DAY 34 - LASTRA A SIGNA to FLORENCE - 24 May 2026

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Another late start today, partially because we only had a short distance to cover but also because we were enjoying the best buffet breakfast yet, as well as conversation with our hosts and the other guests. These small interactions are some of the highlights of travel.

After a downhill stretch we spent most of the walk beside or near the Arno river. It was a lovely green way to come into Florence. There were small farms and a few fruit trees along the path. It was flat and warm and we shared the track with joggers and cyclists. Eventually we arrived at the Cascine gardens and sat down for a cold drink at the cafe there.

The gardens were long and shady and provided some bird photography opportunities. We exited at markets, stretched along the Arno, and bought a mortadella and tomato schiacciata for lunch.

We left the Arno to navigate to our hotel, starting to see some of the hordes of tourists everyone had warned us about.

After a short rest, we headed out for a walk, very excited to be in Florence with the cathedral just around the corner. We wandered the streets, stopping for a pasta dinner, and ended up back at the Arno in 'the golden hour'. To round off our day, we ate a gelato in the Piazza della Signoria.

With Monica and Giuseppe, the wonderful hosts at Le Corti Agriturismo Olio e Vino
This way to Florence
A grass path led us to the cycleway along the Arno
Heading for Florence
An agricultural backdrop to this part of the path
The cycleway along the Arno, which we shared with numerous cyclists and joggers
Today's refreshment stop, on the edge of the Cascine Gardens 
Statue of an Indian prince 
Walking through the Cascine Gardens 
Looking for lunch
Eating our schiacciata as we wandered through the market
Look - at glimpse of the Duomo
Admiring the replica doors of the Baptistry
Some of the hordes of fellow tourists we had been warned about
Duomo
Duomo
Florence market scene with Duomo in the background
Dinner
Santa Croce
The Piazzale Michelangelo was lined with people waiting for the sunset
A lamp-post by the Ponte Vecchio 
Ponte Vecchio 
Sunset from the Ponte Santa Trinita
Admiring the Ponte Vecchio from the Ponte Santa Trinita
Some of Florence's marvellous statues
Piazza della Signoria at dusk
Some bits and pieces from today
Birds 
Day 34 - Map

Day:                               34
Distance:                      17.71 km
Walking time:               3 hrs 49 mins
Elevation gain:             63 metres
Cumulative distance:  662.96 km

Comments

  1. Richard Morrow25 May 2026 at 05:04

    Great photos guys, esp the cover. And fast walking- you are not messing around!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barkers25 May 2026 at 07:39

      Thanks Richard, some days faster than others. Our road walking speed is usually quite quick, our track walking where there might be birds often quite slow...

      Delete
  2. Anonymous25 May 2026 at 07:28

    Today’s birds: Common Hoopoe (nice photo btw), you’re not giving me much to go on! either Mallard or Northern Shoveler both have orange legs but lack of obvious white flank make me lean toward Mallard, Ring-necked Pheasant, Western Cattle Egret, Italian Sparrow, Grey Heron

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barkers25 May 2026 at 07:40

      🤣 Glad we gave you a challenge today!

      Delete
  3. Anonymous25 May 2026 at 11:32

    Definitely having your A Room with View moments…just lovely 🥰

    ReplyDelete
  4. Barkers25 May 2026 at 22:17

    No view from our window but we're certainly enjoying Florence!

    ReplyDelete

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