February in Florence

February 22, 2011

Golden buildings, elegant arches, naked statues, stark winter branches against bright blue skies, museums, and lots of gelato: we took a chance and decided to spend a long weekend in Florence. It felt risky because the weather forecast called for rain and I dreaded leaving the Sicilian sun for a cold, dreary, and wet weekend. I am glad we took the chance. We only had one rainy day and even that wet day turned out to be a good one.
We never waited in any lines. We got super cheap airline tickets and had our pick of apartment rentals at low season rates (we loved Casa Caterina). The only tour groups we encountered were friendly Japanese tourists. In fact, I think I spoke more Japanese than Italian all weekend which was kind of surreal. We slept late, we wandered, we ate well, and then we came home. It turns out that February in Florence can be quite fun.
Nancy said...

You *lucky* ducks.

I've been to Florence once for a long weekend myself--when I was pregnant with E and my husband had a conference there. We went in February, too, I think!? I have never forgotten a single minute of our time there. Oh, to go back!

You definitely did the right thing.

se7en said...

Oh you visited our favorite city in the world... love the photos!!!

Corinne said...

I look at those pictures and marvel that people can live in that absolutely stunning place. So glad it was a good weekend :)

likeschocolate said...

Jealous!

Manny said...

Florence in February is the BEST!! Kathy and I went all the time in the off season. Loved it!

Dana said...

Lucky you.
I've also been in January. . . but really, it's just too dang cold for all the outside wandering. Maybe that offsets dealing with the tour groups. . . maybe.

It's getting a tiny bit warmer by the day here. Tiny.
D

Francesca said...

I love Florence in all seasons, even if it's too hot and muggy in the summer and too cold and humid in the winter. It's where I dream to live (better, in the Tuscan countryside). Can't afford it, but I'm lucky, as my sister lives there, and she welcomes visitors :)

Heather said...

Lovely! I especially love the next-to-last shot, with the archways.

Sue said...

I think I feel a tantrum coming on... I want to go to Florence too!!!

Beautiful photos - so glad for you that the weather cooperated.

Juniper said...

Sounds like a perfect weekend break and with such surroundings! Glad you all had such nice time, very sweet family photo!

Camels & Chocolate said...

Oooh Florence is my favorite Italian city. I can't wait to make it back there! Florence in February looks a lot like San Francisco in February: crisp, blue skies with slight cloud coverage; a bit nippy but nothing unbearable. Fun!

Surf and Sangria said...

Curious, did you end up staying at Palazzo Gamba?

Unknown said...


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