Can you imagine a view out your window of one of Italy's most iconic buildings, the Duomo of Florence. So close you could almost touch it. Stay at the Hotel Duomo in Florence, and this could be your view.
No visit to Florence would be complete without a tour of the Galleria dell'Accademia, where you will find one of Michelangelo's most famous works of art - the statue of David. He created this masterpiece from one solid block of marble. It took him three years to complete - finishing it in 1504.
Whether it is shopping at one of the hundreds of retail stores, bartering for a leather jacket at the famous leather market or just enjoying a gelato at a gelateria - Florence will keep you busy for days.
The Arno River dissects the city into two parts. The Ponte Vecchio (bridge) is one of several beautiful bridges that cross the Arno. This particular bridge is a very popular tourist stop, as many high end retails stores line each side.
It was a bit chilly and cloudy when we were in Florence. Not the best for taking photographs. Check out how a photo editing app can bring life to the two river photos below.
Florence's reputation as one of Italy's most famous tourist destinations, is well deserved. Up next, the coast and the beautiful villages of -
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera. It is in the Liguria region of Italy, to the west of the city of La Spezia, and comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five villages, and the surrounding hillsides are all part of the Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.