LIVORNO (Italy) – a great trio of Italian cities and wonderful hosts and guides – and today we met Fabrizio, the grand master of All Around Italy (thanks again to Joanne who organised our tours almost a year ago). Fortunately it was a little less hectic today but we still managed another full day, starting with a visit to Pisa and the beautiful Cathedral and Campanile (Bell Tower) or better known as The Leaning Tower of Pisa – which actually started sinking during its construction! We then went up to the Piazzale Michelangelo (a great lookout) where we had panoramic views and gazed at the beauty of Florence. Driving around Florence was delightful and there were many more cathedrals and museums to explore, including The Accademia which is home of the original ‘David’, sculptured by Michelangelo, an awesome creation (darn, we weren’t allowed to take photos!!). There were also a series of unfinished sculptures by Michelangelo which were interesting as he obviously got bored, or not happy and moved on to the next. The River Arno runs through Florence and the famous Ponte Vecchio (a beautiful 14th century bridge) was a joy to behold – every single shop across this bridge, on either side, was a jewellery shop laden with very precious little numbers!!! Sadly didn’t make any purchases here but did spend a few Euros at some very nice markets in the middle of the city. On the way ‘home’ we stopped at a lovely little winery and bought a couple of bottles….. enjoyed our bus trip with lots and lots of big fat sunflowers and wonderful Tuscan scenery along the way.
Photos above are: Colin pushing up the Leaning Tower; beautiful view of Florence; the Ponte Vecchio; jewellery shops on the Ponte Vechio; scrumptious gelato; she’s not really looking.
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