re: Personal experiences in these Italian cities?

Florence has been my favorite city I've ever been to, but I spent 6-8 hours one day just walking around and talking to as many people as I could (a lot spoke at least broken English) and learned a lot and had a great time. I was only there for a day and a half though so didn't get to do a whole lot.

I will say don't waste time trying to go see the original David, the replica in Palazzo della Signoria is just as nice and don't have to spend a lot of time waiting to get in.