#VarsityRome Day 3: Trip to Florence

All abord the TrenItalia – We’re heading to Florence, Italy today!

Over 400 participants and spectators boarded the train at Rome Termini Station and were in the heart of Florence before noon. Our first stop started off the day strong, as the “Duomo”, or the Florence Cathedral, is one of the most stunning structures to this day. This Gothic/Renaissance architecture has three apses, crowned by miniature copies of the major dome and is flanked by the magnificent Gothic bell tower by Giotto. The basilica is one of Italy’s largest churches, and it remains the largest brick dome ever constructed. Descriptions and pictures simply does not do this amazing landmark justice. You must see it for yourselves!

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This group explored the food scene in a whole new fashion today as one large group, family style meal at the Za Za Restaurant. Spoiled with some of Italy’s famous dishes and impeccable service, our stomachs were full and we were ready to be back out in the most famous city of the Tuscany region.

For those who wanted to continue the stroll down history lane, some participated in an audio walking tour of the Academia Gallery to see Michaelangelo’s marble sculpture of David, as well as the Bargello Museum, home to Donatello’s marble sculpture of David. Some also visited the Medici Palace, Pitti Palace and Torrigani Gardens, the largest private gardens in Europe! The Italian culture and tradition is so rich. You can feel it in every tour and destination.

Just like we said yesterday, Italy is well known for its delicious food and high-energy fashion – And Florence is a highly sought out destination for both. Florence is regarded by some as the birthplace of the modern fashion industry in Italy. The vias along the Arno River were filled with many popular shops, proven by the arms of filled bags of many of our participants! The Mercato Centrale and San Lorenzo Leather Market were also a popular choice, and taught us all a little more about traditional Italian fashion.

With full bags, full stomachs and full hearts, all 400+ of us loaded the TrenItalia at Florence Santa Maria Novella station and headed back to Rome. There’s no place like Rome!

Ciao!