Fantastico Firenze !

Day 1 : We started our trip in the best way possible...food ! Our food tour took us through the Oltrarno neighborhood of Firenze, starting at a neighborhood staple to get a traditional Florence breakfast of coffee and budino di riso (rice pudding pastry). We made other stops trying finocchiona salami, coccoli, cantuccini (a "biscotti"), Tuscan cheeses, Chianti wine, lunch of ribollita and peposo (peppery beef stew). To top if off ? Gelato of course ! The strangest and surprisingly one of my favorite stops was for lunch where we enjoyed lampredotto panino (cows stomach sandwich) - might sound odd to many but it truly is a must try !

Preparing the lampredotto panino
Photo taken by BrowsingItaly.com

Moto on moto on moto !

After all that food, we worked it off by climbing the 414 steps of Giotto's bell tower. We were amazed at the incredible view that awaited us at the top overlooking the Duomo ! I still can't get over how beautiful this building is; I loved the symmetry, colors and overall grandness. The view of the city and mountains in the background made it that much more breathtaking.

The Duomo seen from Giotto's Bell Tower 

Day 2 : Cinque terre 
This has been on my bucket list for a while and it was incredible ! Many go in the summer time, but I personally recommend the winter season. No tourists, breathtaking views, sunny (and fairly warm) weather and pebble and sand beaches. There is quite a bit of hiking, but I really enjoyed it plus incredible views at the top !
Very charming streets, famous terraces, tasty restaurants, beautiful scenery along with a church and/or a landmark in each village..it was a wonderful day trip. There's a trail along the coast that connects all the villages together (with a great view..I know, shocker !) but if your feet get tired, they have a train that goes to each village as well.
*My two favorite villages were Manarola and Riomaggiore !

An incredible view from my favorite of the 5 villages, Riomaggiore

Street view in Vernazza

Scenic route in Monterosso

Day 3 : Segway tour
Yes I still think taking a segway tour is SUPER dorky but..they are sooo much fun to ride !! We couldn't stop laughing; rolling through the streets of Florence and joking around:) The only downside was it was super cold this morning, but the fun of zipping around town made it worth it:)

On the segway tour

Christmas market at piazza Santa Croce

Bisous,
Lyndi


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