Because we didn't get to do it yesterday, we went back to Florence from Pisa and went up Il Duomo. This is the building that utterly dominates Florence, and climbing the dome is gruelling. About 470 steps to the top, you feel very aware that the staircases get narrower and steeper as you climb higher inside the dome. On the way up and down, you emerge inside on one of 2 gallery levels that overlook the inside of the cathedral. Not for vertigo sufferers. A final...

Fireworks were incredible. Whatever this festival was must have been a big deal, because this was New Year's Eve in London size. The end was Earth-shattering, with about 20-30 of the biggest, loudest fireworks going off at the same time. It was incredible to be so close to where they were going off, and this made it louder for us. The sound echoed around the valley for ages afterwards.

Watching the football at the campsite bar. Lots of English and Italian people here. Italy just hit the post. Big "oooooh!". Fireworks after the football.

Excellent day in Florence. Lunch by Il Duomo, Academy gallery with musical instruments such as Cristofori pianos and harpsichords and the world's first upright piano, and of course the statue of David. Well worth the 11€ entrance fee, just for David. It's magnificent to see the real thing - the level of detail is astounding. Went to Palazzo Vecchio (the old palace), but the entrance fee for the museum was quite steep. Instead we went to Ponte Vecchio (the old b...

Lunch at restaurant right next to Il Duomo. Set menu of bruschetta, spaghetti bolognese and a drink for 10€ each. Much better than we have found elsewhere. Tried to go in Florence buildings this morning but all shut for Sunday services. Going to try again this afternoon.