Family Cultural Adventure in Florence

Florentine Masterpieces Unveiled

Today was a day of pure Florentine magic. Immersing ourselves in the art, history, and stunning landscapes that define this incredible city was an experience I will treasure forever. From world-renowned galleries to iconic bridges and serene gardens, Florence truly captivated our senses.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Le Cappelle Medicee Restorante. It was a delightful start, fueling us up for a day of exploration. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the service was excellent. It was the perfect way to prepare for the artistic journey that lay ahead.


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

Our first stop was the Uffizi Gallery. I had pre-booked tickets, which I highly recommend, as the lines can be quite long, even in January. The gallery is closed on Mondays, so it was quite busy today as many people were trying to visit before it closed again. As someone who appreciates art, I was excited to see masterpieces by artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo up close. Hans, while not as passionate about art as I am, was also visibly impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of the collection. Kati, with her keen eye for detail, was particularly fascinated by the intricate details in the Renaissance paintings.


Explore the Uffizi Gallery, a masterpiece of Renaissance art in Florence, featuring iconic works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more.

Wandering through the Uffizi was like stepping back in time. The sheer volume of art was almost overwhelming, but in the best way possible. I found myself particularly drawn to Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Leonardo da Vinci's Annunciation. Seeing these iconic works in person was an experience I'll never forget. The Uffizi is housed in a magnificent building designed by Giorgio Vasari, adding to the overall grandeur of the experience.

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

After the Uffizi, we strolled towards the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's only bridge spared from destruction during World War II. It was a sight to behold, lined with shops, mainly jewelers, glittering in the winter sunlight. The bridge was bustling with activity, tourists and locals alike, all drawn to its unique charm. As we walked across, I couldn't help but imagine what it must have been like centuries ago, when butchers occupied these very shops.


Discover the Ponte Vecchio, Florence's iconic bridge adorned with shops and rich history, offering stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere.

Boutique Nadine caught my eye as we wandered near Ponte Vecchio. It was an enchanting little shop, steps from the bridge, filled with a mix of vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories. It felt like stepping into a Narnia-inspired wonderland, and I couldn't resist browsing through their unique collection. I ended up buying a beautiful vintage scarf as a souvenir, a perfect reminder of our time in Florence.


Discover unique women's fashion and accessories at Boutique Nadine, a premier shopping destination in the heart of Florence, Italy.

For lunch, we had reservations at La Giostra, a restaurant that had been recommended to us by several friends. The restaurant is known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Tuscan cuisine. It's family-run, and the walls are adorned with photographs of the chef with various celebrities. As soon as we sat down, we were greeted with complimentary glasses of prosecco, a warm and welcoming gesture that immediately set the tone for a wonderful meal.


Discover La Giostra: A premier Tuscan restaurant in Florence offering authentic Italian cuisine amidst enchanting surroundings.

We started with the complimentary platter of antipasto, a generous assortment of Prosciutto di Parma, salami, roasted red peppers, olives, and cheeses. For our main courses, I opted for the pear and ricotta ravioli, a signature dish, while Hans chose the spicy seafood pasta. Kati, ever the adventurous one, went for the Florentine steak. Every dish was delicious, a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and tradition.

After lunch, we made our way to the Giardino Bardini. It was a bit of a climb to reach the entrance, but the panoramic views were more than worth the effort. The garden is divided into three sections: a baroque staircase, an English garden, and a farming area with olive trees. Even in January, the garden had a serene beauty, and we enjoyed strolling through its peaceful paths.


Explore Giardino Bardini, a stunning garden in Florence, where tranquility meets history and breathtaking views await every visitor.

The Giardino Bardini offers some of the most breathtaking views of Florence. From the top of the baroque staircase, we could see the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Arno River, all spread out before us. The English garden, with its azalea field and Dragon Channel, was a tranquil oasis, a perfect contrast to the bustling city below. The garden is open daily, except for the first and last Monday of the month, so we were lucky to have timed our visit just right.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Golden View Firenze for dinner. The restaurant is aptly named, offering stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio. The ambiance was elegant and romantic, perfect for a special evening. The service was impeccable, and the food was simply divine. We started with oysters, followed by clam pasta and monkfish. For dessert, we shared a blueberry tart, a sweet ending to a perfect day.


Experience the best of Tuscan cuisine with stunning views at Golden View Firenze - a culinary gem overlooking the Arno River.

The “Florence Lights Up” festival added an extra touch of magic to our evening. As we dined, we could see the video mapping projections on the Ponte Vecchio, a spectacle of light and art that was truly mesmerizing. The festival, which runs until January 7th, illuminates many of Florence's most beautiful monuments, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Boboli Gardens, Basilica di Santo Spirito and Pitti Palace. We will also visit Rasputin, a bar. I am excited to see what tomorrow brings!

Today was a whirlwind of art, history, and natural beauty. Florence has a way of captivating your heart and leaving you wanting more. As we head back to our hotel, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this incredible city with my family. It's moments like these that make travel so rewarding, creating memories that will last a lifetime.


Discover the charm of Florence at Hotel Medici, where comfort meets convenience in a prime city-center location. Ideal for tourists and travelers alike.

I must remember to buy a travel adapter tomorrow. I realized today that I had forgotten it, which made charging my camera a little challenging.