HANNAH SHARES

The first weekend in July, while my parents were visiting, we took a little trip to Florence for Lucy’s first Italian adventure! We didn’t have much of a plan for the weekend other than visiting Antinori nel Chianti Classico, a winery in Bargino, just south of the city. The Antinori family has been making wine for 26 generations. We enjoyed a quick lunch before our tour and tasting. Lucy was an angel!

We arrived at our hotel right in the city center that evening and went to dinner at one of the Antinori family’s restaurants. On Saturday with no plans we spent the day roaming the city. One of our stops was the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s David. I have been to Florence a couple of times before, and it was amazing to see the city so empty of tourists. Standing in front of the Duomo that morning there was hardly anyone around.

We stayed at Hotel Pendini in the heart of the city, and it was the perfect location. We were within a 10-minute walk to everything, which was especially nice so we could take short breaks during the day with Lucy. Next time we return to Florence we will definitely stay here again!

FLORENCE GUIDE

DINING

Caffè Gilli for breakfast, coffee, and delicious pastries; Caffe Concerto Paszkowski for dinner and/or drinks; Cantinetta Antinori for dinner, including a fantastic bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine T-bone steak); Gustavino Piazza Signoria, also wonderful for dinner

THINGS TO DO

Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David; Piazza del Duomo (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Battistero di San Giovanni, and Campanile di Giotto); Ponte Vecchio; Piazza della Signoria

HOTEL

Hotel Pendini