After an early breakfast, we took a high-speed train ride to Florence where we attended an art history lecture, “Florence: A Profile of the City”, at our hotel (Bernini Palace). Founded in 59 BC as a Roman colony, Florence emerged as an independent city state and became the cradle of the Renaissance under the patronage of the wealthy and powerful Medici family.

After a buffet lunch, we took an orientation walking tour of Florence, which included a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, the home of Michelangelo’s famous “David” sculpture. Our day ended with dinner at Frescobaldi.

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Neptune’s Fountain

Cosimo de Medici Equestrian Monument

Duomo and Baptistry

‘David’, Michelangelo, Galleria dell’Accademia

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See more photos:

• Florence Walking Tour

• Galleria Dell’Accademia