If you're like me, and want to discover the most colorful, quirky things on your journeys, Italy is full of them. If you're looking for day trips from Florence that fulfill these criteria (because, let's face it, another travel criteria, good food, abounds in Italy!), here are 2 of my favorites.

Travel doesn’t need to be expensive! This is especially true in Florence, Italy. Whether you’re a college student studying abroad, a faculty member on sabbatical, looking for family travel activities that don’t break the bank, or a budget-minded traveler, finding the free is ALWAYS a good thing, so that you have room in your travel budget for accommodations, interesting tours, and, of course, great food.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Florence, or an old pro, there are always secrets to discover in this ancient city.

Perhaps the most interesting secrets belong to Il Duomo, Florence’s unique cathedral.

Welcome to Florence, Italy! Here are my 8 favorite secrets hidden in this beautiful and historic city.

Of course, Florence has masterpieces you should not miss, including Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, and Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise. However, if you are looking to add more to your Florence experience, you will want to dig deeply into the city.

A planned, chance meeting with Alessandro Dari? How is that possible?

To authentically experience a place, you are going to have to genuinely immerse yourself into it. Feel it, smell it, taste it! This is my travel philosophy, my travel manifesto, so to speak.

Alesandro Dari Moon Compass

Would you like to know more about Florence than many Florentines?

Allow me to share with you my second installation of The Secrets of Florence.