I love olive trees and olive grooves so so so much, it just does not make sense. There is just something about olive trees that always makes my heart so happy. The light shimmery, green color of the leaves on the olive tree is just the most beautiful color in the entire world in my book. You can not manufacture or reproduce a color that light, shimmery and beautiful. Florence is totally surrounded by olive grooves and vineyards for days. You can just wander through any of the surrounding countryside and walk through the most beautiful olive grooves. It is so romantic and peaceful. My favorite photos from our summer are these photos from underneath those olives grooves. I just love remembering these moments because they encompass so much joy. I will never forget it.
Below is a list of things you MUST do while you are in Florence…..
- You must walk to the Piazza Michelangelo and watch the sunset. Make sure you buy some wine and cheese to enjoy while the sun sets. Crowds gather every night to watch the sunset from this point and it is well worth the short little hike for this beautiful view of the city.
- Buy a ticket to see the Bardini Gardens and Balboa Gardens. I loved the Bardini gardens more than the Balboa gardens but the ticket they make you buy allows you access to both so you should see both for sure. You could spend an entire afternoon walking through these beautiful gardens.
- See the David. No explanation really necessary. The David is totally epic and worth an entire trip to Florence. Plan ahead and make sure you buy your ticket ahead of time because the museum sells out most days during the summer.
- Make sure you wander across the Arno and check out the Piazza del Passero. This is our very favorite Piazza and basically has everything you could possibly ever want on every corner. There is such a cute bar on the corner where you can drink as many Aperol Spritzs and cappuccinos as your heart desires. After drinking your Apertif, eat dinner at 4 Leoni or Il Maggazino. Either of these restaurants are fabulous and both open up onto this adorable piazza.
- If you want to explore some of the neighborhoods a little more you should have dinner at Trattoria del Orto in the Oltarno neighborhood.
- If you are feeling fancy and want to grab a $12 euro drink (most drinks around $5 euro), we love the rooftop of the Hotel Continental. This is an awesome place to have a drink and enjoy a beautiful view of the city.
- Wander through the Santo Spirito square and grab a pizza from GustaPizza.
- Buy as much beautiful paper as you can possibly get your hand on! There are so many gorgeous paper stores in Florence and you should buy as much handmade paper as possible while you are here.
- Finally! Rent a scooter from New Tuscany Scooter Rental and explore the gorgeous countryside surrounding Florence. Only rent a scooter in Italy if you have prior scooter driving experience! Driving a scooter surrounded by crazy Italian drivers is no joke and this is definitely not safe for first time scooter drivers!
^^ Totally in my happy place in the olive grooves
^^ A few more pictures from scooting around Florence
^^On the step of our apartment 🙂
^^ Love this guy
