Around the world in 40 days but no Gallipoli

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The previous day we had been spoiled because Sashia was able to skip all the queues. There was a very long queue at the Uffizi - I have since learned that you can buy ties tickets online. However all was not lost as a girl was going down the queue selling skip the line tickets at 22 euro each. Online is a lot cheaper!

Anyway we decided to do it and were able to almost immediately enter the Uffizi. What a place! Apart from all the amazing paintings by Botticelli, Da Vinci, Michaelangelo and all the Renaissance artists, there were collection of 13th century paintings and Roman and Greek statues, as well as later paintings.

The ceilings were unusual as they were copies of the Roman "grotesque" style.

 

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More Uffizi - I have always loved Botticelli's Birth of Venus.

 

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More Uffizi Botticelli Annunciation and the baptism of Christ which is part Leonardo (the angels) and part his Master

 

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After we finally left the Uffizi my mind felt like jelly, but we did look at some more sculpture outside Pallazzo Vecchio. Cellini's Perseus is pictured.

The Piazza Della Signoria is there as well - the site of Savonarola's "Bonfire of the Vanities".

 

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We would have loved to go to the Bargello Museum as well as it has some early Michaelangelo, but we were too exhausted - another day in Florence would have been good.

We went back to the Fs for some R&R and then headed to Il Paiolo. It was probably our least favourite. Very pleasant staff particularly the very elegant Matriarch. The linguine with pumpkin was beautiful, but the lamb a bit ordinary.

 

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next day was a quick 1 hour train ride to Pisa on a regional train. There is a bit of a scam where a guy grabs your luggage, and carries it on the train - cost 5 euro, which I was more than happy to pay, as you have to take it upstairs.

There didn't seem to be anything too exciting in the way of hotels, so we selected a B&B - Santa Caterina. It was basically one floor of an apartment building and easy walk to the Cathedral. quite small rooms and bathroom but value for money and a plentiful breakfast. Our hostess was very eager to please.

Ceiling of our room
Bathroom wall
Our hostess on the left and her side kick

 

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Some Pisa images. It is an University town, which gives it a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

 

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City walls

 

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Of course the main attraction is the Leaning tower and that is where all the tour groups are. We really loved the tower, the cathedral and the baptistry.

 

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Another cathedral photo and a view along the Arno.

 

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The first night was a Sunday and unfortunately not much open. We selected Trattoria Il Borgo and it was fine particularly for $49.

The next night we went to La Grotto which our B&B lady recommended - really excellent meal for around $80.

 

[Sandrajc]

What gorgeous photos of the food, art, people and buildings. Great commentary as well!

 

[love_the_life]

This TR brings back such memories - have had great times in Florence though the first time I was busy lolly-gawping in Palazzo Davanzati on our last morning and tripped over. By the time we got off the train in Rome my ankle was a balloon!
We have visited many of the same places- sigh! I still make Davanzati 'dip' which the hotel used to serve in the afternoon with drinks. The tomatoes are not as rich but it still helps me to remember.

 

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The train trip from Pisa to Milan was quite slow (4 hours) but pretty. The train follows the coast from Pisa to Genova and although much of it is spent in tunnels, you get tantalising glimpses of water, beaches and little seaside towns. Milan is a big city and wasn't my favourite. However if you like a bit more of a buzz with good shops, you would feel differently.

We had booked the Park Hyatt as it was convenient and Trip Advisor seemed to indicate the Four Seasons was in need of renovation. It was a good choice with very friendly staff and a terrific room. Service perhaps just a little off the pace compared to Four Seasons. It was just across the road from the Galleria so we headed there first to have drink at the Campari Bar. I had a Campari Mojito. I only drink wine/bubbly, so not sure what a Mojita is supposed to taste like, but this one was delicious. Quite bitter to start with but very yummy. Mr FM had some Campari Berry concoction - came with some nice little snacks.

The first photo is of the restaurant we ate at that was recommended by the hotel. Trattoria Milanese - will post some photos when I find them. Cost $122.

The second is of a fresco we saw with a Dachshund - we are Dachshund fans and it appears so are Italians.

 

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After dinner we walked to the Sforza Castle for some night photos.

 

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The big attraction the next day was the Duomo. Initially when I walked inside I didn't like it - quite dark, but it grew on me - the height of the pillars were just incredible and the stained glass probably the best we have seen.

You can walk (or take an elevator) to the roof and that was incredible (although being scared of heights I kept away from the edges).

 

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From the roof

 

[Austff]

Must compliment you on your photos , great job . If you have time I can recommend a trip to Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore .

 

[ellen10]

Love the photos, thanks for sharing.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Must compliment you on your photos , great job . If you have time I can recommend a trip to Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore .

Mr FM's photos - I just steal them. Thanks for the info - we are in Turkey now, but will add to a list for a future trip. We would really like to come back and see more of the country.