Since I am sightseeing machine and history nerd all rolled into one, I couldn't resist taking one last walk through the streets of Rome before we left for Florence. Our departure time the morning after our performance in Gallicano was set for 9:30 AM so this afforded me ample time. Using my Rick Steves Guide to Rome I set out on what he calls the "Pilgrim's Tour" of the city for two very important reasons: 1) most churches have free entry and 2) most churches open at 7:00 AM. Also this tour was the closest in proximity to our hotel.
On my tour I saw Santa Maria Maggiore, Santa Prassede, St. Peter in Chains (with Michelangelo's Moses - above), San Clemente, plus as an added bonus I went by the Roman Forum (attempting to get in for free only to find out that you have to pay). On my way back to the hotel I stopped by the Holy Stairs, right next to San Giovanni in Laterano, considered going up the stairs (you have to do it on your knees while praying - they have a list of prayers at the information kiosk), looked at my watch, realized that I didn't have time and that perhaps I should not "speed pray" past all of the other people up the stairs, said a quick "Hail Mary," and went back to the hotel to catch the bus.
After my whirlwind tour of Rome in the morning, I managed to get some rest on the bus as we headed to Florence. I remembered from my last trip that Florence was one of my favorite cities in Europe so I was excited to return. I was particularly excited because our tour manager somehow was able to score me ticket to the Uffizi Gallery (usually it is difficult to get in during peak season without waiting in a long line) with a timed entrance.
Upon arrival we met up with local guide who took us through the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David. This was particularly exciting because the same gallery also houses unfinished sculptures, including some for Pope Julius II's tomb, of which the Moses sculpture (the one I had just seen earlier that morning) was a part.
After the Accademia I visited the Uffizi Gallery with my timed entrance for a 45 minute whirlwind tour, then I climbed the bell tower next to the Duomo for some great panoramic vistas of the city, after which I booked it through the crowded streets to the Ponte Vecchio, and finished off my free time with a gelato. Not bad for a couple of hours in Florence!
From the Ponte Vecchio and gelato I met back up with the group at Santa Croce. We then walked to our bus, boarded, and headed off to our hotel in Montecatini Terme. Once we arrived we had a delicious dinner at our hotel and then we took a funicular up to the old medieval village, high above the valley floor - Montecatini Alto. The evening ended with a relaxed, peaceful stroll along the narrow medieval streets.
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