The Birthplace of the Renaissance

Today I want to take you back to day 5 of our cruise. On this day, we were the first ones to board a bus and head to the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence. As I mentioned, when traveling with Adventures by Disney, you receive VIP treatment. We were the first ones off the boat and last ones on. We made the most of our days and were first in line for all the attractions. On this particular morning, we were up early and took a beautiful drive through Tuscany. There were rows and rows of sunflowers on the roads to Florence. Unfortunately, I could not get a great photo from the bus, so you will need to take my word for it. Once arriving in Florence, we headed over to the Galleria dell’ Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David.

David

David was created out of marble, between 1501-1504, by Michelangelo. He is a Biblical character. It was breathtaking. The photos do not do this masterpiece justice.

From the Galleria dell’ Accademia, we proceeded with our walking tour of Florence.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Flore
The Duomo, Florence’s Cathedral
Arno River and Ponte Vecchio or Old Bridge
One of the bell towers

The architecture was amazing. We saw the
Baptistery and strolled past vendors selling their wares along the Ponte Vecchio, a spectacular medieval bridge that spans the Arno River. We ended at the Piazza Santa Croce. Here we went to lunch at Cantina Vinicola. It was this lovely restaurant, that felt more like we were dining in someone’s home. We were served the best lasagna I have ever had. Lasagna is not something we eat at home, as none of us like ricotta cheese. However, they made their lasagna with sweet cream. It was amazing!

Cantina Vinicola
Even the boys liked lunch!

After lunch, we had plenty of time to explore the Piazza di Santa Croce. We went to a little wine store called Enoteca Pontevecchio. We had a wine tasting, along with some balsamic vinegar and olive oil. It was amazing. We bought six bottles of wine, six tins of oil, and three bottles of balsamic vinegar.

We also visited a leather store. I bought myself a beautiful purse and wallet. Afterward, we had some photos taken at the Basilica di Santa Croce. This serves as the burial place of Michelangelo and other famous Italians. The Basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world. As you will see from the photos, the bell tower has a Star of David. A Jewish architect designed the church’s façade. He wanted to be buried there, but because he was Jewish, he was buried under the threshold and honored with an inscription.


Basilica di Santa Croce

Finally, on our way back to the boat, we stopped for this breathtaking view of the city. It was another magical day in Italy!

About The Author

Heather

15 COMMENTS

  1. Jennifer |Me and My Traveling Hat | 12th Dec 19

    Florence is so beautiful and I love all the history.
    I’ve been there a few times, but due for another visit. I have heard great things about Disney Adventures love to go on one of their cruises!

  2. Leeanne | 12th Dec 19

    Florence is beautiful. I remember spending a lot of time studying David. I even sketched him roughy in my journal. Looks like you enjoyed it just as much as I did.

  3. Tricia Snow | 12th Dec 19

    I would love to do a Disney cruise and Florence looks amazing!

  4. Taci- Life Beyond Zebra | 12th Dec 19

    😍 I have Italy on the list hopefully I can get there soon. Those adventures by Disney trips look so freaking cool!

  5. Lisa Manderino | 12th Dec 19

    What a great experience! When we went it was so crowded we didn’t get a good shot of David!

  6. Cynthia | 12th Dec 19

    This trip looks amazing! I’ve never been on a Disney cruise before. Do you have to book the excursions ahead of time or can you book them once you are aboard the ship?

  7. Courtney | 13th Dec 19

    This Adventures by Disney is definitely on my list to do! It looks wonderful!

  8. Julie Gazdecki | 13th Dec 19

    I would love to visit all the old churches. Adventures by Disney is a dream trip for me!

  9. Trisha | 14th Dec 19

    What an incredible experience! Everything there looks so beautiful! I can’t wait to visit someday.

  10. Amanda | 14th Dec 19

    These photos are stunning! I have never been, but Florence and a Disney cruise is on my list.

  11. kmf | 14th Dec 19

    Beautiful photos! I Love Italy…we did not have a great experience in Florence when we visited. Your post has inspired me to plan a re-do!

  12. Lindsay | 14th Dec 19

    This is amazing! Sadly, I was sick the day our cruise arrived in Florence so I had to stay on board. It was wonderful to see all your photos!

  13. Missy | 15th Dec 19

    Florence is a wonderful place. I remember when I visited being in awww.

  14. Hera | 15th Dec 19

    Love Florence so much! Hubby was really impressed by the statue of David. Would go back in a heart beat. The food was amazing too!

  15. Shirley | 17th Dec 19

    Wow, what a great experience. I love your pics!

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