Florence notes from a friend

Amanda - I've never been, but a firend has.  Here are
some liner notes about Florence...I'll post his Venice overview too!

 

I suggest climbing to the top of the Duomo
and also visiting the Uffizi. All the places to
eat were exceptional but our favorite was a cafe on the north end of the
main square - don't remember the name but it was wonderful.  Also one must
go stand on the point in the square (well marked) where Girolamo
Savonarola was burned at the stake for teaching reform of the church. He
slightly preceded Luther and therefore was
tolerated less - especially as he was more political.

 

If you’re visiting Florence,
a stop in Siena is recommended too!  There is a wonderful restaurant
there that I can’t recall since it has been almost two years, but I can
tell you it was the first street to the left of the tower in the main square
when facing tower. Just head down the street about 40 yards and it is a
little place on the right with the bar near the entrance. 
Exceptional!  If you talk to the owner you find out that he is an expert
at creating gluten-free pastas