Florence, I have decided is the perfect place for a girly weekend. Especially a mother and daughter one. Four of us went together – two friends and our daughters – who also happen to be best of friends. Much better that there were four of us together – we had LOADS of fun and it feels like a very easy and safe place to wander around in – even late at night. Everything is very contained and accessible – you don’t have long distances to walk from one spectacular site to the next.
I forgot to take notes and can’t remember the names of some of the places we went. I thought I’d just give you a photo gallery flavour though….you’ll get the general idea and I’m sure will have the guide book anyway. Any questions let me know. Sorry LOADS of photos…
DAY ONE
We arrived in the afternoon. It was cheaper to fly to Pisa and get the train. The train was brilliant and very easy. Dropped us right in the centre of Florence and we walked to our hotel. We stayed at the Duomo hotel which was very central, with lovely helpful staff, but very small rooms and not an amazing central space given we had to go up to the 4th floor to get to them. Location wise it was perfect though. I’ve done several other blogs already so won’t repeat myself….here is our photo diary:-
Our hotel – check out how close we were to the cathedral:-
Our first drink in the square where the Duomo is – not sure what she’s describing….
A quick stroll around:-
Michelangelo’s very splendid David (with dodgy ankles that might break at any time – I know how he feels although I was not born in 1501):-
We ate at a little pizzeria near our hotel – not good enough to especially mention:-
Early to bed for our busy day tomorrow.
DAY TWO
First stop the Uffizi Gallery – make sure you book:-
Daughter inside the Uffizi finding all the pieces she’s working on:-
Lots of coffee breaks – nothing better than Italian coffee:-
Ponte Vecchio Bridge for lunch and ice cream and lots of peering at beautiful jewellery
You need to find the wild boar (the one on the left) in the centre of the market and rub his nose to ensure you’ll be back to Florence:-
There are plenty of shops at all price ranges along the streets. We spent a lot of time at the market because it was a bit different. Lots of leather gear – girls bought bags:-
Our delicious dinner (check out separate blog post):-
Wandering the streets at night:-
DAY THREE
You need to be queuing by 8am (although check that out – times might change depending on day) if you want to get up to the top of the Duomo – which I would highly recommend despite the number of stairs:-
By lunchtime the queue looked like this:-
Then we took a horse and carriage around and about for half an hour – a lovely way to get your bearings and it felt positively medieval clip clopping around the cobbled streets:-
This is the way the ladies ride:-
This is the way the girls ride:-
The Bargello museum to see various other pieces:-
Here is Donatello’s camp little David – I’m sorry, not in the same league as Michelangelo’s in my opinion and why is he wearing an Easter Bonnet?
My daughter doing her close examination:-
Her bored friend looking lovely in the light:-
Found a funny little wooden top shop on the way home:-
Back to the hotel briefly before out again to find some fun and food.
The Piazza della Repubblica is very lively with lots of restaurants (I suspect they are more expensive mind you)
Just around another corner and we found a cool little cocktail bar:-
Then we found a restaurant in the square with live music – a very good pianist (I think he was famous because he gave us his autograph) – he’s called Gino Sound – anyone know him? Some wild dancers and an awesome opera singer:-
The crowd go wild and we all dance – although this is much to the disappointment of the Italian men that the “mama’s” have got their beady eye on their daughters:-
The girls get given roses – we don’t:-
Note to self: late night selfies with beautiful daughters must be avoided at all times:-
We have a gorgeous happy dancy evening and make our way home together in the early morning.
DAY FOUR
We only have the morning and the Santa Maria Novella Church is also on my daughter’s hit list. We wander off to it via lots of shops.
The interior is beautiful as is the inner garden:-
There is a market outside and we wander back to the hotel via the river to find somewhere to have some lunch
Mums do travel
May 7, 2014I love Florence! I was lucky enough to study there for a term as part of my degree – my even-luckier husband studied there for a whole year. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip and thanks for suggesting the idea of a mother-daughter jaunt there, you’ve got me thinking…..
Family Affairs
May 7, 2014You really should go – amazing L x
Trish
May 10, 2014No notes…can’t remember things? Call yourself a travel blogger, Lucy! Sheesh! ;-))
Seriously though, love your photo post. You’ve captured the essence of the city and the fun you all had shines through.
I’ve only spent a day in Florence many years ago – I think I need longer!
Family Affairs
May 10, 2014Yes, I was hoping the photos would make up for my lack of proper travel information! Lx
Sarah Ebner
May 10, 2014This looks so much fun – brilliant to go with friends for you and your daughter. I love the pictures, and also that you clearly enjoyed yourself and managed food/culture/touristy stuff all together. We went to Florence for our honeymoon, 18 years ago nearly (gulp), and haven’t been back. But I’m sure the kids would love it and this has made me really tempted to take Jess!
Family Affairs
May 10, 2014Go on – do it! lx
Kirstie
May 12, 2014My Mum and I had a really precious few days together in Florence as an escape for her when her marriage ended. So it was quite poignant seeing you there with your daughter. She’s only a bit younger than I was.
This post is a lot of fun, and very funny. Hugely enjoyed reading. But are you sure you weren’t born in 1501?
Family Affairs
May 13, 2014Thanks Kirstie – but ha ha re birth date – that is entirely possible! Lx