Family Cultural Adventure in Florence

Day 1: Arrival in Florence - A Dream Come True

After months of planning and anticipation, our family adventure in Florence has finally begun! Leaving the chilly embrace of Potsdam behind, we arrived in this Renaissance city with hearts full of excitement and a carefully curated itinerary. Though I momentarily regretted forgetting my sunglasses, the allure of Florence quickly overshadowed any minor travel mishaps.

The flight from Berlin was smooth, and upon landing, we navigated our way to the Orto De Medici Hotel. The hotel is lovely, with a charming atmosphere that immediately made us feel at home. Once we settled in, it was time to start exploring! Bundled in our warmest winter clothes – January in Florence is definitely on the cooler side, with temperatures ranging from 2 to 11 degrees Celsius – we stepped out to embrace the city.


Discover the charm of Florence at Orto De Medici Hotel, where comfort meets convenience near iconic attractions like the Duomo and Medici Chapels.
Our first stop was the magnificent Piazza del Duomo. As we approached, the sheer scale of the Duomo took my breath away. Even Hans, who usually remains composed, was visibly impressed. Leila, our daughter, was mesmerized by the intricate details of the façade. The crisp winter air and the relatively fewer tourists compared to peak season made the experience even more magical. We spent a good hour simply admiring the architecture, pointing out the various sculptures and soaking in the historical ambiance.


Explore the architectural splendor and vibrant atmosphere of Florence's iconic Piazza del Duomo, a cultural gem in the heart of the city.

Florence is not just a city; it's a living museum where every corner tells a story, and every cobblestone echoes with history.

Next on our list was the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, home to Michelangelo's David. I had pre-booked tickets, thankfully, which saved us a considerable amount of time. As we entered the gallery, the grandeur of the space was immediately apparent. But nothing could have prepared me for the moment I first laid eyes on David. The sculpture is breathtaking. Its sheer size, the incredible detail, and the sense of power it exudes are simply awe-inspiring. Leila, who has been studying Renaissance art in school, was particularly excited and peppered Hans and me with questions about Michelangelo's techniques and the history behind the statue.


Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance at the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, home to Michelangelo's iconic David and more.
After immersing ourselves in art and history, our stomachs started to rumble. It was time for our first Florentine meal! I had made a reservation at Caffè Gilli for breakfast, a historic café known for its elegant interiors and traditional Italian charm. Stepping inside felt like stepping back in time. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filled the air, and the display of colorful confections was simply irresistible. We indulged in cappuccinos, which were excellent, and a selection of pastries. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was buzzing with a mix of locals and tourists.


Experience timeless elegance at Caffè Gilli in Florence – where every sip and bite tells a story steeped in tradition.
For lunch, we ventured to Ristorante Romantico il Paiolo, a charming establishment known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a warm, romantic atmosphere. We started with bruschetta and octopus, which were incredibly delicious. For the main course, Hans and I shared a steak and gnocchi, both cooked to perfection. Leila enjoyed handmade spaghetti with tomato sauce, which she declared the best she had ever tasted. The staff were friendly and attentive, making our dining experience truly memorable.


Experience authentic Tuscan flavors at Ristorante il Paiolo in Florence, where romance meets exceptional Italian dining.
In the late afternoon, with a few hours of daylight to spare, we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy at Rinascente Firenze. This department store, located in Piazza della Repubblica, offers a wide range of Italian fashion, accessories, and homeware. While I was tempted to splurge on a new handbag, I ultimately settled for a beautiful silk scarf, a perfect souvenir to remind me of our trip. We also ventured up to the rooftop terrace bar, and the views of the Duomo from up there were stunning. The Duomo seemed so close.


Discover the luxury of shopping at Rinascente Firenze, where fashion meets culture in the heart of Florence.
As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Il Santo Bevitore for dinner. This restaurant, located in the Oltrarno neighborhood, is known for its refined take on rustic Italian dining. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and the menu featured a tempting array of seasonal specialties. I opted for the black squid ink risotto with squid and cuttlefish, which was an absolute delight. Hans chose the lamb shank, which was equally delicious. Leila, feeling adventurous, tried the tortino di cardone, a traditional Tuscan vegetable dish, and surprisingly enjoyed it.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Il Santo Bevitore in Florence - where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
“The best journey always takes us home, in some way.”

After dinner, we strolled back to our hotel, the city lights twinkling around us. Despite the chilly weather, the atmosphere was vibrant, with people laughing and chatting in the streets. Back at the hotel, as I reflected on our first day in Florence, I couldn't help but feel grateful. Despite the initial hiccup of forgetting my sunglasses, everything had gone according to plan. We had seen incredible sights, tasted delicious food, and, most importantly, created lasting memories together.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio. I am particularly excited about seeing the masterpieces housed in the Uffizi, and Leila is looking forward to walking across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, with its shops built along it. Hans is simply happy to wander and soak in the atmosphere. I'm also hoping we can find some time to relax at Locale Firenze, a bar known for its unique cocktails.

As I drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder what other adventures await us in this beautiful city. Florence, you have already captured our hearts. I am excited to continue exploring your hidden corners and uncovering your many treasures in the days to come. Goodnight from Florence!

I'm also looking forward to trying out more of Florence’s culinary scene. Maybe I’ll even try to recreate some of these dishes when we return to Potsdam, bringing a little piece of Florence back home with us. I’m already imagining growing some of the necessary herbs and vegetables in my garden, a small reminder of this incredible journey.

The warmth of the city, both in its architecture and its people, is a welcome change from the cold of Potsdam. Though I miss my friends and the familiar rhythms of my life in Germany, I know that this trip will enrich our family in ways we cannot yet imagine. It’s a chance for Leila to connect with her heritage, for Hans to indulge his love of history, and for me to simply revel in the beauty and culture that Florence has to offer. As we continue our journey, I hope to share more of these moments with you, offering a glimpse into the heart of this remarkable city.

And who knows, maybe by the end of this trip, I’ll have found the perfect pair of sunglasses to shield my eyes from the Florentine sun. But even without them, the brilliance of this city shines through, illuminating our path and filling our hearts with joy.