Our week is coming to a close with fond memories of not only the sites of Florence, Italy but its people. This city of narrow spaghetti streets which mingle up and around the Arno River seems intimidating at first, but now offer welcome adventures around every bend. We visited the market with all its rich textures of meats, oils, wines, and fruits, and strolled the nearby leather market. With our return in the midafternoon the owner of the hotel invited us for a capuccino and we sat and chatted about family, business, and life. Over the week our hosts have become good friends. This three generation family runs the Davanzati Hotel in the heart of the city and is located next to a five story medieval palace. They renovated the twenty rooms several years ago with complimentary use of computer, complimentary breakfast, and a much heralded happy hour from 6:30-7:30 where we enjoyed sipping the dry red Chianti wines and swapping stories with guests about our daily adventures before going out for dinner at one of the delightful nearby restaurants. The Davanzati is a top ranked hotel at Tripadvisor and we will always remember the cordiality of Fabrizio and his son.
Here are several take aways from our trip:
- Choose a city with potential and spend a few days there. Avoid the whirlwind city to city trek which leaves you tired and just skimming the surface of what the city has to offer.
- Be open to the serendipity that a more relaxed vacation can offer. For example, we would not have discovered the nearby authentic medieval home which offers tours only in the morning or the people's market.
- Get off the beaten track to enjoy the rich culture that may open up.
- Visit the second tier museums and art galleries that may offer as much enrichment as the overhyped ones.
- Spend time at the truly romantic spots of the city and soak up the rhythms of life there.
Can you recommend any destinations which offer a week of lasting memories?
