At the Uffizi Gallery, Italian masterpieces from the 13th through 17th centuries by Botticelli (Birth of Venus, Slander, Allegory of Spring; late 1400s), Leonardo (Annunciation, Adoration of the Magi), Michelangelo, Raphael and others. Sculptor Michelangelo's poised, alert, 13-foot 5-inch David (1504) and his powerful Prisoners (1518) at the Accademia. If only picture-taking were possible!

The 270-foot Giotto's Tower (Campanile) alongside the Gothic Duomo, or Santa Maria del Fiori, cathedral with its facade of pink, green and white Tuscan marble. The Duomo's magnificent Renaissance dome from 1420-1436, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome and a model for Michelangelo's dome at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

The 13th century jewelry-shop-lined Ponte Vecchio Bridge. A traditional Tuscan dinner including potatoes baked in olive oil and rosemary. And flavorful gelato too, so much better than ice cream.

Green and Blue

The sprawling, green and shade-providing Boboli Gardens at Pitti Palace with fountains galore and a picnic lunch with Smitty and Carolyn from California. On the way out of town, the Piazzale Michelangelo square with views of the Ponte Vecchio bridge crossing the Arno River, the castle turret of the Palazzo Veccho palace, Giotto's Tower and the Duomo dome.

Sleep and Eat

Our two-night home in Florence: the elegant Hotel Accademia. On the road in Italy: quick lunches at freeway-covering Auto Grills. Different and crowded ... but better than assembly line fast-food burger joints.

Photo album and slide show of all our Florence pictures.

Venice | Florence | Rome | Orvieto | Cinque Terre