Epic Honeymoon - Day 11 - Florence & Prada Outlet

Firenze in all her glory.

The next day had been earmarked for a shopping trip for Avy. Not too far from Florence is the Prada Outlet in Montevarchi town called Space. The train there took about 45 minutes, and from there, you can catch a dedicated shuttle bus to the outlet. However, there is also a local bus option if you take the bus bound for Levane; it’s only 4 stops to the outlet and will cost about €1.30 per person. We went with this option, and picked up tickets for the bus at the local Tabacchi – from the station, cross the main road and walk to the right; you can’t miss it. The bus terminal is then further up the same road and then to the right.

Arriving at Montevarchi station.

The Tabacchi just near the station where we bought our bus tickets.

As a guy, of course I didn’t find the Prada outlet that exciting, but it wasn’t an excursion for me! I’d already promised Avy she could shop for a new bag, and she’s quite an efficient shopper, actually.

Prada "Space" Outlet, Montevarchi.

At least they had free Wi-Fi for the guys! Haha.

We were done within 1.5 hours, taking the bus and train back to Florence and arriving in the early afternoon and heading out to find some food. We settled on L’Imperatore Ristorante Pizzeria, which is only a 5 minute walk from our AirBnB. They offer a a la carte, but also a few set menus, which is relatively common across Italy. I sat down to try the Florentine special, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is a T-bone steak, typically 600g or more, accompanied by roast potatoes. I’d heard good things about these before we arrived. It was okay, but admittedly, this restaurant is not exactly the sort of place that is going to be known for this dish. Certainly try the Bistecca during your visit, but maybe not here. Avy’s menu on the other hand included pasta and pork scallops, and she was more than pleased with the offering.

Bistecca alla Fiorentina for me; Penne all'arrabbiata for Avy.

Outside the restaurant.

We walked a different route and found ourselves at Piazza della Signoria, home to various museums, and the original installation site of Michaelangelo’s infamous ‘David’ sculpture. The original is of course no longer here, now living in Galleria del’Accademia, but a copy of ‘David’ stands in the same location as the original once stood. There are various other copies of ‘David’ around Florence, too.

Imitation "David" in Piazza della Signorina.

We crossed the Arno again, further east this time, and followed the signs up to Piazzale Michaelangelo which offers a fantastic 180+ degree view over Florence’s skyline. From here, you can see everything in one go, and is also a nice place to watch the sunset – if only the sun actually set over the city! But I guess they weren’t thinking about photo opportunities back when they designed Florence!

The long climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo.

But hey - the view is kinda worth it!

Back in town, we stumbled across the Santa Croce by accident. Here lies the final resting place of many of Florence’s most famous names. It was closed when we went by, but we just admired the outside and the adjoining plaza before moving along. We paid another visit – as I mentioned earlier – to our friend Edoardo for a late afternoon gelato; a nice way to full stop another day in Florence.

Santa Croce, complete with Dante Aligheri pulling an angry face.

Not really sure what this sign was warning us of.

Come hang out with David on Day 12!