Firenze

Many years ago, we added four nights in Paris to our UK trip, because my brother and his wife had done that on their honeymoon. So, when Joss wanted to go to Italy to see her friend Chiara, we thought we would just add a few nights in Florence to the end of our trip. I didn't realise how much I would love it and wish we had longer. 

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Unlike Paris and London, the touristy part of Florence is small and you can walk everywhere, quickly.

Perhaps because it is so compact, it's also really crowded. There are long queues to get into the cathedral, and we left it too late to book a spot to climb the Duomo.

I don't think I will go to the Uffizi gallery, either, though I know I would love it. I am enjoying just walking the streets, and there is so much beauty around to be viewed without entry fee or waiting time.

Every turn brings something glorious to see, and there are paper and fountain pen shops!

Joss's Italian friend ended up being in Paris this week, so she saw her there, rather than here, but she did catch up with a friend from Albury who is here on his gap year travels!

Not only is the city beautiful, but our accommodation is the best we have had on the trip, so we are also loving relaxing in the cool, and sleeping really well.

We have walked and eaten ourselves silly. Now, there is only one more full day left!