re: For those who have visited Italy

Abita, What time of year did you go to Florence?

Because it has such a wonderful reputation, it does get clogged with tourists in the summer. If a summer trip was your only experience, I could understand not liking it. It would be like going to 30A during spring break but never getting to experience it on a weekday in early October.

I would consider Florence and Kyoto my two favorite cities abroad. I have been 4 times now. Twice for a week in April shoulder season, once for a few days in the summer, and then again for 3 weeks in November. November was fantastic because we stayed in a more local part of town, made some friends and really experienced the city without many tourists.

Reasons I like Florence:

1) Not too big. I love to walk for miles and get lost in a city. Florence's size is perfect for this. It is also safe enough that I felt comfortable doing this even if I wandered a little too far off the beaten path.

2) Architecture/Art/History - It is the heart of the Renaissance and all of this can be seen on every corner, in your face. The museums are great too, but you don't have to go inside of them to see and feel the culture. Because of the great wars, not many European cities have been able to keep the old history in tact as well as Florence. Florence was bombed during ww2, but not as badly as other cities and Ponte Vecchio was spared.

3) Food and Wine. Doesn't need an explanation. This goes for most of Italy, but both restaurants and groceries are excellent. Great speakeasys, rooftop bars, plaza dining and more.

4) People/Vibe - People are nice enough, but also give you space. I love that the city closes for most of the midday and you can explore the mornings - nap in the day - and then head back out for the lively nightlife.

5) Central location to smaller surrounding cities. So easy to take day trips to Rome, Milan, Sienna, Luca, Balogna etc. etc.

Three years ago we traveled only by train. Flew in to Venice and home from Rome. Did Venice, Florence/Tuscany , cinque Terre and Rome. Best trip of our lives. All trains except for a ferry or two in Cinque Terre and a taxi or two in Rome. If and the water taxi in Venice. All local small B&B or mom and pop boarding houses. No hostels and no major chain or high rise hotels. In our 60’s we felt like college kids and boyfriend girlfriend again except mush more pampered and luxurious. Our B&B hosts were all natives and the best tour guides. We booked professional tours and do alot of on our own. I would do it again and not change a thing!

My son just attended a wedding outside of San Gimignano. The pictures were fabulous. He did say they had to pay the new tourist day pass in Venice. He said as soon as crossing the bridge they checked for his ticket. If you are staying in an AirbnB, you still have to have the day pass for Venice.