A great breakfast was the kick our "leisurely day" needed. The rooftop nook at the hotel had more of those tasty red oranges I've come to like, and coffee, meats, cheese, and bread to boot! Much appreciated view and vittles.

Our morning schedule consisted of attractions in the Duomo area. We arrived early and checked out the sites and sounds. It was quiet and prior to the throng of visitors we would see later. The church is undergoing restoration work, and we could see that the face of the basilica had been recently completed. Our first stop was between the Duomo and the Baptistery, in what's become aptly nicknamed "Paradise". It was a great chance to examine the famous golden doors of the Baptistery, and the panels that depict scenes from the Old Testament.

A museum directly behind the Duomo, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, excellently interprets some the art and architectural history (in Italian and English). We were the first visitors, and had the place to ourselves for about an hour. A Michelangelo Pieta, set in a room by itself and completed with the purpose of being part of his eventual tomb, was beautifully displayed. As well, we enjoyed learning about the plates from the bronze door of the Baptistery. Unique artifacts such as bone filled church ornaments and friezes that showcased the lives of Florence artisans. Great visit in an eclectic collection!!!

Inside the Duomo (or more appropriately Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore) we enjoyed a quiet walk around the central nave. Capped by Brunellischi's Dome, the cathedral is the cumulation of centuries of work. We sat and wandered freely inside. It is in many ways, the focal point of the city of Florence.

Just outside the Duomo, Jane found a small shop where she bought a doll for Monica. From there we wandered towards the location for our timed entry to the statue of David. On our way we stopped for lunch with a group of school children in Florence's Piazza San Marco... we had the pigeons (and kids) going crazy. We also visited San Marco church directly across the street. A real working church... with freely swinging doors and a steady flow of patrons moving in and out.

We then headed early for Accademia, hoping to gain early access (which we did). I very much enjoyed Galleria del Accademia in Florence. My highlights were Michelangelo's unfinished works as well as the masterful David which takes a focal position in the gallery. I sat for quite a while looking at the statue of David from multiple angles. It is really amazing... I can't begin to imagine the skill and time it must have taken to create. Powerful piece of art!!!

We were absolutely ready for something different at this point. Jane's idea was to take what I coined a Scottish "Bus Tour". We hopped on one of the first buses we saw, and followed it through to its eventual return. Only responsibility was to sit and watch for a one hour tour!!! At a dollar each, what could go wrong? It worked out great, but did last a bit longer than we thought. We did have reserved train tickets to Venice... but were back in plenty of time.

Our last stop, directly across from the train station, was Basilica di Santa Maria Novella. We walked around to the entrance and a piazza busy with tourists and gypsy alike. We gained entry and roamed the interior gazing at the ceiling and artwork. The Santa Maria Novella complex holds some of the most important works of art of Florence's history, including fresco cycles by Ghirlandaio and Lippi and masterpieces of the likes of Giotto and Brunelleschi. Another amazing Italian place of worship.

From there we picked up our bags and caught the 4:30 pm train to Venice. We had a quiet trip to Venezia Santa Lucia Station, nestled within a group of older Japanese tourists that were obviously creating art as they traveled. Within moments of our arrival we were checked in and headed out for groceries. After a brief search we located the local Co-op (supermercato) and prepped for the evenings adventure... a visit to Piazza San Marco via vaporetta. We purchased 24 hour passes, and had an amazing evening boat ride to and from St. Mark's Square. We strolled the square, promenade and winding streets before heading back for a light evening meal. Wow... we were in Venice and had sailed the Grand Canal!!!