June 26 - Florence

Today we headed to Florence to see the area of the Medicis. We are always traveling closer to Rome. Our bus was able to take us as far as the tram station.  Then we boarded a tram "just like the locals" which took us to the city center.

Florence was bustling and it was as hot as promised. We had aocal guide, Fabio, who walked us trough the sites. We met up with him at the Santa Maria Novella.

The facade on the church is new, hence the "novella."

We also saw the Duomo and the baptistry. 


We always view the Ponte Veccio, but this was the first time I've actually crossed it. It has many upscale jewelry shops.


Then, it was back to the square to view the many statues, including the "fake David" made of concrete.

We had good time to shop and grab a snack before heading to the hotel. I enjoyed a mint granite in hopes of cooling off.

We were pretty sticky when we arrived  at the hotel, and they graciously agreed to leave the pool open longer so the students could take a dip before dinner.

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