04-26 Florence: Famous Palace Famous Bridge

We got up at our normal time and headed for a walk to the Pitti Palace across the Arno River. The palace was huge and the gardens were even larger. Inside the Palace you were able to tour apartment rooms that contained period items from the the mid 1400's when the place was built. The Palace has been home to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, Napoleon, and a bunch of kings.

The gardens were a bit of a disappointment for both of us. There were some manicured lawns and shaped trees but some of the fountains and pools of water were fenced off. It wasn't the Butchart Gardens that's for sure.

Knowing full well that a view of the city would require an uphill climb we headed out for Michelangelo Square where everyone goes for a view of Florence. A nice gradual climb was welcome and the view did not disappoint. The viewpoint was situated overlooking the Arno River with the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge on the left and the Duomo and Bell Tower that we had climbed on the right.

Here the shops are located ON the bridge. They're famous for selling silver and gold here. After pictures we made our way to the bridge and we found a nice necklace and bracelet to buy for Karen's birthday tomorrow.

After window shopping some more on the bridge we took pictures along the river and headed inland. Our immediate destination was a recommended gelato place in a buried part of the city. No matter where we went in Florence we never felt threatened anywhere. That gelato recommendation was right on and it was very rich and flavorful.

All that was between us and getting off our feet for the day was the Disney store. Without a doubt it is fun to find a local item in a Disney store out of your country. Karen ended up only purchasing a Disney Bag with Mickey on it - but it did say ITALY on it so it was a keeper.