Last Day Blues, Shoutouts, and Reflections
A final lesson, laughter, and gratitude mark the close of an unforgettable adventure.
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Scuola del Cuoio, Secret Tour, and Farewell Dinner
Secrets within Palazzo Vecchio, a rooftop toast overlooking the Duomo, and memories to last a lifetime.
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Santa Maria Novella, Atelier Gatto, and Tower Tours
Faith, fashion, and fortresses made this one of the most unforgettable days of the trip.
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Il Ghiottone, Autogrill, and Lucca
Our last excursion to Lucca, filled with history, gratitude, and faith.
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Gesti, Genuine Cuisine, and Great Companions
An easygoing day made exceptional by a fun class and time spent with friends.
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Venturing Across the Arno
Cross that bridge when you get there! The Oltrarno has so much to offer.
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Colle di Val d’Elsa, Monteriggioni, and Siena
Over the hills and far away, a discovery of time honored Tuscan traditions.
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Palazzo Davanzati, Caffè Gilli, Uffizi
A noble home, the caffè culture of dissidents, and Renaissance masterpieces made the day unforgettable.
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Piazza Michelangelo, San Miniato, and Fiesole
First excursion to the Oltrarno and ancient ruins in Fiesole made this overcast day one of the brightest.
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Cortona and Spirited Evening Conversation
Cortona is a beautiful Tuscan gem, glistening with Etruscan history, and fantastic views onto the Val de Chiana.
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La Pesca del Palazzo, Medici Chapel, and Sunset at Rinascente
An unexpected gift makes me feel at home. Today was a perfect blend of history, heart, and perspective.
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Mercato di Sant’ Ambrogio, San Marco, Accademia, Museo di Medici
An epic tour of sites and museums on a rainy day that offers many surprises and some great photos.
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Palazzo Vecchio, Gran Caffè San Marco, and Novecento
Skip the line access is well worth the cost. Especially if you go to Palazzo Vecchio three times.
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Wine Window and Santa Croce
After language class and lunch, most of the day is spent at the largest Franciscan church in the world. A must see!
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San Gimignano, Castellina, Monsanto
Our first excursion outside of Florence and into the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside!
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This Guy Comes Out of Nowhere…
A woman shouts, “Aiutami—he stole my phone!” Without hesitation, I started chasing a stranger down the street.
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There’s Only So Much Time
Piazza San Jacopino is the beating heart of a lively neighborhood and offers everything for living la dolce vita.
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Wandering Through Florence On My Own
Backstreets and alleyways lead to unexpected discoveries before language class. All who wander are not lost.
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First day in Florence
Seeing the Duomo in the distance for the first time, pinch me! I must be dreaming.
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Departure and Arrival
Sitting for a while and deprived of rest, my head snapped sharply towards sleep. “DO NOT MISS THIS FLIGHT!!”
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The Backstory
Italy has always called to me. After a decade, I weighed the pros and cons, and finally stopped making excuses.