Italy to Belgium by Bike – via Florence!

With muzzy heads and full tummies we left a little after dawn, but the glorious morning provided all the impetus we needed.
 
But we left with some melancholy.

We've visited many and varied places around the world. Only a smattering of these places could be home. But, Tornelli was different. It was like stepping back 100 years ago (as I've mentioned before). The area is stunning, peaceful, welcoming and a real balm for travelling souls.

So with emotions churning and ideas stirring into that mix of ‘would living here be a good idea?’ we hopped on the bike and made way for Florence.
 
How can you go to Italy and not visit 'the most beautiful city in the world!'

We stopped briefly at a war memorial, eating an ice-cream for breakfast (a great hangover cure) - and enjoyed the cool air of morning.

We had our heart set on reaching Florence in one day. We were nervous of the motorways, but we loaded the TomTom with two routes, so we could opt between fast and dangerous or slow and safer.
​
The main route was smaller and relatively clear, so we hunkered down, ice cream in our bellies, memories in our minds.

Continuing on the theme of good hang over cures, after a few hours we stopped at a motorway service station for a quick pick me up. Hot chocolate was on the menu and a delicious, thick, creamy food was served, it certainly wasn't a drink! 
​
Fortified we zoomed off once again into the throng of Italian drivers with Florence calling.

I wonder if we’ll return one day.
 
Next: Fiesole