After two captivating days in Rome, we headed north this morning via the Autostrada del Sole — the Highway of the Sun — a smooth and scenic route through the Italian countryside toward Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance.
We arrived by early afternoon, greeted by a city that truly embodies the perfect harmony of art, architecture, and history. Florence is a living museum — every square, every narrow alley, every bridge speaks of genius.
Our orientation drive introduced us to the city’s highlights, including its red-roofed skyline and graceful buildings stretching across the River Arno. We made stops near some of Florence’s most iconic landmarks:
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The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), crowned with Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome
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The Baptistery of St. John with its celebrated bronze doors
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Piazza della Signoria, an open-air sculpture gallery
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The medieval Ponte Vecchio, with its colorful shops hanging above the river
Later, we visited a traditional Florentine leather shop, where we watched artisans at work and admired Italy’s world-renowned craftsmanship.
The rest of the afternoon was free to wander on our own — to sip espresso at a street-side café, admire Renaissance sculptures in quiet corners, or browse boutique shops filled with local art and fashion.
Florence left an unforgettable impression — a city where beauty is not just preserved in museums but lives in every street, square, and sunset.
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