important sights and areas of interest are just a "leisure walk away". No need to spend precious euros on taxis, subways, or buses.
It was the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter when we visited Italy in September 2009. In Florence, we were blessed with two days of clear skies and even as the sun was out -- the air was cool and crisp -- just perfect for relaxing walks and photography.
It was an experience by itself just walking around the city...during the day and even during the evening.
Now that we've been there and done that, hand over heart, I would also say to prospective tourists..."Make sure you visit Firenze!".
Florence is a quaint, charming city smaller (much smaller) than Rome which means all the important sights and areas of interest are just a "leisure walk away". No need to spend precious euros on taxis, subways, or buses.
It was the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter when we visited Italy in September 2009. In Florence, we were blessed with two days of clear skies and even as the sun was out -- the air was cool and crisp -- just perfect for relaxing walks and photography.
It was an experience by itself just walking around the city...during the day and even during the evening.
Armed only with a city map, a camera and an eagerness akin to a child engaged in a treasure hunt game...we enjoyed "getting lost" around the city...walking along centuries-old cobble-stone streets that are lined by classic architecture alongside modern edifices, palazzos, restaurants, cafes...streets which led us to both "tiangge"-style bazaars and luxury brand retail stores; and (like Rome) inspiring works of art in every piazza.
I share some photos from our 2-day visit. Check out my full photo album on Firenze via:
I share some photos from our 2-day visit. Check out my full photo album on Firenze via:
waiting for the Alta Velocita departure for Firenze...at Roma Termini
outside Archi Rossi Hostel...Firenze
DAY ONE...flip-flops in Florence. "Parang nag Ibn Battuta lang ang porma" :)
Piazza Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Piazza Anunciata
Piazza San Marco
Fontana Nettuno...(Neptune's Fountain; close-in shot)...at Piazza della Signoria...nearing dusk..hence the nice lighting effect.
day two...guided walking tour.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Novella; Piazza S. Maria Novella
Fiume Arno (Arno River)..Florence's main waterway...vista from Ponte S. Trinita (Holy Trinity Bridge)
Benvenuto Cellini, renowned Florentine goldsmith and sculptor. In 1900 the people of Firenze honored this great Florentine by putting up his bust in the middle of the Ponte Vecchio (the oldest of Florence's six bridges). Ponte Vecchio...then and now...is lined with stores and shops, and popular among tourists on the hunt for fine jewellery.
Night shots...street musician and street artist (latter pic was taken at Piazza della Republica)
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