Full on

Well, I chose this lovely domed ceiling from the Uffizi Gallery because it sums up our day: art, garden, birdsong.

Early entry into the Uffizi but it was still busy. We were very glad to be indoors as the forecast 'weather' kindly arrived right on time, thunder included!

We decided to be selective about what we saw at the gallery but, even so, the volume of extraordinary art on offer was overwhelming. We decided afterwards that Botticelli came up trumps for us - such tender expressions on his faces and delicacy of execution. LD loved 'Primavera' and I decided on 'The Madonna of the Magnificat' (extra).

Florence was hosting a marathon and the downpours meant cafes were bursting at the seams, so we had a necessary hot chocolate in the gallery cafe. The adjoining terrace had terrific city views but I didn't feel inclined to join the soggy pigeons!

So we finally stepped out into the rain and chose to visit the Pitti Palace, unexpectedly included on our entrance ticket. What a contrast! Opulent rooms overflowing with baroque bling and as much at as the Medicis could afford (a LOT!). Napoleon later had a bit of a go at the decor (marble bath and laurel crowns). Overall we really enjoyed the place, not least because the crowds were thinner.

And the sun actually came out (what joy!) so we wandered around the Boboli Gardens (extra) and listened to the birdsong, hence the blip. It was so quiet previously and they were bursting into life with such joy.

We wandered back over Ponte Vecchio and then into a bar on a piazza, people and dog watched for an hour and chilled out gently. A little light tincture helped us digest all that we'd seen.

More digesting later, and a wonderful walk back past the cathedral piazza, finally empty of the hordes and the marble facades sparkling in the display lights.

What a beautiful end to a wonderful holiday.