A Family Adventure in the Heart of Florence

A View to Remember

As our Florentine adventure drew to a close, I wanted to soak in every last bit of this magical city. Today was all about capturing those final, unforgettable moments, from panoramic views to exquisite tastes. It was a bittersweet day, filled with reflection and gratitude for the incredible experiences we've shared as a family.



Our day began early, with a brisk walk to Caffè Gilli for breakfast. This historic café, established in 1733, exuded old-world charm. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and strong Italian coffee filled the air, and we settled into a cozy corner to enjoy our last Florentine breakfast. Sipping my cappuccino, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness that our trip was coming to an end. I remember when James and I first came to Florence before Eglė was born, and we sat in this very cafe dreaming about bringing our children here one day. It felt surreal that that day had come, and was now already coming to a close.


Experience timeless elegance at Caffè Gilli in Florence – where every sip and bite tells a story steeped in tradition.

Sometimes, the most beautiful moments are the ones you least expect, the unplanned detours that lead to breathtaking vistas and unforgettable memories.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we made our way to Piazzale Michelangelo. The climb was a bit strenuous, but the view from the top was more than worth it. The entire city of Florence stretched out before us, bathed in the warm morning light. Brunelleschi's Dome stood tall and proud, the Arno River snaked its way through the city, and the rolling hills of Tuscany provided a stunning backdrop. I snapped countless photos, trying to capture the beauty of the moment, but no picture could truly do it justice. Eglė was especially captivated by the view, pointing out the various landmarks we had visited over the past ten days. James, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the engineering marvels of the city, marveling at the bridges and buildings that have stood the test of time.


Experience the stunning panoramic views of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo, an iconic plaza that captures the city's beauty and charm.

From Piazzale Michelangelo, we ventured to the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, a stunning Romanesque church perched even higher on the hill. The basilica's green and white marble façade was striking against the clear blue sky. Inside, the atmosphere was serene and peaceful. We wandered through the ancient crypt, marveling at the intricate mosaics and frescoes. The basilica is dedicated to Saint Minias, Florence's first martyr, and the sense of history was palpable. I lit a candle for my grandmother, who always encouraged my love of travel and exploration.


Explore the majestic Basilica di San Miniato in Florence, where history, art, and breathtaking views converge in a tranquil setting.

After soaking in the tranquility of San Miniato, we decided to explore the Forte di Belvedere. Built in the late 16th century by the Medici family, the fort offered yet another breathtaking view of Florence. The fort itself was an impressive structure, with massive walls and ramparts. As we walked along the walls, we imagined what it must have been like to defend the city from this strategic vantage point. Eglė was fascinated by the cannons and other military artifacts on display, while James was more interested in the architectural details of the fort. I appreciated the way the fort seamlessly blended into the surrounding landscape, a testament to the ingenuity of Renaissance engineering.


Explore the historical and artistic wonder of Forte di Belvedere, a fortress in Florence that offers stunning views and rich cultural experiences.

For lunch, we headed to Murales Bistro', a charming restaurant near Santa Croce. The bistro's quirky decor and eclectic menu immediately caught our attention. We started with the carbonara pasta and a potato mousse with organic egg, both of which were delicious. For our main courses, we opted for seafood, a welcome change from the traditional Tuscan fare we had been indulging in. The cuttlefish with tagliolini was a standout dish, the black ink adding a unique flavor and visual appeal. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. It was nice to find a place that felt both modern and authentic, a true reflection of Florence's dynamic spirit.


Discover the authentic flavors of Italy at Murales Bistro – where culinary tradition meets modern charm in the heart of Florence.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. We strolled along the Ponte Vecchio, admiring the glittering jewelry in the shop windows. Eglė was particularly drawn to a beautiful gold necklace with a Florentine lily pendant. James, ever the generous father, insisted on buying it for her as a souvenir of our trip. We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the Oltrarno district, browsing the artisan workshops and leather goods stores. I picked up a beautiful leather-bound journal, hoping to capture my travel memories in writing. It's a habit I picked up from my mother, who always said that writing down your experiences helps you relive them again and again.



Our final dinner in Florence was at Enoteca Pinchiorri, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. This was definitely a splurge, but we wanted to end our trip on a high note. The restaurant's elegant ambiance and impeccable service set the stage for an unforgettable meal. We opted for the tasting menu, which featured a series of innovative and exquisitely prepared dishes. The wine list was extensive, and the sommelier helped us choose the perfect pairings for each course. While the food was undeniably delicious, the atmosphere felt a bit too formal for my taste. I missed the warmth and conviviality of the smaller, family-run trattorias we had frequented earlier in the trip. Still, it was an experience to remember, and I appreciated the artistry and skill that went into each dish.


Experience exquisite fine dining at Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence—where Italian tradition meets modern culinary artistry.

To cap off our last night, we ventured to FUK - Cocktail bar, music & more, a trendy bar near Santa Croce. The bar had a lively atmosphere, with good music and a creative cocktail menu. We ordered a round of drinks and toasted to our incredible Florentine adventure. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to this beautiful city, surrounded by family and friends. I especially enjoyed their unique cocktails, and it was nice to see a place that felt both modern and authentically Florentine.


Discover FUK Cocktail Bar in Florence, where exceptional cocktails meet electrifying nightlife and a chic atmosphere.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel a sense of melancholy. Our time in Florence has come to an end, but the memories we've made will last a lifetime. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with my family, and I know that we'll be talking about this trip for years to come. As we prepare to leave tomorrow, I'm already dreaming of our next adventure, wherever it may be.



Florence, you have captured our hearts. Until next time!