Visiting in Mid-Winter

We spent a long weekend in Bagni di Lucca recently, and although it's still very much winter, I think I detected some faint signs of Spring around the corner. The nights were still cold (sometimes close to 0 C), but the bright, sunny days warmed up to 10 C, providing a refreshing change from grey, cold and damp London.

Fewer tourists also means it's easier to get around. Of course, Florence is always crowded, but in February it seems almost deserted compared with the heaving masses clogging the streets during the height of summer.

All-in-all, a great time to relax, stroll through the towns and cities and eat great food. Can't wait to get back!