summer in Italy: Day trips to Florence and Siena

Being so close to Florence, we couldn't miss the chance to visit it. Like Venice though, I found it far too crowded and it was extremely hot. I think the next time we go, we will stay there and explore the city in the hours when there are no day tourists!

I was a little disappointed by the Ponte Vecchio, different looking bridge but I was expecting something more grand.

On the other hand, I was unbelievably blown away by the Duomo! Wow! Unfortunately my little point and shoot can't do these old cities and huge buildings justice...

 

 

 

Another day was spent in Siena. What a gorgeous city. It's no surprise that the historic centre has been declared a world heritage site.

 Another impressive Duomo

 Oh look, it's the de Munnik family in Siena...not looking at all hot and sweaty!

View from up high.

I enjoyed seeing all the people eating their lunch in the shade of the clock tower on the Piazza del Campo ( town square). This is also where they hold the Palio horse race.

They were setting up while we were there and you can see the giant yellow cushions they put in all the corners so that the horses don't hurt themselves (much?) if they slide.