We made it to Florence...

We made it to Florence, it is about a 4 hour drive from Naples and a sweet 25 Euro toll. Well worth the drive as always. We checked into a great hotel which is the Hotel Nizza. A small two star place 2 blocks from the Duomo (down town). It is a family owned place and incredibly clean and the concierge was very helpful and courteous. Breakfast was great, some good Muslix and meats and cheese. The best part only $51 a night. No elevator, so pack light, but that is the only draw back. If you go to Florence, you must stay here!!

Stay here in Florence

This is the place!!

On the River in Florence

In the Lonely Planet guide book the Trattoria Sostanza was recommended. The specialty of the house was the Butter Chicken and the Minestrone Soup, so of course we had to try both. It is a little hole in the wall type of place but the smells from the kitchen were wonderful. They are also famous for the Bistec al Florentine (steak of Florence) a 1lb slab of beef that is barely cooked. All the waiters were dressed in coats and ties, a really nice atmosphere. The chicken came out and was broiling in butter with a touch of lemon, the butter had just started to turn brown-blackish and was bubbling over. It was moist and delicious, a great tip from the book. The soup was also really good, different than expected, but delicious. The pasta in the soup was even al'dente!!