Back in Sept, 2023 my wife and I enjoyed an amazing 2 week vacation in Italy spending time in Salerno ( 4 days ), Rome ( 4 days ), Bologna ( 3 days ) and Florence ( 1 day ). Our brief stay in Florence was greatly enhanced by the Hotel Berchielli and our limo tour driver Martin who showed us the beauty of Tuscany during our road trip to Bologna. We agreed that a return trip to Italy was a must. FAST FORWARD ! On March 20th, 2025 we flew into Rome and had a fun 3 days. On Sunday we took the Bullet Train to Florence for a 4 day vacation and our base for planned private guided tours. A taxi whizzed us to our accommodation on the River Arno . . Hotel Berchielli of course. HARD TO BEAT !
After checking in around midday we freshened up a bit in our 5th floor king suite with a river view. LUNCH ! We decided to explore the other side of Ponte Santa Trinita . . the bridge over the Arno close to our hotel. After checking out 2 or 3 eating spots we stuck our heads in here and got a big welcoming smile from Ana behind the counter. Keeping it simple we ordered 2 x double shot cappuccinos, 2 x panini sandwiches and 2 x Cannoli ( looked irresistible ). BELLISSIMO ! We sat at a little table close to the service counter. Our rich tasting small cappuccinos made expertly by Ana the barista hit the spot . . so much so we ordered 2 more. The fresh made panini sandwiches tasted really great.
BUT THE BEST ! At least according to my wife were the chocolate filled cannoli covered in caramel & nuts. GREAT STORY ! While enjoying lunch we told Sara about our good friend Martin also our limo tour driver who lives nearby in Tuscany. Believe it or not Martin looks just like the great John Belushi . . and is from Albania as well. And then Ana told us that her homeland is also Albania and that John Belushi is a legend there. We thanked Ana for our fabulous lunch and said we would return. LOTS TO SEE ! Over the next couple of days we toured Tuscany and Cinque Terre with our tour guide Martin . . totally amazing experiences.
DINNER ! We enjoyed beautiful dinners at 2 Italian restaurants not far from our hotel. THE RETURN ! On Wednesday our last full day in Florence we dropped in for lunch here after a relaxing walk along the path beside the Arno. Lovely Sara greeted us and we met Denis the owner . . both from Albania. We ordered pretty much the same as the first time . . 2 x double shot cappuccinos, 2 x panini sandwiches and 2 x super decadent cannoli. We grabbed a table in the dining room and watched the street action through the window. Everything tasted perfectly delicious . . especially the amazing cannoli. This is a great spot to relax with good quality food, great coffee and friendly service. HARD TO BEAT !
