I think I may have just found my favorite spot in Italy, and that is Florence, or as the Italians call it, Firenze. Florence is the capital of Tuscany, a favorite spot for many visitors. Best of all, it is easy to get to Florence from Rome.
If you are traveling to Florence via Rome, you can simply take the high-speed train from Roma Termini station and get their in 1 hour 30 mins maximum. Train fares are as low as 49 Euros one way. There are 3 high-speed train options:
Trenitalia
Italo
Freccia Rossa
Full disclosure, we traveled First Class on both Trenitalia and Italo, and we would be avoiding Italo in the future. Italo is very basic in First Class cabin, and the quality of the trains interior is less than desirable (at least the train we traveled on). Trenitalia all the way next time. Also, book in advance. Overall, it was a beautiful train ride with the most amazing scenery of the countryside. I’m so glad we decided to take the train hassle free and not fly.
FLORENCE, FLORENCE, FLORENCE!
I am not sure where to begin. I love everything about this city. It is small enough to explore in 24 to 48 hours. If you are a fashionista like me, and you are also into designer labels, well, Florence delivers high-end fashion labels at much lower prices than the UK and the US. Also, unlike the UK, where they have removed tax refund privileges at the airport when departing, you can still receive your tax refunds at the time of departure at the airport in Italy, and the process is straightforward and easy. Remember to ask for your tax receipt when you purchase your items at the retailer. This is different from your actual receipt. This only applies to tangible products like clothing and electronics, etc, not food and transport.
THE SHOPPING
Florence is small, quaint, yet majestic . There is a lot to do. It is home to designer labels like Versace, Gucci. Channel, Prada, Hermes, Saint Laurent, and more. It fact, the Gucci store we visited in Florence is the very first Gucci store in the world. Of course, your girl had to pick up a memorabilia or two😜. Whether you are on the hunt for designer labels or simply exquisite clothing for a fraction of the cost, you cannot go wrong in Florence. You will find stores like Zara, H&M, and other boutiques. The prices and deals are amazing. The next time I am going to Italy in the summer, I will be packing very light. Two suitcases with my hygiene pouch , 5 under wears and one change of clothing only😆. That’s it, because I will be shopping.
THE FOOD
We had lunch outdoors at one of the restaurants in the main square. The food there was ok. However, later that day, we had the best burger I have ever eaten at a restaurant in Florence called Museo Bella Bistecca. Not only was the beef patty succulent, but the chef nailed it with the contrast of pickle, caramelized onions, and everything else that was included in that burger.Â
After we went shopping and eating, we explored the city. It was also an easy walk back to the train station. It was a beautiful day in Florence, but somehow, we left feeling like we had unfinished business with Florence. We shall return.
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