Family Cultural Adventure in Florence, Italy

Ciao, Florence! A Day of Discoveries

As our Florentine adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared as a family. Today was all about soaking in the last drops of this city's magic, from exploring historical landmarks to indulging in its culinary delights. It's amazing how much richer life becomes when you share these moments with the people you love.

Our final day began with a delightful breakfast at Caffè Gilli. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and strong Italian coffee filled the air. The cafe, with its elegant decor and long history dating back to 1733, was a perfect spot to start our day. Sofia, as always, was excited about the colorful sweets on display. Lena and I enjoyed our cappuccinos while watching the city slowly wake up around Piazza della Repubblica. It was a little pricey, but as they say, you pay for the location and the history, and it was well worth it.


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

Fueled and ready, we headed to the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. From the very first glance, the Basilica di Santa Maria Novella in Florence creates an overwhelming sense of awe. Its massive façade decorated with beautiful Serpentino arrangements is truly breathtaking. Inside, the basilica was a treasure trove of Renaissance art and history. Sofia was particularly fascinated by the frescoes, especially Masaccio's Holy Trinity. The way the artist used mathematics and perspective to create depth was truly mind-blowing. We spent a couple of hours wandering through the chapels, each filled with remarkable works. The audio guide provided fascinating insights into the stories behind the art, making the experience even more enriching. It was amazing to see Sofia so engaged, asking questions and absorbing the information like a little sponge. Her curiosity is truly inspiring.


Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella in Florence: A stunning blend of art, history, and architecture in the heart of the Renaissance.

“The best journey takes you home, in more ways than one.”

Next on our itinerary was the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum. This was a hit with all of us, especially Sofia. The museum was filled with working models of Leonardo's inventions, and we were encouraged to touch and interact with them. Sofia loved operating the giant tank and the catapult, while Lena and I were impressed by the ingenuity of the designs. It was incredible to see how many of Leonardo's ideas are still relevant today. The museum was small but engaging, and we easily spent a couple of hours exploring it. I even got a tee shirt!


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

After all that intellectual stimulation, we were ready for lunch. We decided to try Il Latini, a traditional Florentine trattoria known for its family-style dining. The place was bustling with activity, and the aroma of Tuscan cuisine filled the air. We were seated at a communal table with other diners, which added to the lively atmosphere. The waiters recommended that we simply sit back and enjoy the ride “famiglia” style which means everything gets chucked in the middle for sharing. We ordered a selection of dishes, including the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina. The steak was cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful. It was noisy and crowded, but fun!


Discover authentic Tuscan cuisine at Il Latini in Florence - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

With our bellies full, we strolled over to the Mercato del Porcellino. The market was filled with stalls selling leather goods, souvenirs, and other trinkets. Sofia was immediately drawn to the Fontana del Porcellino, a bronze statue of a wild boar. According to legend, rubbing the boar's snout brings good luck. Of course, we all took a turn rubbing the snout, hoping for a bit of Florentine magic to follow us home. The market was a fun place to browse, and we picked up a few souvenirs to remember our trip.


Discover the bustling Mercato del Porcellino, a vibrant market in Florence filled with local delicacies, artisanal goods, and cultural charm.

Since we were in the area, Lena suggested we visit Scuola del Cuoio S.r.l. This leather school was founded after World War II with the mission to teach war orphans a practical trade. The leather school is located in a strategic location along the banks of the River Arno, where focused businesses that needed large amounts of water. Today, it is one of the most renowned leather workshops in the city. We watched artisans crafting high-quality leather products, from wallets to handbags. Lena, with her keen eye for design, was particularly impressed by the craftsmanship. We ended up purchasing a beautiful leather-bound journal as a memento of our trip. It felt good to support a local business with such a rich history.


Explore Scuola del Cuoio in Florence for exquisite handmade leather goods and immersive crafting experiences that reflect Italy's rich artistic heritage.

As the day wound down, we decided to experience Florence's nightlife with a visit to Rasputin, a speakeasy-style bar known for its creative cocktails. Finding the place was an adventure in itself, as it's hidden behind an unmarked door. The bar's interior was dimly lit and decorated in a Tsarist crypt style, creating a mysterious and intimate atmosphere. The staff was very knowledgeable and passionate about whisky, which was a good thing considering they have around 600 whisk(e)ys in their collection. I enjoyed a delicious cocktail while Lena savored a glass of local wine. It was the perfect way to end our last night in Florence.


Experience the allure of Rasputin, Florence's premier cocktail bar, where sophisticated drinks and enchanting ambiance meet in a chic nightlife setting.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from our hotel room, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. Florence has captured our hearts with its beauty, history, and culture. It's a city that truly comes alive when shared with family. I'm already looking forward to our next adventure, wherever it may take us. Though this trip has come to an end, the memories we've created will last a lifetime.

Unfortunately, our trip has come to an end, so there is no itinerary for tomorrow. All that is left is to travel back to Germany.

Until next time, ciao!