We only got to spend a few hours in Florence, but I really wish we had more time. The drive into the city takes you through the famed golden hills of Italy’s Tuscany region. From the cobbled backstreets amongst the cathedrals and statues to the teeming plazas and leather shops, the city immerses you in tradition and brings you to what feels like the heart of Italian culture. No other place we visited quite matched Florence’s traditional, hearty vibe. The hilltop view from across the waterway gives you a brilliant view of the expansive city and the grand mountains of Tuscany. And the food is indescribable; few things will match the taste of the pasta or the richness of the chocolate gelato I ate while in Florence.