15 hours in Florence

Upon arriving in Rome airport, Fiumicino, we picked up our rented car at the airport and head up to Florence. The highway was very well maintained and constructed. It was a pleasant 4 hours drive.

Reaching the main city area of Florence, our GPS kept on beeping frequently. We were wondering how accurate this GPS was. "How can there be so many speed camera here?!" Soon after checking into Marriott, the friendly receptionist explained the traffic culture there. Nobody speeds and everyone follows traffic rules. I was amazed. What a difference to Sicily! I really liked the traffic culture there. Perhaps it was due to growing up in Singapore.

Look at how orderly the cars were.

The train line are not as convenient, as they only travel certain parts of the city area. I didn't explore further on public transport as I only have 15hours!

Train line

For our own reference, in case we forgot where we were.

It was so different when I can walk on the train track.

We started exploring Florence early next morning. The best way to explore the main city area is by walking, as we were told. Walking through the quiet streets early in the morning was interesting. Passing by a "breakfast" vending machine shop, where you get your coffee and pasta. We tried cappuccino, latte, americano, and hot chocolate. It tasted alright but the experience was worth the try.

Small little shop yet served its purpose.

Do not get conned that the coffee is cheap! It was just half a small cup.

Pasta machine

Next we were attracted into this pastry/cake shop for our much needed breakfast. Big problem was we don't speak Italian. All we could do was to point and order. I liked this impromptu breakfast, all tasted so good.

I forgot the name of the shop though.

Don't judge the size of the place by the door! small door yet big space inside!

It tasted so good! I did not like the cake though. Too creamy for me.

Not far away from breakfast place, we were greeted by the beauty of the early morning sun shining on the river. The view was mesmerizing. It was a 20 minutes non-stop photo taking session as we walked down the river. Passing by the "leather street", we popped by for a quick look. Perhaps it was not necessary to buy branded leather good, but any genuine leather goods in Italy is a good buy. They have goods that were made similar to the branded designs, but in their own labels with real leather.

Beautiful morning at the river

Plenty of statues everywhere!

Bicycle track. I like that they encourage cycling.

Go on to the famous bridge, Ponte Veccio. Many jewellery shops, and tourists were there. I googled for the history and found out that the jewellery shops culture has been there for a long time, defining the prestige of the bridge.

Ponte Veccio

Jewellery shops on Ponte Veccio

Piazza Della Signoria. Admire the architecture, reproduction of Michelangelo's statue, and many more. Many treasures to be admired within a piazza itself. Shopping area is just around the corner, where you find major brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc. I could hardly get a decent photo as there were way too many people. Perhaps go super early in the morning would be helpful.

Beautiful Gelato

Piazza Della Signoria

We ran out of time, took a cab back to our hotel to pick up our car, headed off to Piazzale Michelangelo. The drive there was enjoyable, it felt like we were driving through a garden, surrounded by beautiful trees. This would be a place at a height where you have an overview of Florence. If you have time, there is a garden nearby. Go have a look.

Greenery drive to Piazzale Michelangelo

Overview of Florence

Last stop for Florence was definitely the shopping outlet, The Mall. I wished we had more time to explore Florence, but we were rushing off to Rome next.

Up next, Rome!