We became fans of a television show, on Netflix, called “Somebody Feed Phil.”  On one of the episodes, which focused on Florence, they spotlighted the Vivoli Gelateria.  The gelato looked so good, when we saw the episode, that we made a point of hunting the place out.  It was fairly easy to find, located only…

You next make your way to the hall that is dominated by the large statue at the far end, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, “David.”  As you walk towards one of the world’s most famous statues, you may not realize it, but you are passing by some of the master’s other famous works, his Slaves.   These are a…

Florence, like most Italian cities and towns, is a wonderful mix of old and new.  Creativity and art surround you as you walk the city’s streets.  The shopping isn’t bad either! We passed a poster advertising “The Florence Experiment” — a temporary exhibit in the courtyard of Palazzo Strozzi.  We peeked into the courtyard, just…

Our third day in Florence, or Firenze, began as a wet one.  That didn’t stop me from getting outside and exploring! A plaque on a wall commemorates the building where Saint Maria Maddalena de’ Pazzi lived and died. Saint Maria Maddalena de’ Pazzi lived in the monastery of the Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello….

The Chiesa di Santo Spirito is located at the end of the piazza of the same name.  The piazza is the scene of a daily market, as well as home to a number of cafés and restaurants. The church dates from 1444, and was built on the site of an earlier church.  Designed by Filippo…

To me, the city of Florence is like a ornately set piece of jewelry: It is beautiful, delicate, and perfect in its arrangement.  Walking the streets of this city can be a transporting experience, sending one back to the times of the Renaissance, for this is the city that gave birth to that most glorious…

Window shopping in Florence can be an artistically educating experience, particularly in the Oltrarno neighborhood. A plaque on a wall pays tribute to the birthplace of famous Italian lawyer and politician, Giuseppe Mantellini. In Piazza San Felice, a small triangular space just past the Palazzo Pitti, you will find La Colonna di Cosimo I, or…

This was not the first time that I’d visited the lovely city of Florence, or Firenze, as the Italians call it.  As a matter of fact, this was my seventh visit to the city.  When visiting this popular Tuscan destination, I prefer to stay in the area known as the Oltrarno.  This is the area…

We were planning on spending time in Rome at the end of our trip, as usual, but since we needed to catch the train for our next destination at Rome’s Termini Station, we decided to spend one night there in the middle of the trip, and while we were there, catch the last performance of…

Just to the left of the Canopo, you will find a walkway that seems to lead out into the countryside.  Follow it! This pathway will lead you to the Roccabruna, a tower along the edge of the property, which overlooks the valley beyond.  I love this spot!  I find it to be very tranquil, and…

We wanted to spend the first part of our fourth day in Tivoli exploring Villa Adriana, or Hadrian’s Villa.  Of all of the attractions in Tivoli, this one is the largest, and also the most tricky to get to, as it is located a bit outside of the town, closer to the area known as…

My favorite attraction, when visiting Tivoli, is Villa Gregoriana.  This immense park has it all — waterfalls, ruins, history, nature, all accessible by following the numbered itinerary that one is given at the ticket office.  There are two entrances to this park, but I recommend starting your visit off at the main ticket office and…