travelogue ~ florence, italy.

We are almost done with the Italy recaps...but first Florence. We actually took a day-trip to Florence during the week while we stayed in Pietrasanta and we also stayed in Florence a couple days later for Allison and Davide's wedding - I am combining it all for time's sake.

First and foremost the Duomo. Another day, another duomo. We opted to hike up the tower for the views of the city.

We also did a good deal of shopping in Florence. Ben's parents are intense shoppers. It is absolutely a sport for Ben's dad. We were mostly popping into shoe and leather stores but also stopped into a beautiful little paper store - I loved the pencils and wrapping papers...

We also stopped for lunch at this fantastic little panini shop, 'Ino. It was hands-down the best sandwiches we tried in Italy - a cool spot close to the Ponte Vecchio - put it on your short list.

We also happened upon the sweetest gelato shop, Gelateria della Passera - I would rank this as the second best gelato we had on the trip...and it is right on this small plaza with a coffee shop and restaurant - I promise you it will be worth the effort to scout it out and find it!

After a full day of duomo, site-seeing and shopping - we were back in the car to head to dinner and back to the house in Pietrasanta. Our dinner though was a stop in and of itself. We had made a reservation at Da Delfina early on in the planning stages. The setting is gorgeous - in the middle of Tuscan vineyards and hills - we loved it. And, the food was great. If you are in the area, we would highly recommend it for dinner.

As I mentioned, we headed back to Florence at the end of the trip for the big wedding. We stayed at the Hotel Continentale literally right next to the Ponte Vecchio.

The rehearsal dinner was at a vineyard outside of Florence (I failed to take pictures) but it was a lovely affair. And the wedding itself was at the Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte. It was absolutely stunning.

And when it came time for the cake, the chef actually came out and built the cake, piping the cream and icing, and layering these incredible wafers. Can't make it up - it was spectacular!

And Allison and Davide really are such great people and a couple you just want to love...

Not to mention the gardens and the views were breathtaking...

Pictures do no justice to this wedding - it was just beautiful. We are nearing the end of the trip - the next morning, Ben and I hopped a train back to Rome for one final night before leaving Italy....