Florence

We took the train from Naples to Florence

We stayed at "First of Florence" in their largest apartmentand it was wonderful.  We would definately stay here again:

When we arrived the apartment wasn't ready yet, so we had lunch across the street from apartment with great views of the Duomo:

After getting settled into room, it was time for the able bodied among us to climb the 463 stairs to the top of the Doumo for the wonderful views over Florence and the inside. 

Tim and I along with Joe and Brian enjoyed the Duomo from the ground:

Joe studying the map

We then walked down toward Ponte Vecchio bridge and bought some art along the way. 

We were taking photos and having a look around Piazza Signoria when some music started and then everyone started starring at the top of the Palazzo Vecchio Palace.  Much to our suprise, we were just in time for an acrobatic performance --get this--on the side of the building.  Tim told everyone I planned it :)  News crews were there and filmed Joe watching the show. 

We then made our way to the Ponte Vecchio for sunset followed by an uneventful ( extremely slow service) dinner:

The next morning, Joe and Tim slept in while the rest of us went to the Accademia art gallery to see Michelangelo's sculpture of David which was phenomenal.  Sadly, no pictures allowed inside. Then it was off to power shop before our afternoon train to Venice.  We visited the Mercado Centrale and got lots of olive oil and balsamic vinegar and then hit the stalls for leather jackets, purses, belts and wallets.