June 8th: Rome to Florence - The Leaning Tower of Pisa: NEW TEXT

As we departed Rome this morning, aboard a huge & luxurious bus, it was time for the tour to slow down after two hectic days seeing as much as possible in 'The Eternal City'.

Our destination was Florence, a much smaller & easy-to-walk city but almost as crammed with history. But first we took a detour to Pisa, once a Tuscan rival of Florence, to view its iconic leaning towe 7 the other buildings that make up Pisa's 'Filed of Miracles'.

Plenty of time for the obligatory 'Holding up the Tower' shots!

We were fortunate to have entrance tickets for everybody to climb to the top of the Tower.  Just a few years ago this wasn't possible due to the instability of the Tower.  And in the future it may not be possible too.  Carpe Diem!
After visiting the Tower there was time for lunch, complete with a serenade!

Heading back to the bus, salesman in tow!

After checking-in to our Florence hotel, the Hotel Silla, there was time to freshen-up/change before we took a stroll into the heart of this historical city for dinner, here at the Osteria dei Baroncelli.

Afterwards we took a circuitous walk back to the hotel, through some of Florence's small backstreets - an introduction to the city before tomorrow's free afternoon.

Natural-born Italians?

Today's direction sign?

Strolling through the Uffizi.