Warm welcome by Maurizio who helped us find parking and assisted us getting our bags from parking to the lift. He showed us how everything works and also warned us not to leave the apartment with the windows open, as pigeons may fly in and scavenge :) There was also water in the fridge as well as a welcome bottle of wine - nice touch! The apartment is beautiful and well maintained. We used the washer quite a few times, and there are LOTS of hangers and hanging space to dry your clothes. A/C worked well, albeit a little loud (nothing earplugs during the night can't tackle). Plenty of dishware, utensils and pots and pans for just about anything you can dish up. Candles throughout the apartment also paved the way for quite the romantic setting. The only downside, and is as expected throughout Europe, especially in such an old and historic tower - water pressure is very low - so be prepared for this.

Great views of Florence, and the location is PERFECT. Located a heartbeat away from Ponte Vecchio, it's a good central spot between the main city center and Pitti Palace. Grocery store close by, as well as a cafe right by the entrance of the tower. Noise and traffic from Ponte Vecchio did not bother us at all - in fact, couldn't hear or see any of it from the apartment.

A few spots that we learned about from our Taste of Florence tour that are MUSTS:

1) Vestri Cioccolateria - hands down THE BEST chocolate in the city, probably the country, if not the world. The family owns their own cocoa plantation in the Dominican Republic and travels there every 3 months to guarantee the quality of the plants. Their gelato is also superb - all handmade from the freshest, in-season ingredients. Small family-owned store, really great!

2) Mercato Centrale - get a bollito (brisket) sandwich from Nerbone, and only from Nerbone. So good...just so good.

3) Trattoria Pandemonio for a great Bistecca Fiorentina. Must get the roasted potatoes here too - may be laced with hallucinogens they are so good.

Have a great time in Florence!!!