Our full day in Florence was excellent. We checked out the Duomo, the main cathedral there, in the morning, and climbed to the top of the dome, which was considered an engineering marvel when it was completed in 1436. It was wider, taller and heavier than any dome before it, and is actually two domes, one within the other, built of brick. We climbed up in between the two to the viewing place at the top. Fantastic. The interior was also spectacular. We later walked up to the Giardino delle Rose from where you can get a great view of Florence, spread out below.

Because it was a Monday many of the museums were closed, so we stuck to parks and churches mostly that day - saving quite a bit of money!

Later in the day we looked in some shops and walked around more of the ancient streets, before showering up before dinner and having another ‘square meal’. Excellent day.