By: Sarah Lopez
Hi! My name is Sarah, I’m a psychology major and I’ve had the opportunity to study abroad twice. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy at Lorenzo de Medici during the Fall 2021 semester. I then studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic during the Fall 2022 semester! Throughout my time abroad I was able to meet so many people from different countries and was also able to explore numerous cities and make beautiful memories!
Friday
6pm: Begin your trip in Florence with a stroll at Ponte Vecchio and explore the jewelry shops that have been on the bridge for decades. On the bridge you will hear talented musicians playing their instruments. If you’re a sunset lover, launch over to the Ponte Santa Trinita to admire the sunset with a flavorful gelato from Da Angelo (https://www.yelp.com/map/da-angelo-firenze) where you will find fruity, nutty, all kinds of flavors.
8pm: Enjoy a traditional late authentic Italian dinner at Trattoria Zaza (https://www.trattoriazaza.it). Located in Piazza del Mercato Centrale, savor your meal with a glass of wine paired with a traditional full course Italian meal consisting of the antipasti, first and second course, whether it’s the Florentine steak or pasta in truffle sauce. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating during all times of the year and is immensely popular for locals and tourists, so don’t forget to make a reservation.
10pm: End the night with a panoramic view of the Duomo while having some drinks at View on Art Rooftop Bar & Restaurant (https://www.viewonart.it). It’s a picturesque spot with a relaxed ambiance, making it a grand welcome to Florence.
Saturday
8am: Kick off the day by heading to the Duomo and make a quick stop for coffee and a cornetto as with just one sniff of the coffee aromas you’ll begin to crave some. If you want a bigger breakfast, head to Rooster Cafe (https://www.roostercafefirenze.com), only 8 minutes away from the Duomo. After breakfast get in line to climb up the Duomo to see Florence from above (https://operaduomofirenze.skiperformance.com/it/negozio#/it/acquista?bookable_y_n_a=a). 
10am: Walk two minutes to Galleria dell’Accademia (https://www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.it/en/artworks/david-michelangelo/), the art gallery where Michelangelo’s David is located and admire all the art the gallery has to offer. If you’re craving sweets make your way over to Gelateria Carabè and get a gelato or a cannoli. Make your way back to Mercato Centrale where you will find the San Lorenzo outdoor market filled with leather goods. Feel the fleur de lis embroidered leather along with the soft hand knitted scarves.
12pm: Dash inside the Mercato Centrale and take a cooking lesson (https://experitour.com/listings/tuscan-meal-cooking-lesson-in-florence-for-small-groups/) with a local chef and eat the Tuscan meal you prepared for lunch. If you want to be less hands on and just eat lunch, the Mercato Centrale has various options that will be equally savory.