This was a return visit for me, but a first for my oldest friend. We had finally managed to plan our trip to Florence and what a trip it was! Ok, so the weather wasn’t as sunny as we’d hoped it would be but no rain at least. Flying over the Alps was a wonder, if a little bumpy. We spent the first hour of our trip in the queue at passport control due to the new travel rules in Europe. Getting in to the centre of Florence is so easy and after a short tram ride, we arrived at Piazza di Santa Maria Novella where we are staying. After checking in at our hotel https://www.hotelromaflorence.com/en we stroll over to the Basilica. I absolutely adore this building – so peaceful and beautiful, especially the cloisters.