TravelStream™ news feed for member katstravel on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/katstravel en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:48 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/11/1257321039/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/11/1257321039/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/11/1257321039/tpod.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:00:48 -0500 Panama Canal

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Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

Cartagena is the jewel of Colombia; a true vacation paradise on the shores of the Caribbean Sea that invites visitors to revel in its scenic and cultural splendor. The city is divided into several regions, each with its own unique character and charm. You will most likely be spending the majority of your time in the downtown area, home to the Walled City, the Puerta del Reloj, the beautiful Plaza de San Pedro, as well as many museums and fine restaurants. The San Diego region of Cartagena is home to the Escuela de Bellas Artes (School of Fine Arts) as well as some superb vistas of the expansive Caribbean Sea. The Getsemani neighborhood is the site of many picturesque churches, including the glorious Iglesia de la Tercera Orden.Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia. Several years later, the Spanish empire decided to protect their new land from English, French, and Dutch pirates by constructing a walled fortress around the Old City. The remains of this fortress are still intact, but in the 16th century, it did little to deter invaders. Attacks by the French and British prompted the Spanish Empire to further fortify the city walls. Cartagena flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries as a major South American slave port, but today tourism is the backbone of the local economy.However, in recent years, Cartagena has seen far fewer tourists pass through its port. In general, political upheaval in Colombia has prompted many prospective travelers to look elsewhere for an ideal Caribbean cruise destination. Yet throughout the turmoil, Cartagena has fared tremendously, and the city is still a scenic and safe haven for all international travelers. If you are planning on exploring the surrounding regions of Colombia, be sure to speak with knowledgeable guides before doing so. If you confine your stay to seaside Cartagena, you will enjoy Caribbean vacation life at its finest.&nbsp; <img src="http://www.travelpod.com/dashboard/entry/images/arrow_up.gif" border="0">&nbsp; top &nbsp; Arrival InformationDocking in CartagenaCruise ships dock at the Port of Cartagena (tel. 05/660-7781), located at Colombia Manga at the Termincal Maritimo. Taxis and buses will be available at the port to take you to your destination in the city.Local Transportation in CartagenaCartagena is a fabulous walking city, therefore, you might find that the majority of your time here is spent on foot. You can take advantage of the city's affordable and prevalent taxis as well. If you can't hail a cab from the street, stop by one of the city's many hotels, and they'd be happy to call one to pick you up. In addition, you can rent a car while in Cartagena. Contact Hertz Rent-a-Car, located in the Hilton Cartagen (tel. 05/665-0661) at Avenida Almirante Brion.&nbsp; <img src="http://www.travelpod.com/dashboard/entry/images/arrow_up.gif" border="0">&nbsp; top &nbsp; Local InterestsThe Museo del Oro (tel. 05/660-0778), located at Centro Carrera 4, No. 33-26 in the Plaza de Bolivar, is a fascinating museum that specializes in the works and study of the Sinu culture, the original inhabitants of the Colombian coastal region. The museum specifically brings to light their great advancements in agriculture, social organization, and metalworking. The Museo del Oro is open from 8:30 to noon, and from 2-4 Monday through Friday.If you are a veteran history buff and would like to study the colorful past of Cartagena in great detail, you will love a trip to the Archivo Historica de Cartagena (tel. 05/664-7381), located at Centro Carr era 3, as well as the Biblioteca Bartolome Calvo Diaz (tel. 05/660-0777), located at Centro Calle de la Inquisicion No. 3-44. The Archivo Historica de Cartagena contains rare manuscripts and priceless photographs that take you back to Cartagena life during colonial times. Biblioteca Bartolome Calvo Diaz was named after Bartolome Calvo Diaz, a writer and poet who lived in Cartagena. It is a world-class research library containing many fascinating books and manuscripts, as well as beautiful stained-glass artwork inside the impressive architectural structure.Puerto del Reloj, located at Avenida Venezuela, is a famous clock-tower gate that signifies the entrance into the Corralito de Piedra (Old City). It is a tremendously popular meeting place with locals and tourists alike, who come here to marvel at the beautiful 16th and 17th century architecture and shop amongst the throngs of craftsman and local merchant kiosks.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1255562301/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1255562301/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1255562301/tpod.html Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:44:46 -0400 AMEX Mariners Club to New England and Canada

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Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

OverviewThe Mi'kmaq Indians, who lived undisturbed for thousands of years, originally settled Nova Scotia. John Cabot was the first European to step ashore, reaching Cape Breton Island in the late 15th Century. While the French were first to settle here, King James I of England proclaimed the area New Scotland, or Nova Scotia in Latin. The French and British fought bitterly over the area, with the French finally ceding the land in 1713 after signing the Treaty of Utrecht. Sydney is Nova Scotia's third largest city. With over 26,000 people calling Sydney home, the city has certainly come a long way from its roots as a British Loyalist haven. In 1785, Loyalists from New York decided to settle here and remain under British rule. Soon after, immigrants from Scotland arrived. Sydney didn't explode population-wise until the early 20th Century, when a steel plant opened in town, attracting people from all over Nova Scotia. Coal was discovered in mines nearby, and even more people came to Sydney. Sadly, all of this industry fouled up the environment around Sydney, and only now is the city taking proactive steps to fix the problem. More land has been designated for parks, and the people of Sydney have taken an active interest in repairing the damage done by their parents and grandparents. Today, Sydney is a town trying to forge a new identity as a naturalist's haven and a cultural center. There are museums that have preserved Sydney's roots, as well as outdoor adventure companies to cater to those who want a closer look at Sydney's natural beauty.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1255216561/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1255216561/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1255216561/tpod.html Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:32:02 -0400 AMEX Mariners Club to New England and Canada

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Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

OverviewOnce you get north of Mexico, Quebec City is the only walled city in the world. This distinct characteristic is one of the unique facets that make Quebec City a magnificent place to visit. The atmosphere, official language, and culture of the town is French, and this becomes evident as you find out that 95% of the population of the city speaks in the native French tongue. Who are we to speculate, but it is most likely that this homogeneity is the reason why there are many fewer conflicts in Quebec City than in other, more diverse Canadian cities. Other regions such as Montreal constantly struggle over the French-English rivalry that has haunted the cities for decades, and is only getting worse. Meanwhile, the Anglophones (English-speaking Canadians) who migrate to Quebec City, adopt the French language and live in harmony with the rest of the citizens. The streets are safe and the locals are friendly, and the majority of the 648,000 citizens speak enough English to communicate with you effectively.You should spend most of your time in the Vieux-Quebec district, which is the old walled portion of the city. Some of the best historical sights, restaurants and stores are here, and the surrounding architecture is glorious. The first colony in this region was built at Cape Diamond near the St. Lawrence River. This scenic area was home to traders, seamen, and merchants until the mid-1700�s, when a fire destroyed nearly everything. Thereafter, this portion of the city was rebuilt into a warehouse and wharf area, as the locals moved into much safer homes beyond the high cliffs of Quebec City. Over two hundred years later, the original Vieux-Quebec area is being rebuilt, with new cafes, entertainment, and shops to entice visitors. The ancient walled city is spectacular, and its location, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, is absolutely perfect. The air is fresh and the rustic granite houses beam with nostalgia, creating a lovely ambiance in picturesque Quebec City.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1255043723/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1255043723/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1255043723/tpod.html Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:27:18 -0400 AMEX Mariners Club to New England and Canada

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Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

OverviewHalifax is an historic site full of natural beauty and fun-filled learning centers. The museums that make up the downtown sector are tremendous, including the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which is an ocean lover's dreamland. The Halifax Harbor is gorgeous, and the area around it is exploding with life and activity. It is well protected and serene, and an afternoon by the harbor will calm even the most rattled nerves. The city is very close to major fishing spots, and if you are in the mood for some outstanding fishing opportunities, you will not have to look far. Halifax is home to 115,000 people, and in the last three decades, this charming port city has become the financial and commercial center of the Maritimes.Incredible as it may seem, behind Sydney, Australia, Halifax is home to the second-largest natural harbor in the world. As your cruise ship pulls in, you will instantly realize why you came to this youthful and pleasurable destination. There are a few top universities in Halifax, and there is certainly no shortage of top notch dining and shopping facilities. A few of the restaurants are absolute knockouts, and you could shop for days in this spectacular seaport. At night, Halifax is alive and kicking, with numerous desirable nightclubs, bars, and theatrical venues to catch your attention. The Citadel is a fortress made out of stone that is a popular landmark, and Spring Garden Road is the liveliest portion of Halifax. Recently, a great deal of work and construction has gone into improving the waterfront. The port and nearby area have enjoyed wonderful transformations, and the result is an elegant harbor that is more picturesque than ever. Boutiques and cafes have sprung up all over the place, and entertaining events such as the International Busker Festival occur all year long.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1254205367/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1254205367/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1254205367/tpod.html Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:24:31 -0400 AMEX Mariners Club to New England and Canada

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Portland, Maine, United States

OverviewPortland has an amazing history that stretches back over 350 years, and this wonderful town has blossomed into the largest city in Maine. This close-knit community is second only to San Francisco when it comes to restaurants per capita. Old brick buildings and cobblestone streets still exist, and the blend of past and present in Portland is exhilarating. In addition to the prevalence of dining facilities, there are an unbelievable number of stores and shopping complexes in the city. From small mom and pop boutiques to outstanding malls, Portland has the upper hand on upscale shopping. You will definitely see your share of dazzling jewelry and fine art, and there is no better place to see it than in the fabulous museums and art galleries. The Portland Museum of Art and the Bayview Gallery are two of the premier establishments in town, and the equally delightful Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company and Museum is always a treat. You can take a ride on an authentic old time train around the city's harbor and see many of the extraordinary sites that have stood for decades.Most of the city is compact and perfectly walkable. There is so much to see and do that you will never feel bored or disappointed. One thing for sure, you definitely will not go hungry or run out of places to shop! The Old Port District is the historic side of Portland, and it is a wonderful area reminiscent of America's humble beginnings.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1254203789/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1254203789/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/10/1254203789/tpod.html Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:13:25 -0400 AMEX Mariners Club to New England and Canada

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Bar Harbor, Maine, United States

OverviewBar Harbor combines beautiful, crisp weather with glorious sightseeing opportunities. Maine is a wonderful state to visit anytime of the year, and in the spring and summertime you could not ask for a more scenic location. In the winter, the weather is cold, but the new-fallen snow will have your eyes begging for more. The soft powder covers the area and it is an absolutely breathtaking sight to behold. There are several standout museums in Bar Harbor, and the Mount Desert Oceanarium, in particular, is outstanding. This city is a great place for the whole family, as there is a wide array of activities to captivate young and old alike. The dining in Bar Harbor is magnificent, and if you are a fan of lobster, you will adore the possibilities here. You can find surf and turf specials in numerous high-end restaurants, and a few places prepare magnificent meals that you will not soon forget. Pubs and bars line many of the streets, and if you enjoy good ale, Bar Harbor will definitely fit your style. The city is set up in a way that pleases the Maine locals and impresses tourists. There are a number of great historical spots, and you cannot visit Bar Harbor without visiting Acadia National Park. This destination is truly one of Mother Nature's greatest achievements, and the local government has made tremendous efforts to keep this park in its natural form. There is plenty for you to do in Bar Harbor, and both the shopping and the nightlife are rocking. From live music to the theater, the city offers plenty of great activities once the sun goes down.The harbor and docking area are exquisite, and seem like they have remained the same for years. The locals don't want their small town to change, but it is changing, and they are accepting this fact graciously. They understand that tourism is starting to grow as an industry, which is no wonder to anyone who has visited the area. Experience Bar Harbor and see the best of the Eastern United States.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/9/1240208880/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/9/1240208880/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/9/1240208880/tpod.html Wed, 08 Apr 2009 02:01:55 -0400 Oceania Insignia -

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Amalfi/Positano, Italy, Italy

OverviewAmalfi was once a major center of European culture and commerce. The mighty Republic of Amalfi thrived from the 9th Century through the 11th Century. It was home to 50,000 people, and an important player in the Mediterranean Sea trade. The maritime code created here, the Tavole Amalfitane, was adopted as the code of the entire Mediterranean for centuries. In the 1100�s, Amalfi's very own Flavio Gioia invented the compass. The art of paper-making was centered here, with the Republic bringing the craft with it on journeys to the rest of Europe and the Arab world. But over time, Amalfi's influence eroded, and attacks from Pisa to the north left the town deserted and powerless. Only recently has the city reinvented itself as a tourist attraction, with people drawn here by its small-town Italian charm, and the beautiful stretch of land known as the Amalfi Coast. Amalfi is on Italy's western coast, facing the Mediterranean Sea. Nearby is Mt. Vesuvius, the volcano that buried the ancient city of Pompeii. The island of Capri is just offshore. Naples, the region's largest city, lies northwest of Amalfi.&nbsp;&nbsp;Arrival InformationDocking in AmalfiCruise ships dock at the Port of Amalfi, along the Amalfi Coast. There is road access to the rest of the city from the port. Local Transportation in AmalfiBuses arrive and depart from P.F. Gioia, right on the waterfront. Buses leave approximately every hour and connect to Salerno to the east and Sorrento to the west. Ferries and hydrofoils also depart from the dock, with trips to Capri and Positano, among other places. For exploring Amalfi itself, taxis (tel. 089/872-239) are a fairly inexpensive way to get around.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local InterestsA good place to start is the tourist office (Corso delle Repubbliche Marinare 19-21, tel. 089/871-107). They'll provide you with maps and other basic information to help you plan your day. Amalfi's main point of interest is the Duomo (Piazza del Duomo, tel. 089/871-059). The cathedral was built in the 11th Century, and is named for Saint Andrew, or Sant Andrea in Italian. Like many cathedrals, there are steep steps that take you to the top, but once you get there the view is beautiful. Of particular interest at the Duomo are the bell tower and the bronze doors. The bell tower was added on to the cathedral in the 13th Century, while the bronze doors were imported all the way from Constantinople. To the left of the Duomo is the Cloister of Paradise, a graveyard founded in the 13th Century. There are old columns and statues still standing, along with a sarcophagus or two. The crypt of St. Andrew himself is here, but interestingly, his head lies in Patras, Greece. The pope donated his head to the city of Patras (presumably without Andrew's permission), but the rest of his body remains. A walk around Amalfi is a refreshing and aerobic way to see this quaint town. As you walk up Via Genova, you'll happen upon citrus groves and gardens. Pass through the Valley of the Mills, and stop by the Museum of Paper (Via Valle dei Mulini, tel. 089/872-615), which honors Amalfi's past as Italy's paper mill center. The Civic Museum (Piazza Municipio, tel. 089/871-001) has original copies of the Tavole Amalfitane, the maritime code drafted in Amalfi and used as the code for the entire Mediterranean Sea until the late 16th Century. There are also exhibits on Flavio Gioia, who invented the compass in the 1100�s.&nbsp;&nbsp;Activites &amp; EventsBeachesAmalfi's beaches are decent at best. Most of the coast around this town is rocky, so laying out can be painful if you aren't careful. For better beaches, take a short trip to the neighboring towns of Minori or Maiori. Both towns can be reached easily by bus. Both have little industry outside of tourism, and the locals are happy to be of assistance in pointing out the best beach spots in town. Emerald GrottoThrough a unique refraction of light, this cavern casts a green light across stalagmites and stalactites that have been forming for millions of years. Boats leave from Amalfi's dock twice an hour. Don't miss this eerie natural wonder! Shopping
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/9/1240122060/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/9/1240122060/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/9/1240122060/tpod.html Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:59:32 -0400 Oceania Insignia -

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Sorrento/Capri, Italy, Italy

OverviewSorrento has long held a special place in the heart of Italians. Its rugged beauty has attracted poets, philosophers, playwrights, and authors for centuries. Roman mythology places Sorrento as the spot where sailors were lured to their death by the songs of the sirens, mermaids who used their beautiful voices to lead men to their watery graves. It's said that the mythical hero Ulysses stuffed his crew's ears with wax to deafen them and strapped himself to the ships hull in order to resist their allure. Today, the city is still every bit as alluring. Sorrento is on the beautiful Amalfi Coast, a strip of land in Western Italy that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The small island of Capri is just three miles off shore, and one of Italy's most beautiful (but dangerous) roads winds along from Sorrento, through Amalfi and into Salerno. Sorrento is equidistant from both Naples and Salerno, exactly 43 miles away from each. Vic Damone's tear-jerking hit, Come Back to Sorrento may become your theme song once you visit this little slice of paradise.&nbsp;Arrival InformationDocking in SorrentoCruise ships dock at the Port of Sorrento, in Sorrento. There is easy access to the rest of town, as well as access to ships leaving for Capri. Local Transportation in SorrentoThere are trains that leave twice an hour and travel between Sorrento, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Naples. Ferries and hydrofoils run between Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri, and Naples. Buses travel to Amalfi on an hourly basis.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local InterestsThe tourist office (Via de Maio 35, tel. 081/807-4033) is right near port, so it's a great place to start planning your itinerary during your stay in Sorrento. Sorrento is not known as a place steeped in culture and history, especially compared to other places in Italy. As a result, there aren't too many museums and churches of note. However, there are a couple of spots that will hold your interest. Piazza Tasso is the central meeting place in Sorrento. This is the best spot for people watching, and there are lots of shopping and dining options in the immediate vicinity. Just north of Piazza Tasso is the Museo Correale di Terranova (Via Correale, tel. 081/878-1846). The former palace now displays antiques, sculptures, and artwork. The well kept gardens make for a lovely stroll, especially in the summer months. A craft that has turned into a tradition in Sorrento is intarsia, or wood inlaying. A museum has been erected, the Museo della Tarsialignea (Via San Nicola 1, tel. 081/877-1942), to ensure the dwindling art's continuity. The Chisea di San Francisco (Via San Francisco, tel. 081/878-1269) still stands from the 1300�s. The garden is particularly beautiful here, and during the summertime there are live jazz and classical music performances nightly. Try to make your way to the Sorrento Peninsula to catch a fabulous sunset. A trip along the Amalfi Coast or a short ferry ride to Capri are other options for the traveler with time to kill in Sorrento. In Capri, be sure to visit the Grotta Azzurra, or Blue Grotto. The refraction of the sun's rays through the water bathes the grotto in brilliant blue light.
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Olbia/Porto Cervo (Sardinia), Italy, Italy

Olbia, Italy&nbsp;&nbsp;Information by Rough Guides Awash with traffic and ugly apartment blocks, OLBIA is the least Sardinian of all the island's towns. Its port and airport, however, make it an inevitable stop for some and its numerous bars and restaurants are generally crowded with tourists, sailors from the port and US service personnel from the nearby NATO bases.If you're stuck for an afternoon here, you might as well visit the town's only item of historical interest, the little basilica of San Símplicio, on the street of the same name. The simple granite structure is set in a piazza apart from Olbia's bustle, making it a good spot for a sit down. Claimed to be the most important medieval monument in the whole of Gallura - a region hardly famed for its artistic heritage - the church formed part of the great Pisan reconstruction programme of the eleventh and twelfth centuries, though, it must be said, it is the least interesting example of it. Its murky interior has three aisles separated by pillars and columns recycled from Roman constructions, and even the stoup for the holy water was formerly an urn that held cremated ashes.The church is the venue for Olbia's biggest festa, six days of processions, costumed dancing, poetry recitations, traditional games and fireworks around May 15, commemorating San Símplicio's martyrdom in the fourth century.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/9/1239948720/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/9/1239948720/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/katstravel/9/1239948720/tpod.html Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:53:10 -0400 Oceania Insignia -

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Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy, Italy

OverviewFlorence was the birthplace of the European Renaissance in the 14th Century. By the time it ended, an entire continent had been ushered through the Dark Ages and into a vibrant world full of indescribable artistic beauty. The achievements of the Renaissance have been preserved and lovingly cared for by the city, and today a visit to Italy is not complete without paying homage to Florence. The Medici family was largely responsible for the flourishing of Florence (Firenze in Italian). Through their leadership and patronage, artists like Botticelli and Michelangelo were encouraged to produce masterpieces like the Birth of Venus and David. Advancements in architecture, the likes of which hadn't been seen before in Europe, led to the construction of the Duomo's dome and Grotto's bell tower. But before you think that Florence is a city trapped in the past, know that it is a highly modernized Italian town, with most locals navigating the swamped city streets with cell phones in hand. They are sometimes exasperated by the influx of tourists, particularly in the summer, but they have come to accept tourism as a necessary evil that provides a healthy boom to the Florentine economy. Florence has also emerged as one of the leading shopping and dining destinations in Italy, if not in all of Europe. While Milan and Rome best Florence in the sheer number of shops and restaurants, respectively, a case can be made for Florence's quality, especially when it comes to Florentine leather and jewelry, or Tuscan wine. A word about street addresses in Florence. Visitors are often confused because addresses seem to overlap. The city has designated that commercial enterprises be numbered in red, and all others in black. All addresses listed in this guide are in black unless otherwise noted. Be sure to purchase a map while in town to help you get around.&nbsp;Arrival InformationDocking in FlorenceCruise ships dock at the Port of Livorno, with transportation available at the dock to take you into the heart of Florence. Local Transportation in FlorenceAlthough Florence is a large metropolitan city, the city's layout allows for a majority of attractions to be viewed on foot. There are many pedestrian-only zones in the area, and signs posted everywhere to direct you to various attractions. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be covering lots of ground. Taxis (tel. 055/4390) are ubiquitous, especially in the vicinity of the larger tourist attractions. Buses are also everywhere, but routes change almost daily, and if you're not careful, you'll end up on the wrong route. Bicycles and scooters are available for rent, but only for people who are very confident in their riding abilities. The streets of Florence are difficult to maneuver, and sometimes it seems like traffic is coming at you from every direction.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local InterestsThe biggest problem facing travelers in Florence is how to fit all there is to see here into a single day. For that reason, the focus of this guide will be on the three biggest attractions in Florence, places that you simply cannot miss, just in case you never get the chance to come back. Simply stated, the Uffizi Gallery (Piazzale degli Uffizi 6, tel. 055/238-85) is one of the best art galleries in the world. You could spend a month in this single museum and still not have the time to fully appreciate each piece of art. The collection was a gift from the Medici family to the people of Florence after the family had been collecting the pieces for over three hundred years. There are 45 rooms bursting with paintings from some of the finest Renaissance artists, including Botticelli, da Vinci, Raphael, and Rembrandt. The Uffizi is always packed, and purchasing tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line is advised. The Academy Gallery (Via Ricasoll 60, tel. 055/238-8609) seems fairly unremarkable when compared to the Uffizi. But the Academy holds the trump card � Michelangelo's David. The statue once stood in Piazza della Signoria with common statues before being moved in 1873 to its own throne here. David is simply awe-inspiring, much bigger in real life than most people imagine. There are other Michelangelo sculptures at the gallery, but much as one goes to the Louvre in Paris to see the Mona Lisa, you will want to spend the majority of your time here marveling at Michelangelo's masterpiece. The Duomo (Piazza del Duomo, tel. 055/230-2885) is one of the crown jewels of Florentine architecture; one of the largest churches in the world. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, it took centuries to complete, with construction beginning in 1296 and the finishing touches applied in the 1800�s. It takes time and effort to climb up to the top of the cathedral, but you'll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic vista of the entire city.
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