Eleven Upper Fifth and two members of staff spent an amazing five days in Florence during the half term break. It was a packed programme including all of the key cultural sights in Florence and some intensive language learning.

Our base was the ‘Hotel of Hope’ on ‘Hell Street’, a charming Italian Pensione. During our stay we climbed the Duomo (467 steps – each way); visited Santa Croce and S. Miniato; saw David at the Academia and the frescos in the Brancacci and Gozzoli Chapels as well as having an unforgettable tour of the Uffizi with expert Marcello Bellini.

Language lessons at the British Institute involved games and conversation. For many, one of the highlights was the food, from making pasta and pana cotta in an evening cookery class to eating ice cream from Venchi, perhaps the best Chocolate Shop in the world! Finally, we all stroked the nose of the Porcellino to make sure that we get to return to Florence!