The Mallory’s Adventure to Florence.
DAY ONE
00:59 BOLOGNA-Osteria Del Pignotto Enoteca Zola Predosa
We stopped for lunch in Bologna on our way to Florence. It was a cute little area outside of the Centro. We really enjoyed a glass of wine and pasta and Gunnar loved getting to try bologna.
1:57 FLORENCE-Piazza della Repubblica
We walked around to check out the city square featuring a cute merry-go-round.
2:03 Caffè la Posta
First stop to cool off with a glass of white wine. The staff was very kind and even brought over an extra fan for our dog. It was a nice little spot for a drink.
2:18 I’Mangiarino
Stopped for an aperitif and the staff could not have been nicer. They brought out a giant bowl of water for our dog, gave him lots of pets, and gave him some meat. Safe to say, Gunnar was a fun.
2:20 Ristorante Il Paiolo
Our friend recommended this restaurant and the bistecca Fiorentina was delicious. It’s a staple in Florence so you can get it at most places. We had a great bottle of wine and really enjoyed the ambience.
2:40 Ponte Vecchio
After dinner we walked across the famous bridge and along the river. We stumbled upon a Gelateria and enjoyed the cooler temperature.
DAY TWO
3:20 All’Antico
I really wanted to see what all the hype was about and have to admit I did really like the paninis were really good. I probably wouldn’t wait in a super long line but I thought they were good and I am glad we tried them. They’re a perfect lunch to grab when you are on the go.
3:37 Caffe Rosano
Stopped for a quick coffee but the breakfast looked very good. It was more of an American breakfast but after in living in Italy for a while I think I will have to go back and try it sometime soon.
3:40 Mercato Centrale Firenze
I love food markets so this was a favorite place of mine. The upstairs has a ton of dining options.
3:49 Furo e Punteruolo
A leather goods store where you can watch a gentleman work on the leather. We had heard good things about this store and the products were really nice.
3:54 Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
Walked by the 15th-century Dominican church and took a break on a bench admiring it’s beauty.
4:16 Piazzale Michelangelo
We walked up to the 19th-century piazza to soak up the beautiful views of Florence. It started pouring as we arrived which was kind of nice because a lot of the tourists left and we really could enjoy the views.
4:27 Signorvino
To escape the rain we decided to grab a glass of wine along the river. This was a really cute place and pretty busy.
4:32 “Secret” Bar
It’s not really a secret but it was fun to pretend and escape the heat of the city. The drinks were ok but overall we weren’t super impressed. The atmosphere was fun but probably would skip next time.
4:40 La Bussola dal 1960
I think our dinner experience would have been better if we made a reservation. The food itself was pretty good but didn’t stand out compared to other food we’ve had. I probably wouldn’t put this on my must eat at list.
DAY THREE
4:55 Nobile Bistro
Their coffee was so good and the croissants were really fluffy which is my favorite kind. I would for sure go back.
5:00 LUCCA-Società Agricola Fratelli Urbani
We stopped for a wine tasting break at a very small winery. The tasting, food, and walking around the vineyard was really fun. Everyone was really nice
*Restaurants I wanted to try but were either full or closed: Trattoria Cammillo & Trattoria La Casalinga
Florence is about a 3 hour 45 minute drive from Aviano Air Base. I think I would recommend the city in the spring or fall but summer was a bit too hot. It is such an amazing city with a lot to do and beautiful to walk around.