April 2, 2006 - Sunday - We make our way to Florence this morning on our tour bus. Departure time is 7:30am since we are told there is a big soccer game happening today, and the driver wants to be in Florence ahead of the expected traffic jam. We travel on an autostrade (a toll expressway) which appears to be very new, since some of the rest stops are still not finished. The bus drives through automatic scan lanes at the toll booths - this makes the trip very efficient and smooth. The posted speed is 110km/h.

We arrive at Hotel Mediterraneo by 10:30am, so we are too early to check into our rooms. Our group splits up, and I join the group which takes a train to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower.  This is a bonus that was not part of the arrangements!

April 3, 2006 - Monday - We are on a full day tour today. First stop is the Science History Museum, where we see Galileo's original telescopes, among many other old scientific instruments originally collected by the Medici and Lorraine families.

We also visit the Sant Ambrogio Market, which is a very nice lunch stop. The fruit and vegetables are first rate here, so our group loads up with snacks.  There are some exotic meats, seafood and cheese sold in this market. Seating is limited, however there is a small sit-down restaurant and a few delis which serve sandwiches and soft drinks.  This market offers an excellent alternative to the rather pricey restaurants and coffee shops in the same district of Florence, however check opening hours before you go.

After lunch at the Market, we walk to the Piazza della Signoria, the Santa Maria Maggiore church, the cathedral Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Ponte Vecchio.  One of the highlights is seeing the statue of David in the piazza (a good copy, the original is inside).  Unfortunately the Uffizi is closed, so that goes on JoeTourist's list for the next visit to Florence.

The Ponte Vecchio has a long tradition of retail being situated on the bridge, and these retailers are almost exclusively jewelers.

Six of us go to Trattoria Tirovino this evening for dinner.  This restaurant is a family-run operation, located a few blocks from our hotel. We have a wonderful meal of savory Tuscan food, and our friendly servers guide us to their exceptional Tuscan wines. The prices were very reasonable.  Recommended Map

From Rick Steves' website, Holly Faris has this to say about Trattoria Tirovino:

"If you get tired of traditional Italian fare and want something a little different, try "Trattoria Tirovino", Via Ghibellina, 70 rosso, www.tirovino.com. The price is moderate and the food is light gourmet Italian, with the one son as Chef and the other as waiter, while Mom and Dad greet guests at the door. Dad lived in NY and can speak English very well. Mom gives out after dinner drinks to guests who entertain! I'm a professional impressionist and sang for them and was paid with shots of "Passito Di Pantelleria". I have no idea what it was, but it was delicious! Lovely meal and people. Tell them "Marilyn Monroe" sent you and say hello for me!"

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