Mediterranean - Florence

Our day in Florence began with a 45 minute drive from Livorno, the port city. Our guide took us on a walking tour of Florence, starting at the Museum of Arts where we were able to see some of Michelangelo's works, including the statue, David. It was amazing. We weren't able to take any pictures, but we thoroughly enjoyed it. We also saw the Duomo, the Baptistry, the Ponte Vecchio, River Arno, and the Uffizi.

The Uffizi was the original office buildings of the Florence government. The walls are covered with sculptures of famous people who were born in Florence. Among them were Leonardo da Vinci and Amerigo Vespucci. There was also a replica of the statue of David and another one of a guy holding the head of Medusa. Martin really liked that one.

The story of Pinocchio was written by a man born in Florence as well, so we saw this cool store of Pinocchio items. We also visited another cathedral.

Leaving Florence, we headed into the Tuscan countryside and arrived at Castello di Verazzano. Verazzano was the guy who founded the New York harbor and there is a bridge in New York City named for him - Verazzano Narrows Bridge. We visited his castle and had lunch there. It was beautiful with vineyards, olive trees and fabulous countryside.