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Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Florence to Chianti Wine Region | Italy 2019


My friends! We are back from Italy and it was an absolute dream. We arrived to Rome on Thursday and then spent Friday and Saturday in Rome. On Sunday morning we headed to Florence for a short trip. Although it was short we made sure to make the most of our time while we were there.

We did SO many different things while in Rome and Florence that I figured the easiest way to share my trip with you would be to break it down by day and then by city. You can read my Rome Recap Blog Post Here. I just want to add that if you are considering a trip to Italy- absolutely do it! It'll change your life. I think every place I am sharing with you was amazing, so I hope this gives you some guidance if you are planning at trip. Also, feel free to reach out to me if you have any specific questions!




Sunday

We left Rome at 8am and headed to Florence by train! We booked this roundtrip train ride a few weeks before our trip through ItaliaRail. It was about 80  for both me and Rob. Our train ride was only an 1 and 1/2 ride and the seats were comfortable and there were outlets to charge electronics. The views were beautiful as well.

We explored around Florence and visited the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. This bridge is the only bridge across the Arno River that wasn't destroyed during WWII. The Ponte Vecchio previously used to be a place for butchers and fishermen but is now filled with jewelers and boutiques. After exploring, we checked into our hotel which was in the Duomo district.

Shortly after check-in we left our hotel and headed to the meeting point for our 2pm Tuscany Winery Tour! This was hands down my favorite experience (aside from touring the Colosseum). We booked this small group tour through TripAdvisor.

We drove about 45 minutes to the Chianti Region and visited two wine vineyards. The tour consisted of seven wine tastings, paired with olive oil and balsamic tastings. We spent about an hour and 1/2 at each winery and I definitely wish it was longer. If you find yourself in Florence, I absolutely recommend booking a winery tour in the countryside. The tour was the best experience and we even made some new friends from all over! It is definitely something I will remember for the rest of my life.

For dinner I was recommended Trattoria Zá Zá by so many people so we had to check it out. We got back from the winery tours around 6:30pm and walked 20 minutes to get to the restaurant from the main train station. We didn't make reservations but luckily they had a few seats available inside. Our food was so tasty and the environment was awesome as well. Their menu is huge, and also a bonus: if you like anything truffle, they have TONS of tasty options.

After dinner we did some more exploring of the city and visited the Piazza della Signoria and enjoyed one last glass of wine before heading back to our hotel and calling it a night





Monday

Woke up in Florence and had the best breakfast at Caffè Rosanò and an even better latte! This restaurant is a must when in Florence. 

Afterwards, we walked up the Scalea Del Monte alle Croci which are steps that will lead you to the most amazing views in Florence. As you walk up the ALL the steps, you are able to take a break in between and visit the Giardino Delle Rose and Calcio delle Rose to check out a garden that also has great views. When you reach the top, you arrive to the Piazzale Michelangelo. The Piazzale Michelangelo is a large square with panoramic views of Florence. You could see all sorts of landscape, the mountains, rooftops, city views- it was incredible. 

After sightseeing, we worked up an appetite and we stopped at La Loggia, which is the most beautiful outdoor restaurant. La Loggia is located right next to the Piazzale Michelangelo so it's a perfect place to sit and catch your breath after the hike up the steps. 

After eating we walked around Florence for another two hours and visited the Piazza della Repubblica before heading to the train station to head back to Rome!





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