At the grave of the author of "Pinocchio" - Florence at a distance

If you feel overwhelmed by a situation, you need to take some distance. Translated to a crowded old town with thousands of tourists, this means that you have to "walk free".

The Duomo, the banks of the Arno, the Old Palace and the Fleiluft sculpture collection near the Uffizi... the most important sights were already ticked off on the first day.

The daily goal for Thursday was therefore a change of perspective. From the hills beyond the Arno there was a great panorama of Florence. Churches, villas and gardens also offered excursion destinations away from the hustle and bustle.

The first stop was Piazzale Michelangelo, a beautiful name, a magnificent view, a bronze sculpture of David and a huge parking lot that would accommodate busloads of tourists at peak times. Today the gray asphalt was deserted.

The next stage led to the abbey of San Miniato al Monte, which was adjoined by a magnificent cemetery. Mausoleums and chapels testified to the wealth, ingenuity and simplicity of the Florentines. After a cloudy morning the sun came through. One particular attraction, the tomb of the Pinocchio author, Carlo "Collodi" Lorenzini, was bolted and locked.

In the afternoon there was a tour of a large baroque park with grottos (niches with shell limestone, figural elements and water features), sightlines (endless rows of trees with statues and obilisks) as well as palazzi and villas (the Palazzo Pitti, a huge box).

After the excursion and the return to the throng of alleys and guests, there was the obligatory Aperol Spritz on the piazza. Florence welcomed the lost tourists with open arms, for 10 euros. In the evening, lasagne and house wine at the Italian restaurant around the corner.