CHAPTER 7: Florence and its shining highlights!

Our next stop of the Italian accessible trip was Florence, the city of art and masterpieces! Florence was on top of our list when we decided to plan this accessible trip to Italy, as in our mind it was one of the most amazing destinations in the country… and actually I have to say it met all our expectations!

We left Venice by an accessible boat transfer from the Hotel directly to the train station, and then by train we reached Florence. Also in this case I bought through romeanditaly group, together with the train tickets also a dedicated assistant on arrival and departure to help us at the train stations, with luggage and with the transfer service. It was very helpful to have someone to count on during these transfers services, someone who knows where to go and how to move around in the crowds of the Italian train stations!

In Florence, we also had an accessible transfer service to the Hotel. We stayed at hotel Laurus al Duomo (https://www.florencehotellaurusalduomo.com/ ) a lovely property right in the heart of the city and very close to the Duomo, so close that we could see the Brunelleschi’s cupola (dome) from the window of our accessible room! What an incredible masterpiece!

Once checked in, we went outside for a quick lunch at a very nice and typical street food cart to try the famous Florentine lampredotto – Lampredotto is a typical Florentine dish, made from the final part of the cow stomach – I know it could sound disgusting but I can grant it was delicious! The panini was stuffed with lampredotto and a green tasty sauce. Definitely to try! There are many places that offer lampredotto in town, but we were suggested to go to the one located in Piazza dei Cimatori, a small square behind Piazza della Signoria – which seems to be one of the oldest in town!

At 2 pm we met with our private English-speaking guide, for an accessible walking tour of the highlights of the city, to have a first idea of Florence and some historical information about its art treasures.   Our guide Chiara (she is American but living in Florence since many years – so perfect English and great knowledge of the territory!) took us to some of the most important spots where the greatest minds and artists have stood and been inspired. The beautiful Piazza della Signoria with the town hall Palazzo Vecchio, the amazing Duomo (we took great pictures here!), the Baptistery with its ‘Doors of Paradise’, Giotto’s Bell Tower, Brunelleschi’s Dome, Santa Trinita and Orsanmichele Church, the over-famous Pontevecchio with all its jewelry shops. Anf on top of this we also saw the secret Vasari Corridor – but Chiara said that unfortunately it opens to public a few days only during the year so is hard also for Florentines to visit it – as well as the famous shopping streets of Florence. We also went in the Oltrarno area – the other side of the city crossing the river – and well known as the artisan’s neighborhood. Actually I’ve found this area less touristy than the city center and more local, with lots of shops, street markets and artisans’ boutiques. We bought our usual postcard for the private collection, and of course a delicious ice cream at Carraia gelateria, one of the most famous ones in town! We had our gelato facing Ponte Vecchio… an amazing experience!

At the end of the tour we went back to the hotel, showered and went out for dinner at restaurant Mario (http://trattoriamario.com/ ) to try the famous Florentine steak – a big part of almost raw meat – which I’ve loved! On the way back to the Hotel we had the chance to assist to a street artist in Piazza della Repubblica singing and dancing, and it was a nice way to say goodbye to another amazing day in Italy!

Stay tuned with us, next Monday the next chapter of “The accessible trip to Italy of our Friend Bill” will be released

written by #Bill