Travelsmartplanet

It is free to wander thru the Cortile (courtyard) di Michelozzi of the Palazzo Vecchio (townhall of Florence). One reason to come here is to see a copy of Michaelangelo’s statue of David. The original sat here from 1504 to 1873, when it was moved to the Accademia Gallery. This replica erected in 1910 now stands in its place.

The first courtyard of Palazzo Vecchio was designed in 1453 by Michelozzo. The frescoes on the walls were painted in 1565 by Giorgio Vasari for the wedding celebration of Francesco I de’ Medici, the eldest son of Cosimo I de’ Medici, to Archduchess Johanna of Austria, sister of the Emperor Maximilian II. They depict cities of the Austrian Habsburg monarchy: Graz, Innsbruck, Linz, Vienna, Hall in Tirol, Freiburg im Breisgau and Konstanz.

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Photo ops at the end of the tour at Swarovski Crystal Worlds near Innsbruck, Austria.

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We were totally surprised to find a dozen kids aboard our Trafalgar Costsaver escorted tour through Europe. They sure were lucky to go and they sure had fun.

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Schnitzel, what else? For yummy included Austrian dinner on Trafalgar Costsaver tour.

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Gasthof Dollinger Hotel is a Trafalgar Costsaver stop in Innsbruck, Austria.

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Leave time for outdoor wows at Swarovski Crystal World, Austria. The Mirror Pool surrounded by Crystal Clouds was gorgeous in itself – and then the music started…..

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 Sometimes you just get overwhelmed by the expansive beauty and have to lay your head down to absorb it all.

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Bring gloves along for the fabulous feeling of throwing snowballs in August. Ride the Nordkette cable car in Innsbruck to the end and frolic in the snow.

Austria, Innsbruck: Cinderella Swarovski Crystal Worlds

Austria, Innsbruck: Star Crooner’s Crown Swarovski Crystal Worlds