Family Adventure in Florence: Exploring Italian Culture and History

A City Seen From Above

Today was a day of reaching new heights, both literally and figuratively, in Florence. The city unfolded beneath us in a tapestry of terracotta rooftops and ancient stone, a view that reminded me why I love to travel and explore. It's not just about seeing new places, but experiencing them with my family, creating memories that we will cherish for years to come.

Our day began, as it often does in Italy, with a delightful breakfast at Ristorante Belcore. The reviews I had read mentioned the great food and fantastic waiters, and they were spot on! We enjoyed some tasty ravioli, and the kids were thrilled with their generous portions. I savored a strong espresso, the perfect start to a day that promised a lot of walking. I made sure to try the fillet steaks, which were perfect. Fuelled up, we were ready to tackle our first climb: Giotto's Campanile.


Discover the breathtaking Campanile di Giotto in Florence, a Gothic masterpiece offering stunning views and rich artistic history, a must-see for every traveler.

The Campanile di Giotto, an iconic symbol of Florence, stands tall next to the Duomo. Sheila was excited to climb the tower. The climb was a bit of a workout, I won't lie. All 414 steps of it. There's no elevator, which Fatima was not too happy about, but I kept reminding her of the amazing views that awaited us at the top. Nelson, of course, bounded up the stairs, barely breaking a sweat, while Fatima and Sheila took it a little slower. The tower itself is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, clad in colored marble and adorned with sculptures. It's a beautiful structure, and each level offered a new perspective on the city.

Reaching the top was an incredible experience. The panoramic view of Florence was simply breathtaking. From that lofty height, we could see the Duomo, the Arno River snaking through the city, and the rolling Tuscan hills in the distance. It was a truly unique perspective, and I felt a sense of awe and wonder as I took it all in. The kids were fascinated, pointing out landmarks and trying to spot our hotel. It was worth every step.

Sometimes, the best way to understand a place is to see it from a different perspective.

After descending from the Campanile, we were ready for lunch. We headed to Buca dell'Orafo, a small restaurant tucked away on a side street near the Ponte Vecchio.
Discover Buca dell'Orafo: An enchanting restaurant in Florence offering authentic Tuscan dishes within a charming cellar setting.

The restaurant is located a few steps away from the Ponte Vecchio in what was at one time a medieval palace. The name itself, meaning goldsmith, is a nod to the history of the neighbourhood. This charming spot had been recommended for its traditional Tuscan cuisine and its cozy atmosphere. The reviews I had read praised their Tuscan white beans drizzled with olive oil, so I knew I had to try them. We started with Tuscan white beans drizzled with olive oil, with a serving of fennel salami, then moved on to the pasta course. I opted for the pasta with fresh peas, which was particularly good since peas are in season. It was a delightful meal, and the perfect way to refuel after our climb. Fatima enjoyed a glass of local Chianti, while the kids devoured their pasta dishes. I even managed to sneak a few bites of Nelson's spaghetti. He didn't seem to mind too much.

In the afternoon, we made our way to Piazzale Michelangelo, another vantage point offering stunning views of Florence.
Experience the stunning panoramic views of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo, an iconic plaza that captures the city's beauty and charm.

We took bus number 12 from the city center, as it was a bit of a trek uphill, and I didn't want to tire the family out too much. The piazzale was designed in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi and is dedicated to Michelangelo. Of course, no monument to Michelangelo would be complete without a copy of David, and the bronze replica in the center of the square was quite impressive. The original is displayed at the Accademia Gallery museum. The views from Piazzale Michelangelo were, if possible, even more spectacular than those from the Campanile. The entire city was laid out before us, bathed in the warm afternoon light. It was the perfect spot for taking photos, and we spent a good hour capturing the beauty of Florence from this iconic location. We found a vendor selling gelato, so we enjoyed a sweet treat while soaking in the scenery. The kids were particularly excited about the bronze David, striking poses next to it and pretending to be Renaissance artists.

As the sun began to set, we decided to treat ourselves to a pre-dinner drink at the Atrium Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Discover the luxurious Atrium Bar in Florence, where exquisite cocktails meet Italian culinary delights in an elegant setting.

It's not just for guests of the luxury Four Seasons hotel, it offers a luxurious introduction to the liquid spheres of the city. The bar itself is beautiful, with a heavy chandelier towers over green velvet sofas, Art Nouveau interiors and ferns. The Atrium Bar is located within a beautifully restored Renaissance-era building, and the atmosphere was one of refined elegance. I ordered a classic Negroni, while Fatima opted for a Bellini. The kids enjoyed some sparkling juice, feeling very grown-up as they sipped their drinks in the plush surroundings. The bar manager, Tommaso Ondeggia, is known for his Negroni with a twist. The bartender was friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome despite not being hotel guests.

For dinner, we chose La Buchetta Food & Wine Restaurant, a cozy spot known for its Tuscan favorites and excellent wine list.
Discover La Buchetta in Florence for an unforgettable journey through traditional Tuscan cuisine paired with exquisite local wines.

We booked a table online in advance and were immediately seated. The waiters are friendly and give great recommendations of local chianti wine. We were ready to try the best baked cheese cake ever. The restaurant was cozy and the staff was friendly. We ordered the tender Florentine steak and the melts-in-your-mouth angels and demons gnocchi, both to be accompanied by an excellent wine suggested by the friendly waiters. The food was delicious, and the wine pairings were perfect. The kids enjoyed their pasta dishes, and Fatima and I savored the flavors of Tuscany. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

As we walked back to our hotel, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to share the beauty and culture of Florence with my family.
Experience the charm of Florence at Hotel California, a serene escape with modern amenities, close to iconic attractions, perfect for every traveler.

These are the moments that matter, the memories that will last a lifetime. Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Loggia dei Lanzi and the Mercato del Porcellino, continuing our exploration of this amazing city. I'm also hoping to find some unique souvenirs at a vintage shop. Until then, *boa noite* from Florence!

There is an Orchestra Toscana Classica concert at Auditorium di Santo Stefano al Ponte Vecchio, but we are too tired to attend. Perhaps another time.

Florence in April is truly magical. The weather has been pleasant, and the city is alive with activity. I would recommend visiting in the shoulder season to avoid the crowds and enjoy the mild temperatures.

I'm so glad we didn't forget the camera, and I'm also glad we remembered to bring comfortable walking shoes. My feet were definitely grateful after all that climbing!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow and discovering more of what Florence has to offer. Traveling with my family makes everything more special, and I cherish these moments we have together.

I am a bit tired, but I am already excited for tomorrow. I am sure that Florence still has a lot to offer, and I am more than happy to explore it with my family.