A Taste of Italy- On to Florence!

"I haven't been everywhere, but

it is on my list."

Susan Sontag

Today we are leaving Rome.

"Buon giorno."

We left Rome for Florence.

"The Cradle of the Renaissance."

We traveled through Umbria along the Highway of the Sun north into Tuscany

 and its hill-clad vineyards, which produce the famous Chianti wine.

The buildings are beautiful with red tile roofs basking in the 

Tuscan sun.

The rolling hills were clad with olive trees, vineyards, and Cypress trees.

We drove along the area in Tuscany where the movie

"Under the Tuscan Sun" was filmed.

We are arriving in Florence.

The Arno River runs through the center of the city.

Views of the narrow streets of Florence.

Arriving at The Grand Hotel Mediterraneo.

Our first views of Florence along the Arno.

We went on a walking expedition before dinner to get acquainted with the area.

We arrived in Florence and dined at the 

Finisterrae.

This quaint restaurant is located at a prime spot along the perimeter of Piazza Santa Croce.

We are with our traveling companions from Canada, Debbie and Jack.

Caso pasticceria.

Doug is enjoying his Italian cuisine...
Italians drink wine with every meal and use olive oil daily.
It is part of their lives.
This area is Chianti wine area.

Delizioso!

Chianti 
In addition to splendid landscapes,
Chianti's popularity is also directly tied to its fine red wines produced in the region
and known generally as Chianti wine.
The Chianti region, extending roughly over the two main city provinces of Florence and Siena,
is characterized by a combination of almost perfect weather and soil
that produces a precious wine considered one of the best wines around the world.

 The restaurant is conceived as a culinary voyage through the Mediterranean flavors and cuisines,

 a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances, an excitement for the eyes...

I ordered pasta with pesto and bass fish with potatoes, olives, and cherry tomatoes.

 Espresso in Florence.

It doesn't get much better than that!

But then it does!

 After dinner we walked around the Piazza Santa Croce.

We will explore more of this famous landmark tomorrow.

I fell in love with Florence.

Firenze!

 Views of Florence at night on the way back to our hotel.

How romantic!  We strolled down the streets of Florence,
 looking into and stopping at some of the shops.

Back to our room at the Grand Hotel Mediterraneo.

Buona notte e sogni d'oro
 (good night and "golden dreams")