Travel


Time for a Trip


Editdited by Zach LongEdited b Zach Long Edi Ed timttimeout.com/chicag imimeo eoutt.coutcom/ eout..c m.com/chicago/travel @z_long @z_long


Florence, Italy


Wind the waterways Raft down the river Arno, which splits this cobblestoned


historic city in half, on the Firenze Rafting tour. Begin with a thrilling drop down a dam, followed by a gentle bob along the river. In an hour and a half, you’ll float to Ponte Vecchio, the city’s most famous bridge, and learn about the birthplace of the Renaissance as you take in 15th-century architecture.  Via Aurelio Saffi; 17, 50131 (+39 349-092-1540, firenzerafting.it). €20.


Crush on culture A fair chunk of Italy’s Renaissance riches are cached in


Florence’s treasure trove of a museum, Uffizi Gallery. With more than 45 halls to get through, you need at least three hours to take it all in. Arrive in the afternoon for a quieter visit, and make sure you see Sandro Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Filippo Lippi’s Madonna with Child and Two Angels. Entry is free on the first Sunday of the month.  Piazzale degli Uffizi; 6, 50122 (uffizi.it). €8.


Seek your leather soul mate File past hundreds of stalls hawking pottery, souvenirs


and clothing at San Lorenzo market (open Tuesday to Saturday) to find that perfect Italian leather piece to take home. Many vendors have well-stocked warehouses nearby, so specify what you want. Be wary of cheap, imported items, and don’t take the first price offered. Happy haggling!  Via dell’Ariento, 50123


Have a Florentine feast Make an advance booking to enjoy Buca Mario, a 150-year-old institution always bustling with Italian


Time Out Chicago June 7–September 5, 2017


INSIDER SECRETS


Locals give it to you straight


Buca Mario


“Michelangelo’s statue of David in Galleria dell’Accademia is magnificent.” —Aashna


“The tiny sandwich kiosk I Due Fratellini near the Duomo serves the most amazing pork-and-truffle mini baguettes.” —Harriet


“Bring a bottle  Piazzale Michelangelo  —Will


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diners. Begin your Tuscan spread with slivers of prosciutto or crostini topped with buttery chicken-liver pâté, then move on to fresh pappardelle with wild boar sauce and the restaurant’s famous thick-cut Florentine steak. There’s an extensive wine list and an old-fashioned dessert trolley—if you’re not already stuffed.  Piazza degli Ottaviani; 16r, 50123 (bucamario.com)


Take a midnight lap When temperatures reach 85°F in the summer, gelato


can only cool you down so much. Wash away the heat of the day with a nighttime swim at Le Pavoniere, an outdoor pool open until midnight on Thursdays and Sundays. Seek further refreshment with a cocktail at the poolside bar, and grab a bite at the restaurant or the pizzeria bordering the water.  Via Bocchi; 32, 50126 (+39 055-658-3501); admission €6–€12.  Laura Nineham


PHOTOGRAPHS: TOP


, CENTER: SHUTTERSTOCK; CENTER RIGHT: COURTESY BUCA MARIO


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