Family Adventure in Florence: Discovering the Renaissance Heart of Italy

Florence in Full Bloom: A Tuesday of Discovery

Today was a day where Florence truly unveiled its layers – from panoramic vistas to solemn tombs and the ingenious mind of a Renaissance giant. It was a blend of the expected and the surprising, the kind of day that etches itself into your travel memories. Sophia was particularly excited about seeing more art today. Lena and I were looking forward to experiencing more of Florence's culture and history.

Our Florentine adventure began with a brisk morning walk to Piazzale Michelangelo. Bundled in our winter gear, we made our way, the crisp January air nipping at our cheeks. Thankfully I had remembered my warm coat, unlike the umbrella I had forgotten back in Berlin. As we ascended, the city slowly unfolded beneath us, revealing its terracotta rooftops and the iconic Duomo. Even in the heart of winter, Florence possessed a warmth, a certain golden hue that seemed to emanate from its very stones. The square itself was relatively quiet, a welcome change from what I imagine it would be like during peak season. The bronze replica of David stood proudly, surveying his city. Sophia, ever curious, peppered me with questions about Michelangelo and his masterpiece.

The beauty of Florence isn't just in its art, but in how that art is interwoven with the city's history and everyday life.

The view from Piazzale Michelangelo is, without a doubt, one of the best in Florence. You could see everything – the Ponte Vecchio, the Arno snaking its way through the city, and the rolling hills in the distance. It’s the kind of view that makes you feel like you’re part of a postcard, a living, breathing Renaissance painting. We took our time, snapping photos and simply soaking in the panorama. Despite the cold, there was a sense of serenity, a feeling of being connected to something larger than ourselves. We even saw some early morning joggers making their way up the winding roads, a testament to the fact that even locals appreciate this stunning viewpoint.


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

Next on our itinerary was the Basilica of Santa Croce, a place of immense historical and artistic significance. As we approached the basilica, its imposing façade loomed before us, a testament to the grandeur of Gothic architecture. Inside, the atmosphere shifted, becoming hushed and reverent. The sheer scale of the basilica was breathtaking, and the light filtering through the stained-glass windows cast an ethereal glow upon the interior. Santa Croce is known as the “Pantheon of Italian Glories,” and it’s easy to see why. The tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli line the walls, a testament to the incredible minds that shaped the Renaissance and beyond. I found myself particularly moved by Michelangelo's tomb, a grand monument befitting the artistic genius. It was a humbling experience to stand before the final resting place of such a towering figure in art history.

Lena was particularly interested in the Basilica, given her background as an architect. She was fascinated by the architectural details, the soaring arches, and the intricate stonework. Sophia, meanwhile, was captivated by the stories of the famous people buried within its walls. We spent a good amount of time exploring the chapels, each adorned with frescoes and sculptures. The Bardi and Peruzzi chapels, decorated by Giotto, were particularly stunning, showcasing the artist's mastery of perspective and storytelling. We also saw the Crucifix of Cimabue, a poignant reminder of the devastating flood of 1966, which damaged the artwork. It was a powerful moment, connecting us to the city's past and the resilience of its people.


Explore the breathtaking Basilica of Santa Croce, a Gothic masterpiece in Florence, home to great thinkers and stunning Renaissance art.

For lunch, we decided to try Le Cappelle Medicee Ristorante, which was conveniently located near the Medici Chapels. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the staff were very welcoming. We ordered a variety of Tuscan specialties, including ribollita (a hearty bread and vegetable soup) and pappa al pomodoro (a thick tomato and bread soup). Sophia, surprisingly, loved the ribollita, while Lena and I savored the pappa al pomodoro. It was the perfect way to warm up after a morning of exploring. The prices were reasonable, and the service was excellent. It was a great spot to recharge before our next adventure.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Le Cappelle Medicee, where delicious pizzas meet succulent steaks in the heart of Florence.

Our final stop of the day was the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum. I had read that the museum was closed for maintenance until February, but I still wanted to see if we could visit. Unfortunately, when we arrived, the doors were indeed shut. Sophia was a bit disappointed, as she had been looking forward to seeing Da Vinci's inventions. To cheer her up, we decided to take a detour to explore some of Florence's leather shops. I had promised Lena I would buy her a new handbag, and Florence leather is renowned for its leather goods. We wandered through the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops, and stumbled upon a small shop where a craftsman was meticulously working on a leather belt. The aroma of leather filled the air, and the shop was filled with beautiful bags, wallets, and jackets. After browsing for a while, Lena found the perfect handbag, a classic design made from high-quality leather. I also picked up a small leather wallet for myself, a memento of our Florentine adventure.


Explore the innovative world of Leonardo da Vinci at the Interactive Museum in Florence, where art meets science through engaging exhibits.


Explore the finest Italian leather goods in Florence, where tradition and elegance harmoniously meet.

For dinner, we opted for Buca dell'Orafo, a restaurant recommended for its authentic Tuscan cuisine. Tucked away on a side street near the Ponte Vecchio, it was a little tricky to find, but the search was well worth it. The restaurant was small and intimate, with a cozy atmosphere. We started with Tuscan white beans drizzled with olive oil and a serving of fennel salami. For the main course, Lena and I shared a Florentine steak, cooked to perfection. Sophia had homemade pasta with a simple tomato sauce, which she devoured. The beef was sourced from a farm in the Maremma countryside, and the wine list highlighted Tuscan producers. For dessert, we shared cantucci cookies dipped in vin santo, a strong sweet wine. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. The service was attentive, and the food was simply outstanding. It was a truly memorable dining experience.


Discover Buca dell'Orafo: An enchanting restaurant in Florence offering authentic Tuscan dishes within a charming cellar setting.

As we walked back to Hotel Continentale - Lungarno Collection, the city was bathed in a soft, golden light. Despite the January chill, there was a sense of warmth and magic in the air. Sophia was already fast asleep, her head resting on my shoulder. Lena and I walked hand in hand, reflecting on the day's adventures. Florence had exceeded our expectations, captivating us with its beauty, history, and charm. It was a day of discovery, a day of connection, and a day that we would cherish for years to come.


Experience elegance and comfort at Hotel Continentale - Lungarno Collection, located in the heart of Florence, near iconic attractions.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Palazzo Vecchio, Loggia dei Lanzi and Museo Galileo. It's hard to believe our trip is halfway over. I am sure the next few days will be just as memorable. I am looking forward to sharing more of our Florentine adventures with you all soon.

I am glad to have Lena and Sophia with me to experience this beautiful city. It is always special to share these moments with my family. I am also happy that Sophia is learning and experiencing new things. It is important to expose her to different cultures and histories. It is something that I value and want to continue doing with her as she grows up. It is also a great way for us to bond and create memories that we will cherish forever.