After taking in the sights on the Ponte Vecchio we arrived at the Pitti Palace and the majestic Boboli Gardens.

These beautiful formal gardens are situated behind the Pitti Palace which was the property of the Medici family.  This stunningly beautiful palace is the 2nd largest museum in Florence.

The gardens cover and area approx 45,000 metres and include statues from the 16 and 17th century.  There are many areas where you can sit and relax before continuing on your stroll through the many twists an turns.

I have read a number of reviews about the gardens and some have not been very encouraging saying they are drab and because the people went in July (summer) nothing was flowering.   However,  we were enamoured of the surroundings and we also went in July when it was hot.

The gardens are set out in such a way that there are fountains and statues hidden away in little grotto’s and every now and then you just happen upon an amazing piece of sculpture and this makes it interesting as you wander around.

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We are so excited to be here in Florence so we rise early and head down to partake of a very tasty buffet breakfast.

Everything, as usual in Italy,  is cooked to perfection, proscuitto, eggs – scrambled, poached and fried, an assortment of cheeses, breads, jams, little Italian sausages and fresh tomatoes gently grilled to perfection.

The breakfast room is abuzz with tourists from many countries all quickly downing a hearty feed before setting off for an exciting day of exploring.

Our first stop is the Ponte Vecchio on our way to the Pitti Palace of the Medici’s and the Boboli gardens.

The Ponte Vecchio is full of the hustle and bustle of tourists all taking in the amazing array of jewellery on display.

Hmmm I wonder if my husband would notice a new piece of jewellery, maybe I could tell him I have had it for years and he just hadn’t noticed it.