Italy Road Trip part 5 - Florence for the day!

We all got up early today and got on the road to Florence. Adam was driving our stick shift car so we know we were taking our own lives into our hands hahahaha. He's a very very good driver but re-adjusting himself to stick shift on the side of a hill made us all concerned for a bit.

All of us having lunch before we started walking all over the city

We parked outside of the city limits, because you aren't allowed to drive into the city unless your car is registered. We walked in and headed to the middle of the city. We started off at Galerie de Accademia to see Michaelangelo's David. It was probably one of the largest statues I have ever seen and it was amazing.

The statue on the left is a replica of David

After we headed towards the Duomo Santa Maria. We snapped a few pictures outside and in then got in line to make the trek to the top of the Duomo. It is 414 steps up one way. To divert the up and down traffic they move you along the top border inside the dome, it is really freaky! We were tired and a bit sweaty by the time we got to the top but it was worth it for the view. It's the highest point in Florence we were told. You could see the entire city and part of the countryside.

The Basilica di Santa Maria

The basilica di Santa Maria again

The top portion of the dome

Walking into the basilica

Looking down as you are walking around the top of the dome...only halfway up

There we all are walking around the top of the dome

Florence from the top of the Dome...it's gorgeous!

Me and Florence

The Tower by the front of the Basilica

More of the landscape of Florence

We saw another cathedral from the top of the Basilica but didn't have time to venture over and see it

Heading down

Then came the trek down. Parts of the stairwells were for up and down traffic so some jams happened but we made it out and rewarded ourselves with Gelato!!

We then walked over to the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. It houses many jewelry shops built right into the bridge. It is the oldest bridge in Florence surviving wars and floods. The jewelry was a bit out of our price range but it was very cool to window shop.

The Ponte Vecchio bridge

The jewelry shops lining the streets

Picture perfect moment on the bridge

Next, Adam and Mike were on the hunt for Leather messenger bags. Florence is known for their leather goods and it has the best leather market. The street was lined with all sorts of dealers wanting to make a deal with you. Both boys got great bags that look amazing. After shopping we sat down to regroup and decided to drive to Siena for dinner. I mean Why not drive to siena for dinner if you can??

The streets of siena..very much deserted

More on the streets of Siena

The main piazza in Siena

Another view of the piazza

Siena is another town that is pretty small with not a lot going on. There were people walking the streets and a few eating here and there, but for the most part quiet. We found a restaurant that had great pizza and pasta...we get nothing else in italy hahaha. Then drove the rest of the way home after a very very long day of walking and sight seeing.