episode #8 Florence, Italy | One Summer in Europe - the backpacking Europe podcast

episode #8 – Florence

Posted on 07. Sep, 2009 by Ryan in Latest Episode

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After several stops in France and Spain, we finally make our first appearance in Italy with a couple days in Florence, the home of the very important Renaissance movement.

Florence is an absolute must-see for the curious traveler, with its wealth of historic and cultural treasures. For a city of its modest size, one could argue that no other city has had more influence on today’s world than this Tuscan gem. Florence is a town where legends once lived and worked and you can still feel their greatness today.

Two nights and two busy days in Florence should be enough to see the top sights before moving on to the Italian capital of Rome.

In this episode, Dean and I talk about:

the amazing history and influence of Renaissance Florence on the world, unleashing the fullness of human potential around the world
visiting the famous cultural sites of Florence
the Stendhall Syndrome, a very common affliction in Florence
possible day trips near Florence within the Tuscan region
initial thoughts on our next destination, Rome

TRANSPORT IN
SNCF (French train system)
Trenitalia (Italian train system)

ACCOMMODATION
One Summer in Europe (Florence hostel and budget hotel search)

SIGHTSEEING
Duomo (famous Cathedral of Florence)
Giotto’s Tower (campanile outside the Duomo)
Baptistry (with the famous bronze doors)
Uffizi Gallery (great art museum)
Accademia (home of the statue of David by Michelangelo)
Piazza della Signoria (heart of city center)
Palazzo Vecchio (famous palace)
Ponte Vecchio (famous bridge over the Arno River)
Vasari’s Corridor
Boboli Gardens (quiet and scenic retreat across the river)
One Summer in Europe (miscellaneous sightseeing activities)

TRANSPORT OUT
Trenitalia (Italian train system)

Now that we have been properly introduced to Italy, we move on to the big prize, the eternal city of Rome. Join us as we discuss one of the most fantastic cities in the world….

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