ahoyne9Day 1 – Arrival in Florence 08.11.2021
Leaving Milan this morning, August 11th, 2021, I boarded a train to Florence for a delightful journey through Italy’s picturesque countryside. The 300-kilometer (186-mile) trip takes just 1.5 to 2 hours thanks to high-speed trains like the Frecciarossa and Italo, which whisk passengers across the landscape at speeds up to 300 km/h (186 mph). Ticket prices vary from €25 to €90, depending on the class and how early you book, with frequent departures from Milan’s major stations such as Milano Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, conveniently located in Florence’s heart.
Upon arrival, I met Oron at the train station after checking into our Airbnb. Oron had come from Naples and was exploring Florence and Rome after his friends continued their journey through southern Italy. Our plan for the day was to wander and soak in the city’s charm. We strolled around the historic city center and admired the exterior of the Duomo di Firenze, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. This Gothic masterpiece, built starting in 1296, is renowned for its magnificent dome, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1436. Although entry to the cathedral is free, the dome climb costs €20 and includes a reservation. Unfortunately, we didn’t book ahead (Covid restrictions), so we enjoyed the cathedral’s beauty from ground level.
A local recommended we visit Piazzale Michelangelo for sunset, so we made our way there, passing the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Dating back to 1345, this medieval bridge over the Arno River is famous for its charming shops and picturesque architecture. Regrettably, I missed capturing photos of this stunning structure, so don’t make my mistake—take plenty of pictures if you visit!
Piazzale Michelangelo, designed by Giuseppe Poggi in 1869, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Florence. The 20 to 30-minute walk from the city center is filled with charming neighborhoods and lush gardens, making the journey an experience in itself, note the walk is moderately challenging. The piazzale, adorned with replicas of Michelangelo’s sculptures including a bronze David, provides stunning views of landmarks like the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio, framed by the rolling Tuscan hills. Whether visiting during the day or at sunset, Piazzale Michelangelo is a perfect spot for unforgettable photos and panoramic city views.
Tomorrow, we’re off to Cinque Terre and plan to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa on the way back. It’s going to be a busy day of travel, but I’m looking forward to a refreshing swim on the coast, especially with the current hot weather.
Day 2 – Cinque Terre & Pisa 08.12.2021
Today was all about train travel as we made our way to the Cinque Terre. Our journey began with a scenic ride from Florence to La Spezia, the gateway to this stunning region. The trip covers about 150 kilometers (93 miles) and takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, with high-speed and regional trains offering frequent service. Ticket prices range from €15 to €30, depending on the class and booking time. La Spezia itself might not be the Instagrammable spot you’d associate with Cinque Terre, but we took some time to explore the city center. We tried to get coffee, and Oron, who only drinks lattes, ended up with milk, which was a hilarious mix-up.
From La Spezia, we took a short 10 to 15-minute train ride to Manarola, one of Cinque Terre’s picturesque villages. The local trains between La Spezia and Manarola are frequent, with tickets costing around €2 to €4. Manarola is renowned for its vibrant cliffside houses, stunning coastal views, and narrow, winding streets. The village is famous for its colorful buildings and the enchanting Presepe di Manarola, a Christmas nativity scene created from thousands of lights and materials that lights up the village during the holiday season. We enjoyed a refreshing swim in the sea, which was perfectly warm. The place was bustling with visitors, and we were surprised to find that there seemed to be no rules on nudity, which was quite unexpected given the village setting.
Next on our journey was heading back to Florence with a stop in Pisa. Conveniently, the train from Cinque Terre to Florence already includes a stop in Pisa, making the detour effortless. The ride takes about 2 hours with a transfer at La Spezia. Once we arrived at Pisa’s train station, it was a pleasant 25-minute walk to the Leaning Tower, covering about 1.5 kilometers (just under a mile) through charming streets.
Upon reaching the Leaning Tower of Pisa, I discovered that access to the base is restricted unless you’re climbing the tower, which requires advance booking. I hadn’t planned on visiting the tower until I realized how easy it was to include it in our trip. Tickets cost €20, and climbing to the top involves about 300 steps. For the classic photo op, you can balance on the gate that keeps people off the grass.
Tomorrow, Oron and I will meet Veronica, a local Italian woman he connected with on Tinder. It’s surprising how much Oron enjoys Tinder, but luckily, Veronica isn’t interested in using it for dating; instead, she wants to show us around the city and take us to her family home in the countryside. I’m thrilled to experience an authentic part of Italy that most tourists miss and to get a glimpse of real local life.
Day 3 – Tuscany the Countryside with a local 08.13.2021
Today, we met up with Veronica in the heart of Florence. She took us to the bus station, where her brother picked us up to drive us to their family home in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa. The house was straight out of a movie—nestled in a quaint village with expansive land and surrounded by vineyards. It featured a real fireplace with a pizza oven, beautiful tile and stone work, high open ceilings, and exposed brick and timber.
In the early afternoon, Veronica’s brother Leonardo and his girlfriend Francesca joined us. They prepared an incredible homemade lunch from scratch, including fresh pasta and sauce topped with parmesan cheese—easily the best meal I’ve had in a long time. After lunch, I took a much-needed nap, which unfortunately meant missing out on a planned visit to the Cascate del Mulino Hot Springs, a disappointment given my excitement for it.
Later, we dined at Ristorante Triocco, where Leonardo works. The restaurant was a gem, offering an authentic Italian experience far from the tourist trail. Veronica was an exceptional host, and I’m grateful for her hospitality. As we head back to Florence tonight, our next stop is Rome and Vatican City before returning to the States.
Cheers!