Aww, Firenze — the Italian Athens and capital city of the Italian Tuscan region. Once a center for trade and finance during the medieval European era, the city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art, architecture, and monuments.
Here is where I journeyed to for my 2024 Veterans Day Adventure.
Flight logistics and timing led to the decision to explore Florence. The initial plan was to visit Palermo, Sicily. However, I didn’t like the transportation options.
Seville, Spain, was also a high-tier choice option. I’d wanted to return to Seville to explore more ever since my day trip gave me a tantalizing glimpse into the city. Again, the transportation options were not to my liking.
Florence was my fifth option, but the transportation options and weather appeased my budget and vacation requirements.
GETTING THERE
There were few flight options that met my requirements, but only two direct flights. Sticking to my ‘first non-stop flight of the day’ rule, I selected the 0800 flight – operated by Air Dolomiti.
I experienced another first on this trip. This was the first European flight I’ve been on that was actually ‘overbook.’ Overbooking is basically an airline selling more tickets for a flight than there are seats available on the plane. Sounds suspect, but it is legal for airlines to overbook flights in Europe, as long as certain conditions are met by the airline.
In cases of overbooking, airlines will ‘bump’ passengers. This is another reason I select my seat when I purchase my ticket instead of waiting until the 24-hour prior to departure check-in window.
Never will I ever wait to be ‘assigned a seat at the gate.’ This is usually an indicator that the flight is expected to be oversold, and you may not be allowed to board.
Air Dolomiti asked for volunteers who were flexible with their travel plans to give up their seats. My mother would’ve been the first to give up her seat in exchange for the lowball €250 voucher the airline was offering, along with the alternate flight later that day that had a connection through Roma.
When I was younger, my brother and I had a 0800 flight to Las Vegas on Southwest Airlines. Our flight was oversold and volunteers were requested. My mother immediately gave up our tickets.
Long story short, every flight that day was oversold and we didn’t arrive in Las Vegas until 2100 that night. Mom kept volunteering our seats. Yes, she walked away with enough vouchers for three roundtrip flights anywhere Southwest flew, but we spent 13 hours at the airport and lost a day of vacation as a result. Add the fact that these were the days before internet and smart phones and you will understand my pain.
This experience affected my psyche so much that I will never volunteer to give up me seat, especially if the later flight requires a connection. Connecting opens the door to being bumped again. Yes, there is more compensation, but also more headaches and loss of precious vacation time.
Sorry for the trip down memory lane. I get flashbacks every time I hear a flight is ‘overbooked.’
Anyway, let me get back on track here. The airline did not get enough volunteers, but only denied boarding to passengers who did not already have a seat assignment. I wasn’t one of the passengers, and boarded the flight with no hassle.
The flight was smooth. We departed and arrived on time, and there were no issues with baggage claim. I did have to wait about 30 minutes for my scheduled Welcome Pickups transfer, but that was not an issue.
The tram service between the Florence airport and the City Centre takes about 20 minutes. The price is €1.70 for a single ticket, which is significantly cheaper than a taxi or Welcome Pickups. I chose Welcome Pickups over the tram simply for comfort reasons. I didn’t want to drag my luggage over those cobblestones for the 12-minute walk from the tram stop to my hotel.
Funny tidbit: I actually thought we landed at a different airport. Florence Airport – Peretola is the international airport of Florence, and that’s what I selected when I bought my plane ticket.
Upon exiting baggage claim, I kept seeing signs saying Toscana Aeroporti. I felt I was at the wrong airport, which meant my Welcome Pickups driver was sent to the wrong airport. I was reassured by an airport staffer that I was indeed at the correct airport and everything was fine.
Whew!
HOTEL ORTO DE’ MEDICI
My driver arrived, and we proceeded to the Hotel Orto De’ Medici, my accommodations for this three-night adventure. The four-star hotel, conveniently located within a 10-minute walk to the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo, two places on my must-explore list, offered spacious rooms and included breakfast in the room rate.
What’s more, booking direct also included a complimentary mini-bar, a thoughtful perk that saved me about €5 a day on water and drinks during my stay.
I had a lovely stay here and will certainly consider staying at the Hotel Orto De’ Medici again on my next trip to Florence. The customer service was phenomenal. From my initial emails to check in to check out, Alazne and her team were magnificent. Alazne’s instructions to “turn left” were great and kept me from getting lost. Things were to my standards and made my stay more relaxing.
I did encounter an issue with the Wi-Fi, but I let reception know, and they resolved the problem immediately. My Junior Suite was slightly different than I expected but comfy and well-cleaned. The room was a generous 27 square meters with an LCD TV complete with Sky Satellite Channels, a large desk and a very relaxing king-sized bed. The shower was powerful, and there were no issues with hot water.
My only issue with the room was the lack of standard EU outlets. The outlets were Type L. There were Type C outlets, but none by the nightstand. However, I planned for this and brought the appropriate adapter.
Breakfast was interesting on the first day. There was no check-in process like I’m used to at other hotels. Nevertheless, the service was pleasant and enjoyable. The food was adequate and filling.
FIRENZE CARD
My hotel room wasn’t quite ready when I arrived, so I decided to do my photo safari and capture some City Life images. I also visited the Tourist Information Centre to purchase a Firenze Card. The Firenze Card is a three-day museum pass granting the holder access to more than 60 museums in the Firenze Card circuit. The card cost €85, which is about $93.
Is the Firenze Card worth the price?
The answer depends on your personal preferences. It includes entry to the Uffizi Galleries, Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, and the Palazzo Pitti, among others.
While reservations are required for some attractions, the card still offers significant savings and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Personally, I found it very useful. Here are the museums I visited using the Firenze Card and the costs if I had not used the card.
| Pitti + Boboli | $14.86 |
| Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze | $16.98 |
| Uffizi Galleries | $16.98 |
| Palazzo Medici Riccardi | $10.62 |
| Museo Galileo | $14.86 |
| House of Dante | $8.50 |
| Palazzo Vecchio | $18.58 |
| Cenacolo di Sant’Apollonia | $4.25 |
| Zeffirelli Museum | $12.74 |
| Museo Nazionale del Bargello | $10.62 |
| Museo degli Innocenti | $10.62 |
| Total | $139.61 |
| Firenze Card purchase | $92.97 |
| Savings | $46.64 |
I admit, except for the Uffizi Galleries and the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, I wouldn’t have explored these museums had I not had the Firenze Card. Nevertheless, I’m glad I did explore them because they held so much history and art that I was simply flabbergasted. Additionally, it would’ve been a shame if I’d skipped a visit to the Museo degli Innocenti.
PALAZZO PITTI
A visit to the Palazzo Pitti, a true gem of Florence, was up next.
The Firenze Card granted me access to a treasure trove of cultural riches. I eagerly explored the opulent Palatine Gallery, where masterpieces adorned the walls, each telling a story of its own.
The Treasury of the Grand Dukes revealed the luxurious artifacts that once belonged to the powerful rulers of Tuscany, shimmering under soft lighting.
I wandered through the Museum of Costume and Fashion, marveling at the exquisite garments and accessories that reflected the elegance of bygone eras.
The Gallery of Modern Art showcased contemporary works that inspired and challenged my perspective.
Each space in the Palazzo Pitti was a chapter in the rich narrative of history, and I was captivated by all it had to offer.
I was bummed that the Imperial and Royal Apartments section was closed for renovations. I enjoyed taking a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of royalty, and learning how the nobility lived during the different eras.
However, there was plenty to see at the palace.
GIARDINO DI BOBOLI
Nestled directly behind the majestic Pitti Palace lie the enchanting Boboli Gardens.
The Firenze Card included entrance to the gardens as well. The sprawling garden features statues of various styles and periods, ancient and Renaissance. There are also large fountains, artificial caves, and a picnic area for visitors to relax and enjoy.
I didn’t spend much time in the garden as nature and greenery aren’t things I enjoy much. However, I must admit that the Boboli Gardens are an extraordinary sight to behold. Their sweeping vistas and artistic features create a unique experience that transcends mere appreciation of the outdoors, making them a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Florence, even if you’re not a nature enthusiast.
DUOMO DI FIRENZE
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its iconic Brunelleschi’s Dome, is a sight to behold. The cathedral’s stunning architecture and rich history make it a must-see for any visitor to Florence.
Access to the cathedral is free, without a ticket. However, it is still a working religious church; thus, the cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays and religious celebrations for worship services.
Access to the other aspects of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore — Dome, Bell Tower, Museum, Baptistery, Ancient Basilica of Santa Reparata, Duomo Terraces — required tickets or special access requests.
DINNERTIME
By now, my hotel suite was ready. I performed my routine cleanliness and safety checks, then cracked open a bottle of refreshing cold water and relaxed for a spell. I checked some emails, let my friends know I’d arrived safely, then googled places to eat.
There were plenty of places located near the hotel. I selected Ammalia Restaurant because the menu had a nice selection, and the prices weren’t astronomical.
Customer service was decent, and the ambiance was okay. I ordered a Chicken Caesar Salad and some type of pasta with beef.
Why won’t I say the name of that pasta dish?
Because my taste buds threatened to leave and never return if I ever spoke the name of this dish.
Seriously, the meal sounded like a party fit for royalty. Sadly, peasants wouldn’t eat this rubbish, let alone serve it to guests. The pasta was so bland, it was practically auditioning for the leading role in a diet food commercial. The salad, bless its heart, was like a green confetti festival that forgot to invite flavor to the party.
I had no choice but to swing by the convenience store across the street and grab some snacky-snacks. At least the potato chips didn’t require a passport to travel to Flavortown!
Hey, not every meal is a 5-star dining experience.
DAY ONE CONCLUSION
An inspiring Day One in Florence! I explored a historic palace; felt like I was frozen in time as I gazed at incredible artwork; and gained insight into the profound influence the House of Medici had on this magnificent city. Not bad for an adventure that sets the tone for what lies ahead!
Day Two was set to be even better. Why?
I finally got to hang out with my David!
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