Day 7 & 8 – Romagna Countryside, Emilia Food Valley Arrival in Florence
Today was a true highlight for food lovers as we traveled into the Emilia region, known as Italy’s culinary heart. At a local vocational high school dedicated to Culinary Arts and Agriculture, we were warmly welcomed by both students and teachers for an Impact Moment that celebrated the traditions of food and farming.
Here, we learned how the world-famous Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is made, following codes that date back to the 1300s. We also discovered the patient craft of aging Balsamic vinegar—a generational process that can take anywhere from 12 to 25 years. Some of our travelers even tried their hand at tending the barrels! Lunch was a treat: a farm-to-table meal prepared by the students using ingredients from their own farm.
From there, we continued to Florence (UNESCO)—the “Cradle of the Renaissance”—which will be our home for the next two nights. Walking through the streets, the details are astonishing: the tower rising above the rooftops, the ornate church tops catching the light, and statues that almost seem alive—like the face of a stone figure, or the angel poised with graceful wings.
Of course, Florence is magnificent, but for me, the city comes alive around the dining table. Tonight we gathered with friends in one of the city’s traditional restaurants. The table was beautifully set, and the food was divine—bruschetta layered with creamy cheese among the highlights. Later in the evening, we passed by a concert hall where a pianist filled the air with music, a perfect soundtrack to Florence’s timeless charm.
Florence also has a playful side. You’ll notice it in the little things—motorcycles lined up in threes on cobbled streets, a boy zipping past on his bike, or the simple beauty of a woman caught in the moment, framed by Florence’s light.
Tomorrow, we dive deeper into this city of art.
Day 8 – Florence: The Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence truly needs no introduction—it is itself a masterpiece. This morning, we set out with a local guide for a walking tour that traced the history of the Renaissance. We stood in awe at the Piazza del Duomo, admiring the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its intricate façade and dome, and then visited the Baptistery. At the Piazza della Signoria, we marveled at the Palazzo Vecchio and the many statues surrounding it.
To capture Florence in a few photos is impossible, but here are glimpses: our group enjoying breakfast pastries before the day began, a smiling photo with our bus driver who’s become part of the family, and a glass of wine raised in front of a church as we toasted to la dolce vita. Around every corner is discovery—an alleyway draped in shadows and flowers, church towers reaching skyward, and, naturally, more motorcycles and bicycles that add to Florence’s rhythm.
One of my personal favorite moments was standing in front of a display of armor—where I couldn’t resist a picture! There’s beauty in the details too: an ornate door handle, decorative carvings on a statue’s wall niche, and even graffiti that makes you pause and think.
The rest of the day was free for everyone to explore. Mara and I shared tips from my personal 12-page guide to Florence, helping friends decide between world-class museums like the Uffizi or the Accademia, where Michelangelo’s David awaits. Many also enjoyed shopping, cafés, and simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Our hotel couldn’t be in a better spot—just steps away from the Duomo, museums, and the city’s best boutiques. At night, we shared photos through our trip webpage, a fun way to see Florence through everyone’s eyes.
If you’d like to join us in the future, message me at www.destinationItalyByCocos.com and I’ll send you information about our 2025 tours.
If you’d like to travel to Italy with me as one of your personal guides, we go every spring and fall—just before and after the high season, when the crowds are lighter and the experience is even more enjoyable.
You can reach me directly at 615-474-5689 or by email at chuck@CocosItalianMarket.com. I’ll be happy to send you a list of our upcoming tours. You can also connect with us through our website: www.DestinationItalyByCocos.com.
Ciao for now,
Chuck
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Here’s a short video I put together to answer the most common questions about touring Italy with me:
https://youtu.be/mF4nbTMtXjM
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