We did a wine tasting with Laura - she was amazing. Super knowledgeable and tailored to our…read moreinterest. She is funny, friendly and her English was on point. The tasting meal was divine - it was far more elaborate - and delicious than expected. The tasting room is elegant- furnished with antiques and vintage photos. Laura made sure we were well taken care of. We loved her sense of humor and how easily she engaged with us. Well worth your time and money. Highly recommend Laura as the host /guide and the winery.

From the Middle Ages to the present day, Piazza della Signoria, between Piazza del Duomo and the…read moreArno River, is the beating heart of the historic center of Florence with its distinctive L-shape, which my partner, our friends, family member, and I visited in mid-September. Palazzo Vecchio, the traditional seat of the Florentine government, with its distinctive tower, is yet another symbol of the city. In front stands a copy of Michelangelo's David (the original can be seen at the Accademia Gallery). One of the most impressive squares we've ever seen! The piazza looks like an outdoor museum, full of iconic statues and history in every corner. One can't miss the Fountain of Neptune that was commissioned to celebrate a Medici marriage. It is a colossal statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea and the counterpart of the Greek god Poseidon. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively with both tourists and locals, perfect to enjoy both during the day and at night. Definitely a must-see in Florence!

Nice gathering place next to Ponte Vecchio. There's a beautiful fountain here and plenty of places…read moreto gather and dine. I love these Italian palazzos!

Definitely need a tour guide to truly appreciate this masterpiece. We went with "Florence by…read moreElvis". Michelangelo spent three years behind a fence creating David, in the rain and sun, sleeping on the ground next to his sculpture in progress. The space between his legs was already in the marble which was shaped like the letter B when he got it. It was originally supposed to be placed at the top of the Cathedral. The eyes are in the shape of a heart so when the sun struck it it shone. So many more details, too many to explain here. Also in the same museum is the first painting that sparked the Renaissance. A definite must see!

Not bad. Upside:…read moredramatic example of Renaissance style, realistic body modeling, expressive, iconic. Downside: "iconic" is Italian for "you've totally seen this before." You'll be all "I have to see David" and then when you get there you'll be all "I totally have seen this a billion times, usually he's standing over a fountain and water's coming out of his dick or something." No water, no fountain, just rock with the parts that don't look like a naked guy gone. Don't get me wrong, I like art, it's just that sculpture technology has come a long way since they made this one. (Apparently circumcision technology has come a long way too if you know what I mean. Haven't seen a hood that white since my last Klan meeting, haha, jk, racism is bad). In Vegas they have a sculpture of a volcano that actually erupts every hour. Rain Forest Cafe has bug sculptures that flap their wings. This guy just stands there with his wang looking like it's wearing a marble raincoat. Unless you're into that sort of thing, no judgment. Ample parking. No Jumbotron.

The Duomo di Siena is one of the most visually appealing cathedrals in Italy...a place where art…read moreand devotion converge in extraordinary harmony. Towering over Piazza del Duomo in Siena's historic center, the cathedral immediately commands attention with its distinctive dramatic blackandwhite striped marble façade, a color scheme that reflects the ancient symbols of the city itself. While we have seen many beautiful Italian cathedrals, this one is one of the most unique ones. Stepping inside the cathedral is awe-inspiring and completely breathtaking. Unlike many cathedrals whose beauty lies primarily on the exterior, Siena's Duomo interior is splendid and grand. The interior is lavishly decorated with striped marble columns, gilded details, sculptures, and frescoes that make the space feel more like a grand art gallery than a traditional church. While indelible photographs are forever etched in our minds, our tour guide discouraged us from taking photos inside the cathedral. One of the cathedral's greatest highlights is its marble inlaid floor, created over several centuries by dozens of artists. Often described as one of the most beautiful cathedral floors in the world, it features intricate biblical scenes and moral lessons created in marble mosaic. When you view such beauty, it feels bigger than yourself. Majestic!

We were lucky enough to see the cathedral in October when the floors were uncovered and it was…read moretruly a sight to see. Absolutely worth the visit and make sure to go to the top of the bell tower during your visit for a spectacular view and a great photo opportunity.

This is a charming hilltop castle and winery in Tuscany that is open for tours. We came in the…read morewinter time and for seven euros, we were able to hike the property basically by ourselves and see a view of the surrounding valleys that made my heart stop! Included in that admission cost is one free tasting of the Chianti that they make on the property, which is lovely! I was very glad we stopped here and would recommend it to anyone.

We went here yesterday on a wine tour. The castle grounds are very pretty & worth checking out…read more There is a winery tasting room but it's not at the castle. It's down the hill at another building. You can walk around the outside of the castle building and see amazing views of the vineyard. At the wine tasting room we tried a few of their wines and bought a bottle of one the Chianti's.

This is a must-do when in the area! Lots of little shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a really…read morenice feeling to be here, with a great view of the valley below. There are a few wineries nearby, 5-10 minute drive, to visit. Parking is located at the bottom of the hill, or you might be able to get one of the few spots near the gate.