Italy: FLORENCE

  • Michelangelo’s David

  • Duomo

  • Gates of Paradise

  • Leonardo Interactive Museum

  • Giotto’s Bell Tower

  • Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

  • Pitti Palace

  • Fountain of Neptune

  • Boboli Gardens

  • Uffizi Gallery

  • Ponte Vecchio

  • Palazzo Vecchio

  • Pizzale Michelangelo

  • Cooking Class

RESTAURANTS IN FLORENCE

  • Mercato Centrale - The most eclectic array of dining options we experienced. Yes, we were in Italy, but we had some of the most delicious pork buns made right before our eyes. It was bustling to the point of overwhelming, but mostly because I thought I’d never be able to leave. There were so many stalls and booths with delicious meats, flatbreads, biscotti, and pasta dishes—not to mention an entire place dedicated to bruschetta! If your kids are older, give everyone a set amount and send them out to purchase their favorites. Then, meet back at a table and sample all the choices.

  • SE·STO on Arno - We stopped here for cocktails at sunset and were so happy that we did! Gorgeous views and as the temperature dropped, they brought out blankets and turned on the heaters to keep us cozy. The city was an entirely different kind of beautiful all lit up at night.

  • Boccadarno - The night of two suppers. It’s not often I’m thankful that restaurants aren’t open when I’m hungry, but after finishing up at Piazzale Michelangelo, we were searching for snacks and came across this amazing wine house and fish restaurant in San Niccolo. Fresh seafood crudite and small appetizers with the happy sounds of prosecco corks popping were perfect for our early (1st) supper of the night. We almost canceled our other plans to stay and fill up on their baked swordfish and truffled octopus.

  • Ristorante Natalino - Recommended to us by our new friends at the Arte Boutique Hotel, this place was such a find! We were lucky enough to squeeze in without reservations and enjoyed every moment. Housemade pastas and sauces were the perfect balance for our earlier meal and we were able to squeeze in a cheesecake that was made in heaven.

  • Rivoire - If you want to feel like you’re having breakfast in a Medici palace, this is the place to go. We chose this spot for its proximity to the Uffizi and while you can have a quick espresso at the ornately carved counter, we chose the dining room with the gold leaf ceilings, massive candlesticks, and wall tapestries. Even the toilet had fresco paintings and a marble fountain!

  • Ristorante Lorenzo de Medici - Florentine. Steak.

  • Gelato Stops: La Strega Nocciola, Choccolatte, Don Nino