Florence, Italy
Florence is a city that effortlessly blends history, art, and exquisite cuisine. We embarked on a two-day adventure from Rome, our journey slightly delayed by a computer glitch on the train. But as they say, all's well that ends well, and we eventually found ourselves immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of Florence.
We stayed at Lungarno Vespucci 50 Hotel, a 15-minute walk to the train station. The hotel was beautiful and elegante, located on the Arno river. As we arrived we were greeted with a glass of champagne, which was well deserved after the train debacle. The room had a mini fridge with free drinks and pay as you please snacks. We loved the location as it was close to most everything. (photos below)
Our mission was clear: to find the best sandwich in the city. We started our quest at I' Girone De' Ghiotti, a quaint little shop tucked away in a charming alley. Their La Rossa sandwich, a delectable combination of prosciutto and truffle cream, was a revelation. The flavors were harmonious, with warm bread and a perfect texture. It was a sandwich that would be hard to top!
Next on our sandwich tour was All' Antico Vinaio. This iconic spot has gained immense popularity thanks to its social media presence. The sandwiches here are stacked high with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. These flavors were bold and so fresh!
Our sandwich venture continued at Sgrano Pireze. This charming eatery boasted a moody ambiance that added to its allure. Seeking local expertise, we asked the server for their recommendation and were promptly introduced to the “Mortazza”.
The Mortazza, a delightful combination of mortadella, stracchino cheese, and truffle mayo, was a flavorful masterpiece. The rich flavors and creamy texture were a delightful departure from the traditional Italian sandwich. However, while the Mortazza was undeniably delicious, our hearts still belonged to the La Rossa from I' Girone De' Ghiotti.
The wine windows in Florence, Italy are a unique and charming tradition where local wine producers sell their wines directly to customers from a small window in their cellar or shop. These windows are often found in the historic center of the city, especially in the San Niccolò and Oltrarno neighborhoods.
Here's what you can expect from a wine window experience:
Authenticity: You're buying directly from the source, supporting local winemakers and getting a taste of authentic Tuscan wine culture.
Variety: While each wine window may specialize in a particular type of wine, you'll often find a good selection of reds, whites, and rosés.
Personalized Service: The winemakers or shop owners are usually passionate about their products and can offer personalized recommendations based on your preferences.
Tasting Opportunities: Many wine windows offer tastings, allowing you to sample different wines before making a purchase.
There were a couple to-go wine windows we came across with about a 5 minute wait.
We found Florence to be a relatively small, compact city, which allowed us to walk everywhere. In the historic city center, which is a maze of narrow streets and piazzas, you will find the majority of Florence’s top sights, such as the Duomo (the Florence Cathedral), Palazzo Vecchio, Galleria Accademia, Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. Link to Tours
On day two, Florence was greeted by an all day gentle drizzle, the perfect excuse to indulge in a cozy cooking class. We learned the art of making traditional Tuscan cuisine, culminating in a delicious lasagna that we prepared together. Truly the lasgana was the best I have ever had, and I intend on making it at home witht he flour I brought back with me. It was a hands-on experience that allowed us to appreciate the simplicity and complexity of Italian cooking. We highly recommend this class and the link is below!
Pasta Making Class Link: Pasta & Lasagna Link
Stops and Shops
Ponte Vecchio, one of Florence's most iconic landmarks, is a medieval bridge that spans the Arno River. Renowned for its jewelry shops, it's a captivating blend of history and commerce. The bridge is lined with shops, primarily jewelers and goldsmiths. The shops are often small and quaint, with their windows displaying an array of exquisite pieces. We bought some jewelry as it is tax free when returning home to the states.
The Vintage Shops are amazing! Pop into these second hand designer stores. Street Doing Vintage Couture, Il Mercatino di Ninni, La Corte Vintage Shop and my favorite Desii Vintage
Best espresso martini: Rivoire
Gelato: Gelateria della Passera
The Mercato Nuovo is also known as the "Porcellino" market is a popular tourist attraction.
Our two days in Florence were filled with culinary delights, shopping, historical discoveries, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or simply seeking a charming Italian getaway, Florence has something to offer everyone.