Florence!

But first I have to start with some missing pictures from our Cinque Terra Day. My contributors hit a wall 2 nights ago so there was a delay in pictures. So here they are…

And then a picture of our hotel from the village in Rapallo

A plaque in the street in Rapallo

Now…on to Florence. It’s a 3 1/2 hour drive….unless you have our driver who can make it in under 2 1/2 hours. But we arrive on a very nondescript street with a gate that reveals an incredible property.

And then we got inside

Drop our luggage, admire the property….and we are off. It is just as warm as Cinque Terra but we are on a mission.

First stop – a rooftop bar for a Hugo Spritz and snack. Not too much, because wait until you see what’s in store for us at dinner.

And we are off – got some shopping to do.

Look right thru the jewelry store at the Arno River

Yes, some of us were successful, a little bauble and some leather, but time to move on to get ready for dinner.

But on our way home, we notice people standing in the street hanging out with drinks. Eureka, we have found a secret wine window.

The first one is not with us — but I needed a 6th picture

And just enough time to clean up and head out to dinner. It’s a 20 minute walk- but the weather and scenery are beautiful.

Sunset over the River Arno

Ok – calling all foodies. Jay specifically wanted to go to Florence and have a Florentine steak. We picked a restaurant recommended by Giada, and it did not disappoint! There are 2 seatings a night and we had the opening hour of 7:30. The lines were definitely growing by 7:15.

Restaurant Il Latini

This is a small portion of the ultimate group We were patiently waiting

So for our friend Herb and Carrie’s brother Ken….get ready!

This is one steak and this is the 2nd

Jim commented that he could have fed a family of 4 for 2 nights just on one of these. We should have just ordered one for the table. We left a lot on our plates!

And that ends our day. A 20 minute walk back and we call it a night!