firenze card - is it worth it?

(Florence, Italy).  The Firenze Card is a 3-day tourist pass which entitles you to:

• Access to the majority of the tourist sites in Florence without reservations;
• Use of buses/trams in the cities; and
• Access to the Firenze WiFi network.

The card costs 72 euros and is valid for 72 hours from its first use.  

You can buy it at most of the major churches and museums in Florence.  We picked our cards up at the Basilica e Museo di S. Maria Novella which is across the street from the train station (Stazione Santa Maria Novella) when we arrived in Florence.  They don't sell out so there's no need to pre-purchase them online.

So, did we find it worth the price?

outlet shopping in florence at the mall

(Florence, Italy).  Outlet shopping isn't for everyone, but I love it!  The hunt for a good deal is positively invigorating!  I admit it's usually a pain to get to the outlets as they are always inexplicably far.  In addition, it takes time and patience to carefully sort through the deals amidst the throngs of shoppers and stand in line to pay.  But at the end of the day, when I gaze upon all my purchases and count all my savings - it's totally worth it!  It's even better while traveling because I can justify my purchases even more - hey, I'm on vacation!

hotel review: montebello splendid hotel in florence

(Florence, Italy). After numerous hours researching tripadvisor and expedia reviews, I decided to book the Montebello Splendid Hotel through expedia for 4 nights in a Deluxe Double Room including free wireless internet and breakfast buffet.  

 The pictures on the website looked lovely and it appeared to be located south of the train station near the Teatro Comunale and Ponte Vecchio.  It was described as an intimate boutique hotel located in a "peaceful upscale neighborhood".  This sounded perfect because I knew we would be doing lots of sightseeing and museum hopping in Florence so it would be nice to be close enough to the attractions but far enough to have a restful sanctuary.

Was it everything as described on the website?

florence - highlights, tips & recommendations

After several hectic, but fun, days in Rome, we hopped on a train for Florence.  The ride was comfortable and fast (about 1 ½ hours) and before I could even take a nap, we had arrived.  I have to admit that I’ve always preferred Florence over Rome.  I think it’s such a beautiful, charming place – not to mention the amazing artwork, history and food!  I’ve yet to have a bad meal in Florence.

So what did we end up doing (and eating)?

travel zen on tuesday - florence, italy

Florence - one of my favorite cities in the world!  I think I took this atop the Piazzale Michelangelo.  I like to take a taxi to the top and then slowly walk down to take in the views and burn off some calories (from all the pasta and gelato I have eaten).