If the bright lights and speeding Vespas of Rome have become more than a slight annoyance to a travel weary body a welcome reprieve can be found a brief hour and a half train ride into the heart of Tuscany. Where common first impressions of Rome are those of a highly cosmopolitan city, within one’s first moments on Florentine soil relief is a more expected emotion. With a more Americanized feel to the city and a substantially reduced threat of death by Italian vehicle the appeal of Florence runs deep. For a traveler with only a long weekend to spare (and a limited college-student’s budget) an acceptable taste of Florence ’s main sites is not impossible. Start your trip with a leisurely afternoon of city orientation through shopping on Florence ’s famed Ponte Vecchio. After wandering the jewelry-lined bridge even the most enduring traveler may feel those inevitable hunger pangs set in. A lovely bar (or what Americans would call “café”) that serves steaming Italian Cioccolata in a plethora of flavors and a comfortable table for hours of conversation can be found on Cerratani Boulevard . As the evening approaches any number of restaurants and pubs are readily available to continue one’s Florentine experience well into the night. In particular Michael Collins Irish Pub in the Piazza Della Signora (right behind the Uffizi Gallery) offers a charming ambience, live music nightly, a friendly staff and a diverse crowd. On your second day of travel visitations to the city’s major sites is advised. Start the morning at the Academia Museum known as the home of Michelangelo’s stunning “David” sculpture. For little more than 6 euros travelers can take in all this sculpture has to offer, even if the quaint museum offers little else. Next travelers should head to Florence ’s signature monument, the Duomo, for a mid-day panoramic view of the city. The first dome built since ancient Roman times, it still towers over all other buildings in the city. For 5 euro you can climb all grueling 463 steps to the top. Prepare reservations for your next stop well in advance. Florence ’s world-famous art museum, The Uffizi Gallery, is hailed as the home of the world’s greatest collection of Italian art. Tickets for entrance can run you up to 15 euros if you order on-line, instead save almost 6 euro by ordering through their telephone reservation system. If these suggestions have left you wanting more of Florence and little weekend time left to see it fear not for if this “birthplace of the Renaissance” can survive decades of tourists it will most likely welcome travelers back for centuries to come. (written for my Travel Journalism course while studying abroad in Rome, Italy)

The Campanile (bell tower) is located next to the Duomo and is also made from the same pink, white and green marble. It is 82 metres high and work commenced on it back in the mid 1300's. For around 6 euros you can climb the 414 steps to the top, for fabulous views across the city and the neighboring Duomo. Best to climb after a quick espresso - you will need the caffeine to help propel you to the top - those stairs are a killer!!

Florence is the perfect Italian city for leisure travel in many ways, not the least of which is its world-class museums. Two of the most famous works of art, Michelangelo Buonarroti's David and Sandro Botticelli's Birth of Venus , are displayed here, along with many, many other top examples of Renaissance art.

Visit Florence was a crazy option because I had only one free day in italy and it was either have stay at Roma or do an "express" visit to Florence. Thank God trains are really fast there and I have the privilege to spend an amazing day surrounding by such beaty and culture.The view from the MICHELANGELO square is so UOHH

A visit to the Accademia in Florence is a must but make sure you purchase your tickets ahead of time to avoid the long line up. Later in the afternoon, walk along Viale Giuseppe Poggi, the long, winding street up to Piazzale Michelangelo and then stay for the sunset. It's a view you'll never forget.