Florence

You wouldn't have needed a brain the size of a planet to realise we spent almost two weeks in Italy in June. One of those weeks was in a villa in Poggio alla Croce, 20km to the south of Florence.

We visited Florence for one day, catching the early train from Figline Valdarno to Firenze Campo di Marte station, then walking to the Uffizi Gallery via breakfast. In this case breakfast was in a cafe in the San Ambrogio market, Caffe Barni Di Baracani Paolo.

After a highlights of the Uffizi Gallery tour we had gelati at Caffè Perseo on the recommendation of our guide. Reflection makes it the best gelato of our holiday - a pity as it was also the first.

Gelati efficiently disposed of (which counted as a late morning tea) we went to lunch at a gluten free restaurant via a glance at the Duomo. Not from any gluten free necessity, but because I was curious about Italian gluten free. Restaurant Quinoa was delicious, and can be thoroughly recommended.

 Restaurant Quinoa. You can see Rosy, JB and myself if you know where to look

After lunch we walked across the Ponteveccio, finding another gelateria, before returning to the main station for a train home. Having an hour to wait, and the weather being stinking hot, we managed to find an air-conditioned cafe for a drink.

I really like Florence, but have never been there in summer before. I think we will return, but in March. I don't know if we will totally dodge the crowds, but at least the temperature will be less challenging. I doubt if we will eat less gelati though.