| The
One Thing You Don't Want to Miss |
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| When you're in the area, you'll definitely want to
explore Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Start by visiting the church of Santa Croce, known as Italy's
Westminster Abbey because of the Italian monarchy buried there. View
the 14th-century interior and marvel at one of the finest examples
of Florentine Gothic decoration. Stop at the Piazza del Duomo in
Florence, where the cathedral, bell tower and baptistery share the
same square. Then stop in the Piazza della Signoria, the city's
largest square, and gaze upon a copy of Michelangelo's David and the
Loggia dei Lanzi. |
| Other
Fun Things to Do |
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Shop for souvenirs at the famed Ponte Vecchio in Florence. |
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Explore the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, home to works by
Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael
and Rubens. |
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Visit the Field of Miracles in Pisa, and discover one of
the world's most amazing sights - the Campanile, or Leaning
Tower. Learn the fascinating details about this famous bell
tower, such as how it leans a bit more every year and has
now reached over 14 feet out of perpendicular. |
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Take a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside,
enjoying its soft, rounded hills, the medieval architecture
of its villages and the silver green of the olive trees
mingling with the dark-green of the cypress trees. Stop in a
local winery to sample some of its delicious product. |
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| Get
a Taste of Local Flavor |
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| Every area of Italy is known for its
unique cuisine and pasta dishes. Try fazzoletti, pasta filled with
ricotta cheese and spinach. Other Tuscan specialties are: ribollita,
a variation on minestrone; papardelle, broad noodles; stracotto, a
beef stew with beans; and bistecca alla fiorentina, a
charcoal-grilled T-bone steak marinated in olive oil and black
pepper. |
| Local
Currency |
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| The Euro (EUR), the currency of the
European Union, is the official currency of Italy. Many stores and
restaurants also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you
a good exchange rate. When shopping, remember there is a Value-Added
Tax added to most purchases. |
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