by Laurie Cirivello

Created on: February 27, 2009

Small Sights, Charming Wonders: Travel books and vacation planning websites are filled with "must see" landmarks and comprehensive itineraries covering all of the well-known highlights of popular destinations. Florence, Italy, a premiere destination, holds many wonderful, iconic sights and experiences; from Michelangelo's David to the famed Duomo; and world class shopping from Armani to Valentino. But there is much more to a successful vacation than simply adhering to a checklist. Many of my most memorable travel moments are found in small experiences and delightful "finds" along the journey.

Walking from the train station: If arriving by train and your luggage has wheels or is manageable to carry, the Florence train station is within reasonable walking distance of most hotels in the main part of Florence. If this is your first trip, I highly recommend walking to your hotel. This is great way to begin soaking up the ambiance and flavor of Florence. It's not easy to get lost and your path will likely take you through charming covered walkways, past interesting sites to explore in the coming days, and provide you with a bit of geographical grounding to help orient you to the city. It is also a nice way to set a leisurely tone for your visit.

Still Waters: The broad and serene Arno River bisects Florence. Spanned by charming old bridges (including the famed Ponte Vechhio), it is lined with hotels, apartment buildings, and small shops. On a calm day (or even night), the still waters of the Arno provide nearly perfect mirror reflections that are ideal for photographers. Many of my favorite photographs from Florence include these stunning double images.

Museum of Costume: Smaller museums in Florence are up against some major competition (including the famed Uffizi Gallery). Once of my favorite smaller exhibits is the Museum of Costume; one of six museums housed in the grand Pitti Palace, just 5-6 blocks southwest of the Ponte Vecchio bridge. This textile themed gallery takes visitors through the fascinating history of Italian fashion. And unlike the long lines usually encountered at the Accademia or the Uffizi Gallery, we found reservations unnecessary for this delightful find.

To Market, to Market: Tucked into a typical Florence neighborhood on the south side of the Arno (south east of the Ponte Vecchio bridge) is a modest neighborhood church and the adjacent Piazza Santo Spirito. It is the home of a regular neighborhood flea market. The Santo Spirito market is open

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>