This morning, we zig-zag our way down from Villa Cora, stopping by gems such as the Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte, considered the finest Romanesque church in Tuscany, and taking in the marvelous views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo.  Following the green paths and crossing the River Arno, we continue onto the charming neighborhood of Santa Croce, with its sublime Basilica adorned with frescoes by Giotto and the final resting place for the likes of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo.

With a free afternoon in Florence, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps you’ll join Dana on a ladies’ raid of her favorite shoe shops.  Or visit more of the city’s museums (don't miss Palazzo Vecchio) or exhibitions (we love Palazzo Strozzi).  We can point you to all the best places.  Make sure to leave a little time to pack back at Villa Cora and gussy up, as we have fabulous dinner plans.

This evening, we’ll clink glasses with Florentine nobility, as we are invited to a private dinner at the Gondi family’s palazzo. The elegant Palazzo Gondi was constructed by the inimitable Giuliano da Sangallo in 1498 and is still ornamented with Renaissance-era furniture and grand portraits of this powerful family. It is one of the very few palaces in Florence still owned by the family who commissioned it over 500 years ago. After a tour of the palazzo, our hosts will guide us onto the magnificent terrace for a bubbly aperitivo before a delectable  dinner. The views onto the Duomo, so close you can almost touch it, will take your breath away.

VILLA CORA (B, R, D)