Pisa and Florence

The ship docked in La Spezia. We had signed up for the Pisa/Florence on your own excursion, so we hopped on a coach bus and took off for Pisa (just over an hour away). From the tour company there was the bus driver and the guide. The guide's name was Denise (or as she pronounced it dah - neez - a). She pointed out some things along the way, such as basil fields, when we crossed the border from Liguria to Tuscany, and the marble companies and the hillsides from where this most expensive marble is mined.

We arrived in Pisa and took photos at the Leaning Tower. We did not go in the cathedral or baptistery that was there. (Our time in Pisa was cut a little short due to arriving late.)

It was then on to Florence. Our guide gave us a language lesson, including some hand gestures.

When we arrived, we went into a gold store at Piazza di Santa Croce, where they showed us some jewelry and could then use their bathroom for free. (Public toilets cost 1 euro.)

We then wandered the streets and found some lunch. Lori ordered a Calzaioli, which ended up being a sandwich with finocchiona (a traditional Tuscan salami known for its distinct fennel flavor) and artichoke cream.

We then walked partway around the enormous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore on our way to Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze. We arrived there shortly before our timed entry tickets (which we had purchased online while on the bus). Once inside, we saw Michelangelo's David. The statue is huge.

After viewing some of the other artwork, we walked back to the cathedral and waited in line for a time. At first, the line moved along, but then it came to a standstill, so we hopped out of line and continued walking around the city.

We headed to Ponte Vecchio, the only medieval bridge left in Florence, as all the other bridges were bombed during World War 2. This bridge has a higher level where the Medici walked. The lower level has various shops, including a gelatto shop where we bought lemon gelatto to share.

We then walked through Chiesa di Santa Trinita to see the frescos.

It was then time to meet up with the rest of the group to head back to the port. We arrived back in port about 7 p.m.

We didn't sail until after 9 p.m. so enjoyed the sunset along the coast.Читать далее