Culinary and Cultural Adventures in Florence with Family

Through the Gardens of Royalty

Today was a day of immersing ourselves in the grandeur of Florence, a journey through manicured gardens, opulent palaces, and the artistry of Florentine leather. It was a day filled with history, beauty, and the simple joy of exploring with my family. The crisp January air nipped at our cheeks, but the Florentine sun warmed our spirits as we set out to discover the treasures of this Renaissance city.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ristorante Borgo San Jacopo. The restaurant was amazing, and the food was exquisite. I enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant as well, and would recommend it to anyone visiting Florence. I opted for a simple yet satisfying Nepali tea with a side of toast. Anjali chose a croissant, and Arjun went for a more traditional English breakfast. Fuelled and ready, we set off to explore the day's main attractions: the Boboli Gardens and the Pitti Palace.

The Boboli Gardens, a sprawling green expanse behind the Pitti Palace, was our first destination. Even in January, the gardens held a certain charm. The bare trees and dormant flowerbeds possessed a quiet beauty, and the statues stood like silent sentinels, guarding the secrets of the past. As we wandered through the gardens, I couldn't help but marvel at the ingenuity of the Medici family, who had created this Italian garden style that would later inspire many European courts, including Versailles. Arjun was particularly fascinated by the ancient Roman statues scattered throughout the gardens, while Anjali enjoyed the panoramic views of Florence from the higher points. We even stumbled upon a secret garden, the Camellia Garden, which is only open to the public on certain days and with guided tours. Although the camellias weren't in full bloom, the garden's serene atmosphere was a welcome respite from the bustling city. It was fascinating to learn that this garden was once reserved for the Medici family and later used for camellia cultivation in the late 18th century. The visit to the Camellia Garden was a special treat, as it is normally closed to the public. The guided tour, limited to 25 people, added an exclusive touch to our experience. Learning about the history of the garden, once a private retreat for the Medici family and later a camellia cultivation area, was truly captivating. I was particularly drawn to the Candidissima variety, a camellia dating back to 1830, known for its size and color. Anjali was captivated by the serene atmosphere, while Arjun enjoyed the stories of the garden's past.


Explore the historic Boboli Gardens in Florence, a breathtaking blend of art, nature, and Renaissance beauty.

To walk through the Boboli Gardens is to step back in time, to wander through a living museum where art, nature, and history intertwine.

After our stroll through the Boboli Gardens, we entered the Pitti Palace, a grand Renaissance structure that once housed the Medici family. The palace is divided into several museums, and we decided to focus on the Palatine Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of paintings by Raphael, Titian, Rubens, and Caravaggio. As a chef, I found myself drawn to the still life paintings, admiring the artists' ability to capture the textures and colors of food. Anjali, with her keen eye for detail, was fascinated by the intricate details of the portraits, while Arjun, ever the history buff, was engrossed in the stories behind the paintings and the artists who created them. The opulence of the palace was breathtaking, from the frescoed ceilings to the ornate furniture. It was easy to imagine what life must have been like for the Medici family, surrounded by such wealth and beauty. We learned that the palace was built in 1458 and later became the residence of the Medici family in the 16th century, remaining so until their decline in the 18th century. The blend of art, history, and architecture made it a captivating experience for all of us.


Explore the opulence of Palazzo Pitti, a Renaissance masterpiece in Florence with stunning art collections and beautiful gardens.

Leaving the Pitti Palace, we decided to indulge in some retail therapy. I had heard about Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique, a Florentine institution known for its high-quality leather goods. The boutique was located near the Ponte Vecchio, and as we approached, we were greeted by the aroma of leather, a scent that always evokes a sense of luxury and craftsmanship in me. Inside, we were surrounded by a stunning array of leather jackets, handbags, and accessories. I was immediately drawn to a classic leather jacket, the soft, supple leather calling to me. Anjali, always practical, was on the lookout for a new handbag, while Arjun, surprisingly, was interested in a leather wallet. The shop was a treasure trove of beautifully crafted items, each one a testament to the skill and artistry of Florentine leather workers. I ended up purchasing the leather jacket I had been eyeing, a timeless piece that I knew I would cherish for years to come. Anjali found a beautiful handbag, and Arjun settled on a stylish wallet.


Experience the artistry of Italian leather at Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique, a must-visit destination for luxury shoppers in Florence.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over Florence, we made our way to Osteria dell'Enoteca for lunch. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a menu that featured traditional Tuscan dishes. I opted for the Bistecca dell'Osteria, a perfectly cooked Florentine steak that was tender and flavorful. Anjali chose the Ravioli di Peposo di Manzo, while Arjun went for the classic Pici Artigianali al Sugo d'Aglione. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and discovery.

With our bellies full and our hearts content, we headed back to the Strozzi Palace Hotel, our home away from home in Florence. The hotel's luxurious comfort was a welcome respite after a long day of walking, and we all sank into our beds with a sigh of satisfaction. But the day wasn't over yet. I had made reservations for dinner at Golden View Firenze, a restaurant known for its stunning views of the Ponte Vecchio. We freshened up and headed out for our final culinary adventure of the day.


Experience the heart of Florence at Strozzi Palace Hotel, where elegance meets comfort, and iconic landmarks are just a stroll away.

Golden View Firenze lived up to its name, offering breathtaking views of the Ponte Vecchio bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. The restaurant's ambiance was elegant and romantic, with soft lighting and attentive service. I started with the oysters, fresh and briny, followed by the clam pasta. The seafood was incredibly fresh, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. Anjali chose the pumpkin leaves tempura, intrigued by the unique dish, while Arjun opted for the Bolognese Pasta. For dessert, we shared a blueberry tart, a sweet and satisfying end to our culinary journey. The view, the food, and the company made it a truly unforgettable evening. This restaurant has a lot to offer, and I enjoyed the food, service and ambience. It is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal with a great view.

As we walked back to the hotel, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. Florence had captivated us with its beauty, its history, and its culinary delights. It was a day of royal strolls, artistic discoveries, and leather finds, a day that would forever be etched in our memories. Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Basilica di Santa Croce, Loggia dei Lanzi, and Palazzo Vecchio. I am excited to see what new adventures await us in this enchanting city. We might even stop by Rasputin for a nightcap. I've heard it's quite the experience.

Before drifting off to sleep, I made a mental note to buy a reusable water bottle tomorrow. It's one of the travel essentials I always forget, and it would definitely come in handy during our explorations.