Florence, Italy 25 August 2023
Florence, the city of the lily, gave birth to the Renaissance and changed the way we see the world. For centuries it has captured the imaginations of travelers, who have come seeking rooms with views and phenomenal art. Florence's is a subtle beauty, its staid, unprepossessing palaces built in local stone are not showy, even though they are very large.
They take on a certain magnificence when day breaks and when the sun sets; their muted colors glow in this light. A walk along the Arno offers views that don't quit and haven't much changed in 700 years; navigating Piazza della Signoria, always packed with tourists, requires patience. There's a reason why everyone flocks here, however: it's the heart of the city, and home to the Uffizi, the world's finest repository of Italian Renaissance art. Florence was "discovered" in the 1700s by upper-class visitors from everywhere making the grand tour. Today millions of us follow in their footsteps. When the sun sets over the Arno and, as Mark Twain described it, "overwhelms Florence with tides of color that make all the sharp lines dim and faint and turn the solid city to a city of dreams," it's hard not to fall under the city's spell.
The ship arrives Florence at 07:00AM
Breakfast onboard ship at the Marketplace buffet.
PRINCESS TOUR: CINQUE-TERRE (10HRS)
I have been to Florence before so I will take a tour to Cinque Terre. This is one of the most popular spots in Italy.
"Charming" and "breathtaking" are adjectives that get a workout when you're traveling in Italy, but it's rare that both apply to a single location. The Cinque Terre is such a place, and this combination of characteristics goes a long way toward explaining its tremendous appeal. The area is made up of five tiny villages (Cinque Terre literally means "Five Lands") clinging to the cliffs along a gorgeous stretch of the Ligurian coast. The terrain is so steep that for centuries footpaths were the only way to get from place to place. It just so happens that these paths provide beautiful views of the rocky coast tumbling into the sea, as well as access to secluded beaches and grottoes.
Despite summer crowds, much of the original appeal is intact. Each town has maintained its own distinct charm, and views from the trails in between are as breathtaking as ever.
Here is what I will see:
Monterosso
The largest and most famous of the five villages of the Cinque Terre, Monterosso is divided into two distinct parts, with a medieval castle at the junction of the two. The old town, Monterosso Vecchi, is perched on the hill of San Cristoforo and charms with its narrow alleys lined with brightly colored multistory houses. Here, you can find the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Piazza Garibaldi, and the Town Hall. The modern side of the village is famed for its promenade that runs along the Ligurian Sea. I'll sample a selection of local pesto and wine, gastronomic highlights of this region. Then, enjoy lunch while I explore this charming village.
Manarola
Considered the oldest town in the Cinque Terre, Manarola is as sweet as its famous Sciacchetrà wine. This ancient village overlooks the sea, and some of the homes look as if they might slip into the bright blue water at any moment. Among the medieval relics that can be found are an ancient water wheel, the Gothic, 14th-century Church of Saint Lorenzo, dating back to 1338 with brilliantly painted frescos inside.
Vernazza
Officially recognized as "one of the most beautiful towns of Italy," Vernazza is a traffic free village whose castle is the oldest surviving fortification in the Cinque Terre.
The minibus ride travels to areas not accessible by larger vehicles and offers a unique and up-close perspective, taking in the spectacular beauty and romance of Cinque Terre, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Cinque Terre means Five Lands, an Italian region of Liguria that is made up of five, small, coastal villages. You'll see Manarola and Monterosso up close, admiring the small towns that cling to the Ligurian cliffs, studded with candy-hued buildings, old castles and centuries-old churches. From the motorboat, take in the picturesque views of the whole Cinque Terre, passing the village of Corniglia.
The ship sails at 7:00PM
Dinner at 8:30PM in the Capri diningroom
After dinner there is a show in the main show lounge.
The perfect end to a cruise day is a stop at the casino.
Overnight onboard Enchanted Princess
