Hi everyone…I am still here and still trying to share the details of our Italy trip, even though we have been home for more than a month! It is amazing how much work can pile up after being away for an extended period of time – add to that many new clients planning fabulous trips to far flung places. As the blog doesn’t have a flight to catch on a certain date, it tends to get neglected a bit when I am busy. But, I promise to eventually finish sharing every destination in our jaunt through bella Italia!!
Florence is one of those cities where you just never have quite enough time. I actually could say that about everywhere I went in Italy, but it was particularly true of Florence. As this was not our first trip to Florence and we really only had one full day to see the sights, we opted out of many of the major tourist sites and gave ourselves a bit of a break from making sure we experienced all the “must sees” and focused more on places that we had missed on previous trips and those where we really wanted to return…
We enjoyed a wonderful lunch on the JK Terrace with a chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings…delicious!
Inside the stunning Church of Santa Maria Novella
I always stop at the Basilica Santa Croce to pay my respects to Florentine luminaries such as Michealangelo and Galileo – it is a gorgeous church.
Peaceful cloisters behind Santa Croce
A quick trip to the Uffizi to see a couple of favorites…I love the decorations in the corridors, especially the ceiling.
My fave…Botticelli’s “Primavera”
Masterpieces are everywhere at the Uffizi, including the ceilings…
Duomo details…
Giotto’s bell tower and the rear of the Duomo – no detail left untouched…
We stayed at the fabulous JK Place Firenze – perfectly positioned right on the Piazza Santa Maria Novella. JK Place Firenze is a five star luxury hotel recognized by many as one of the best in Italy and it lives up to their reputation in every respect. The excellent level of service is highly professional but with a genuine friendliness – making us feel as though we we visiting a friend’s home…an extraordinarily gracious friend with exceptional taste, that is…
Prosecco in the living room upon arrival…
One of the many cozy seating areas…
More of the “living” areas in the hotel, including the breakfast room…the decor is absolutely stunning.
Townhouse style living comes with a grand staircase…
Our gorgeous room – the Master Room – was absolute perfection…they truly thought of every single detail a guest could ever want…
Th sitting area in our room…
Beautiful desk are looking into sitting room…chilled bubbly awaiting our arrival…
The view from the balcony in our room…
I really believe to do Florence justice, one needs to truly experience it as a “Fiorentino” by living there for an extended period of time…until I manage to work out the details of doing that, a stay at JK Place Firenze was the next best thing! Thank you to all the staff at the JK, including the charming manager, Claudio Meli, for welcoming us into your home!
Until next time, Florence…maybe then I hope to stay a bit longer…
xoxo
Good morning, Sandy!
I just knew I would satisfy my need for an Italia fix by stopping by. Your images truly capture the highlights of this magnificent city. Your hotel suite–sheer perfection. What a perfect spot from which to enjoy this vibrant city.
I loved following your trip on IG and it’s such fun to see your beautiful posts now that you are back home.
Have a fabulous Memorial Day weekend!
xx,
Heather
PS-Loved catching up with you the other day! 🙂
Your photos are stunning – what a trip! I have only been to Florence once when I was like, 25 and our accommodations were quite simple then. I need to go back and live it up a little. Such a lovely city. Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend!
Shelley
Sandy,
I agree with you, there is never enough time in Florence! But the nice thing is that even if your time is limited you can easily get around walking and take a lot in.
Love your pictures. Have a great week.
So dreamy!! Brings back wonderful memories and reminds me that its been too long since I have been there. Your pictures are so beautiful and would make a great coffee table book:)