The Florence Experience: Peak Renaissance Italy 🇮🇹

■ ITALY, FLORENCE: It's been 5 years since my first and only visit to Florence, the former Italian city state that kicked of the renaissance. Since that Florence excursion, I've been eager to experience the city during winter. January and February are the best months to avoid the crowds of foreign tourists in Italy, as there are hardly any queues anywhere, whether at Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi gallery or the top rated Florentine steakhouses in town.
After landing in Rome and jumping on the airport express train to downtown, I switched to a high speed train going direct to Florence. It takes 2 hours and cost 80 Euros for a business class seat. Arriving in Florence, I walked to the famous cathedral where I had found an exquisitely decorated renaissance themed apartment on AirbnB with view of the cathedral from the bedroom window.
Did the renaissance apartment live up to expectations? Were the queues at Palazzo Vecchio, Bruneleschi's dome and Ponte Vecchio really gone? Was Florentine steak as good as I remembered? Do I still not know a single word of Italian?
This and much more is what I seek to uncover in this renaissance history and food investigation of Florence in winter of 2024 🇮🇹
■ For history tours in Florence or family vineyards & wine tasting excursions in Tuscany, you can contact Martina at Sunflorence Tours through:
FACEBOOK: Sunflorence Tours
INSTAGRAM: Sunflorence_Tours
WEBSITE: sunflorencetours.it
■ THE ROME EXPERIENCE: PEAK RENAISSANCE ITALY 🇮🇹
• The Rome Experience: P...
■ My Instagram 🇳🇴
TheNorthmanReturns

[@HaraldBaldr]

■ For history tours in Florence, family vineyards & wine tasting excursions in Tuscany or history updates throughout the year from follow Martina at Sunflorence Tours 🇮🇹 - FACEBOOK: Sunflorence Tours - INSTAGRAM: Sunflorence_Tours - WEBSITE: sunflorencetours.it

[@karstnl]

what is the verdict on the steak? Better or same as 5yrs ago :)

[@UnboxelMundo]

Nice to see that you meet same tour guide again

[@Cam_Eron]

You are a true Northman, much love to you Haraldo

[@johmale1]

meat, potatoes and vine , the holy trinity .

[@briansweeney2291]

The perfect way to explore Florence with a beautiful lady as your tour guide

[@Xttv_Optpt]

My partner died in dec 2022 he absolutely loved your videos he'd wait for new vids to be uploaded and he'd fall asleep watching your vids, so here I am getting some comfort because hearing your voice reminds me so much of him❤❤❤

[@No1reallydies]

Sorry for your loss

[@matouks23]

So sorry to hear.. condolences to you

[@jimmorrison7417]

Remember strangers love you. Sorry for your loss.

[@MeSalty]

People Care, never forget

[@supunsandika5455]

Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

[@stephenlandreville6599]

We just witnessed history here. Harald went nearly 1.5 hours without a single “hold on, are we filming?” Love the content lately!

[@gavinc9938]

This was his 2nd take! 😄

[@bobe.4302]

He is a perfectionist on his videos and content. 👍🇺🇸

[@srhill8021]

He changed camera 😂

[@user-cz6pu4wj1o]

He did once. Hold on am I filming? She had the recorder at the time.

[@Hemant.s]

Looks like he has a new camera

[@georginagiethoorn6543]

I did a tour with Martina last year, thanks to you harald! Italy is a dream, most beautiful country in the world

[@shawnclark8094]

I have been watching your adventures since the early motorcycle trips through Thailand. I think this one is exceptional. Well done, and thank you for taking us along!

[@HaraldBaldr]

Cheers for sticking around 🙏

[@HouseofMartin]

I miss those motorcycle tours. Been watching Harald for many years. We share the same name just mine is spelled Harold. So glad I stumbled upon this channel so many years ago.

[@HaraldBaldr]

I'll tour again one day on a motorbike. I miss it @@HouseofMartin

[@River-Rat1980]

Those r great!!

[@bobe.4302]

This is up there with your Northern Vietnam motorcycle videos. Great content. 👍🇺🇸

[@Praetorian-ok4eq]

The tour guide was amazing. I've been around a few and some can be disinterested or annoying, she was awesome.

[@Hazardous975]

Wow cant believe it was nearly 5 years ago you did your last Florence videos. Time flies.

[@KickAndDestroy]

I went to Florence and visited a couple of the food places Harald did in that series. I even saw an American guy step on some immigrant's floor painting/scam. I was like, oh shit here we go, but nothing happened because it was so crowded. I guess every 5 years it's Florence o'clock for Harald

[@emteemet]

4 years, last was aug 2019

[@chumchum2191]

@@emteemet5 years. Don’t know why you trynna be so Precise

[@GoodFella1294]

Pre pandemic when times were somewhat normal

[@rileywhittenberger5258]

She is a very good guide, she explains things so well, I may have to add Florence to my list and hire her..

[@LUDAQUENDERO64]

I love how the girl at the jewelry shop sakd "Bad hair day" I couldn't stop looking at her, she has a natural beauty thats mesmerizing.

[@mynewdirectcars1841]

She definitely wanted to look good for Harold.😊 Edit- No tats. Piercings. Enhancements. She’s lovely.

[@Chris-gc3cm]

I couldn't agree more. I hope he eventually went back to make a purchase.

[@kayloubritton1110]

👍👍 Loved this journey through Florence you shared.. I am an armchair traveler, living vicariously through footage you, and others like you provide.. I will never physically make it to these places, due to age and health!..Therefore, I am very appreciative of your work producing these videos! Thank you Harald..

[@andyelkerton361]

When you first did a series on Florence I enjoyed it so much that I took my family there for Christmas 2019, just around the corner from your apartment. Fabulous place and great to see Martina again!

[@HaraldBaldr]

Hope you all enjoyed your time there 🇮🇹

[@andyelkerton361]

@@HaraldBaldr Wonderful. Thanks for introducing it to us.

[@Soloohara]

? You didnt know about Florence italy?@@andyelkerton361

[@georginagiethoorn6543]

I did a tour with Martina last year! Thanks to you harald. Italy is a dream, most beautiful country in the world.

[@martina-sunflorencetours]

ciao :) thanks 🙂

[@gangoffour6690]

Martina is indeed bountiful and beautiful.

[@marcelusch]

What an amazing tour you presented us of florence. That is some quality content right there.

[@davidpeltier7322]

showing me places I’ll probably never see. I’m grateful.

[@rrek7]

There’s still time! Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Hostels, public transportation, food deals… make it happen, David!

[@nicolenadia1]

Traveling is for the rich now. I can barely afford to travel around America. I’m thankful for channels like this.

[@PenguinNinja45]

@@rrek7everything is too expensive now I’m Canadian

[@Spoiled_horsegirl]

You can definitely go there but you have to save your money and plan carefully. ❤

[@Spoiled_horsegirl]

​@@nicolenadia1Don't say that. You can do anything you put your mind to. It might take you much longer to save up but don't say never.

[@dennyzeecko5183]

Harald That was one of the best tour possible. WOW it was great. The steak was done to perfection. She was a great tour guide, A person would crazy not to have her as a tour guide you could learn a lot from her. The jeweler shop was very impressive as well. Thanks . One of the best Vlogs I've seen in a while.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Five stars.

[@SamTheGreat24]

I just have to say I love watching your videos. It really makes my day when you upload a new video. I love all your contents. Especially when you bring up the fact if you are still recording. That is one of my favorite lines from you. Anyway always nice of you to put up a video. 👍😎🤗🙂😀

[@Rosagnu1]

Fantastisk stad. Så vackert. Älskar dessa gamla byggnader och historia. Kanske blir mitt nästa resemål. Tacka guiden för hennes tur i Florens. Mycket intressant 😊❤

[@mrsp2399]

Oh lovely man, you are back in one of your favourite places, i loved this lady first time round on your food tour. Still loving your classy clothes, suits you soooo well Harald ❤❤

[@norbertcardoso8469]

WHAT AN EXCEPTIONAL VIDEO OF FLORENCE. I HAVE BEEN THERE BEFORE,BUT ITS EVEN BETTER TO SEE IT THROUGH YOUR EYES. WELL DONE HAROLD. ANOTHER FEATHER IN YOUR CAP.

[@markcruz6906]

So great to see Martina again..Wonderful to hear shes expanded her business and that haraldo's army of followers are supporting her.

[@graxo3752]

Italy is literally the coolest place ever. If anyone wondering. You cannot beat traveling to Italy. The history is not measurable. The people are sincere. The counrty is lovely. Please visit Italy and please enjoy the tourism there. Its beautiful to say the least.

[@probablytommy]

Shame it's covered in graffiti though

[@Frankiefirenze]

​@@probablytommy There is very little graffiti in Florence and Venice

[@IainInLondon]

I like your historical videos and nice to see Sun Florence Tours again - glad she's doing well.

[@ZenoWatson]

What a heavenly place on Earth

[@georgekelly9797]

An awesome video, you out did yourself. Your tour guide was magnificent. So informative. I walked in your stepson Florence I Back in 1963 and it has stuck in my head. Thank you for the video. Ciao.

[@bernardhearne8372]

Wow 5 years since I started watching you. I remember the cow stomach I think you both ate. Great work Haroldo. I approve!

[@yvonnemilan477]

Really marvelous bedroom! Love your historical explanation👍🏽

[@graxo3752]

I view your channel as learning history from a teacher. Please keep up the quality of your craft. Its amazing. Ive even spent multiple days in Florence and enjoy learning even more about the people and country. Italy is one of the most interesting countries to me.

[@rileywhittenberger5258]

It is amazing how knowledgeable she is about anything and everything in Florence history, even book history…..

[@boat6868]

That was amazing. Thanks for taking us along. The private areas of the jewelry shop were so cool. That last restaurant...wow...where your steak needs its own table!

[@ivansipalo]

Finally filming in 4K and the sound is crisp and clear 🎉

[@johnrhodes3350]

The images are beautiful. The gimbal or steering mechanism, I'm sure will improve with practice.

[@slayerbllade]

@@johnrhodes3350 Yes! I use that gimbal and it has a mode where it points to where you point. No need to manually use the buttons. Harald needs to use that gimbal profile instead of manually moving the camera up and down.

[@ericd1084]

He's doing fine in my opinion. He will also improve with time.

[@GrimVanhall]

Guys, have you used this camera before? Well, I have the same and unfortunately it is not very good when it comes to using it. Often it points somewhere else, it simply works worse. Using the joysticks as Harald does is already a better choice, without that.... few times I was close to smashing it on the floor :D I wonder why he changed his ALLTIME FAVORITE sony ( it was good eventho oldish )

[@HaraldBaldr]

@@GrimVanhall Is spot on here. It's easily the worst camera I've ever owned. I just can't believe a bunch of engineers sat sat down and actually conjured this camera into existence and concluded: yes this is a great idea! 🤦🏼‍♂ Anyway image quality is far superior to the Sony in museum/palace situations hence why I used it. I'll use this only when landscape/buildings/scenery plays a significant part of the story in a video

[@Sarah-tg9du]

Wonderful tour of Florence Harald. Your tour guide really helped me understand the history. The Italians seem to have a pretty high standard for what is allowed in their city, 40:03 and rightly so. I've been there once years ago. Your video made me want to return🎉

[@asiatravel2010]

I loved so much the historical aspects that are in this, your videos are always fun but the historical aspects you sow into the fun while speaking with local keepers of knowledge are what makes your videos so special.

[@moltenhotmedia1048]

The paintings, sculptures, architecture, culture, wine, and steak can only be described as magnificent.

[@darlataddeo6376]

Loved this video!! I now follow Martina on Facebook and have looked at her tours- we will definitely book with Martina on our next trip to Firenze! We loved her on the video you both did together a few years ago- the food tour. You are both very lovely people! All the best to you from Ohio, USA. 😊

[@ronbiemans5901]

Beautiful documentary. Nice and steady camera work! Ron approves 😀

[@graxo3752]

This episode us making me relive my 2 week trip to Italy. I cant eait to go back. The people and culture are amazing. The people were always friendly. I would love to go back to enjoy their culture.

[@franciso2l]

I lived and studied Art in the beautiful city of Florence for four years, This was a very memorable period of my life. Excellent video, Thank you.

[@tothgy74]

Martina is just lovely! It was excellent to see a new video with Harald and Martina again! :)

[@emmamayall87]

I'm an Australian woman who studied a Masters Degree in Renaissance History two decades ago, I'm so excited to see that you are reigniting a love of history and I hope inspiring visits to the Duomo. Wonderful to watch your visits. Best ever xxx

[@sappyjohnson]

Throw another shrimp on the barbie

[@SaltyWalty1225]

That was some rare but delicious looking steak. So glad I found your channel during covid and was able to watch all your videos over the past 3.5 years. To be able to see you visit past friends and guests of the channel is heartwarming. Thank you for bringing us on all your adventures!

[@roberthammett5713]

Fantastic video! Great to see you back in Italy. Always good to see your genuine interest and appreciation of Italian history and culture! What a country!

[@floinnovate4416]

Seminal experience - I enjoyed every minute of it. Clear evidence on why Harald is the greatest travel blogger today.

[@SaltyMcBoatFace]

exellent video haraldo , the artwork & arcitecture in that city has to be some of the best anywhere on earth , nice to see martina has done well for herself with subscribers still going on her tours from seeing the old video , i think she's about to get a whole lot more buisness coming her way , looking forward to the next video!

[@martina-sunflorencetours]

❤

[@xrenataizabela97]

Amazing! I’m visiting Florence this year, now I am even more excited, can’t wait to go! I appreciate all the historical details, thank you!

[@lefty_420]

At the end when he opens the balcony doors at night...its like he's on a movie set..... So amazing it doesnt seem real!

[@benjamindaler7573]

Heraldo! Awesome video once again. There is certainly no more authentic travel videos than yours on KZbin. I really appreciate how you Support and promote the locals. Keep up the amazing work! :)

[@christophergomes4457]

I’ve watched this one 2 times already & later tonight I’m going to watch it again with a bottle of wine, thanks so much!

[@ROBINLINU]

😂❤👍👍👍

[@mariaangelina3936]

Great explore! So glad you paid to go into the important houses. So glad we got to see the ceilings and artwork. I also love that you used the tour guide. I remember her from an earlier video and I really like her. We learn so much more when you use that tour guide. 🌻

[@annabelle2775]

50 seconds in and I already had to give this video a thumbs up. I've visited this beautiful city 17 years ago with my school, makes me feel old now but gosh I'm so excited for this video, I know it'll be awesome. 👍

[@RurouniKenshinShinta]

What an amazing video, just proves how great you are at your job that you can go from living in a village in africa drinking blood to making a video about some of the history of Italy and still be equally as entertaining. Love your content so much!!! What an absolute legend, it's no wonder people try to imitate your style, it's 1 of a kind.

[@messibeaucoup]

It would be nice if you would show us your home country one day!? Love the channel!

[@Grace-rg5ok]

You cease to amaze me at the awesome places you take us, I would never know about if not for your beautiful videos Thank. You.

[@alc7926]

I wondered whether Florence was really worth a visit and the answer is a very definite yes, as exemplified by your tour of that splendid city. Thank you for sharing it. It’s now on my to-go-to list. 🙏

[@DarkKnight-OO7]

This new camera is definitely far better than your previous one. Amazing quality and great content as always. Edit: Yeah the Autofocus struggles sometimes.

[@TheCeylonShow]

DJI OSMO

[@user-mi8ie2kq4e]

i liked the old one more

[@ravinepz]

POCKET 3 I GUESS

[@ch00rus]

I disagree, the old camera was better! Especially the audio

[@ch00rus]

The auto focus is annoying, and the apparature is too big

[@unknownstrongman]

That room is so cool! I can just imagine waking up, drinking coffee and listening to the city come alive. Awesome video Harald

[@WhengGee]

I always enjoy and appreciate Haraldo's vids. Worth the wait all the time.

[@barrycole]

Harald, I must say, You are looking like a million dollars. Wonderful video and such a pleasure Martina was there to give expert historical information. Just last week you were on my mind, wondering when your next upload was coming. Soon we will have springtime and our world moves on to a new season. God Bless you and keep safe.

[@BudHound420]

Thank you for taking me on a beautiful tour of Florence. Great video. Very educational. I learned a lot bro. Much love and respect. Stay safe on your travels..

[@zacharyso377]

So cool to see you and Martina do another tour in Florence again. Glad that you didn't get attacked by those pesky scammers this time!

[@jaspmac4248]

Good shituff Harold, i enjoyed this one. Keep up the great work.

[@scotteddy1468]

I'm so happy you returned after the pandemic and found your tour guide. She was great as always. Thank you for sharing this Beautiful City and the Bridge

[@heathermohammed1649]

I loved this, the history, the culture, the food, the wine, the buildings, the people … Italy is a wonderful country. Please vlog from Rome. Thank you for sharing your experience in Florence, that new camera is fab, felt like I was there 😎

[@Lorenzo.Serra_]

Finally Harald in his favourite country again. The best country in the world. ITALY🇮🇹

[@consciousmachine4138]

No.

[@Elena.amato01]

By far the best Country 🇮🇹

[@Lorenzo.Serra_]

@@consciousmachine4138so what country is the best then?

[@Keribou109]

Bella ❤

[@everythingwillbeok01]

@@Lorenzo.Serra_ Ireland 🇮🇪 ☘

[@altheawhyte2328]

The apartment is masterpiece of decoration and collector's item not to be touched - beautiful!

[@user-gz9ps5it4c]

Man she's a gem of a guide and a beauty.

[@martina-sunflorencetours]

thanks :)

[@kenkunz8426]

You outdid yourself Harald! So much history, architecture, and beauty. It's unbelievable! Thank you..

[@Mzungu_matt]

The tannins show what’s called legs, when you swirl the glass it produces legs around the glass. For you quality minded lovely people. The firmness of the legs show quality of ingredient.

[@P4GYY]

jesus that woman is legendary. When women are interested in history i find it so cool. it seems so rare!

[@veltboys18]

I am amazed at the architecture of the past. It shows that these people were geniuses. It's amazing how a lot of it is still standing today for us to enjoy. Harold, you are definitely my favorite brother. I love the history of all these places. I am a fan of almost all history and wish I could visit these places back in their glory.

[@nelsoncespedes1629]

I had to watch this video again since the details and others call for a large screen. Fantastic Renaissance art! Thank you Geraldo!!

[@alanrgilbert]

More travel inspiration, the longer video lengths just fly - can't get enough 🍻

[@imnate5860]

Hey Haraldo! This historical episode mucho mucho good 🇮🇹

[@imnate5860]

We want more of this!

[@DEMOS_1_]

All Harald vids have a genuine maverick signature. He deserve so much credit! ⭐️

[@janetedmundson991]

What an absolutey fantastic vlog Harald, I approve. Looking forward to the next one.

[@Fongzy]

You two were outstanding. Loved the tour, loved the other girl even more. 😍

[@MultiCorker]

What a great documentary, really enjoyed this. How lovely is Martina? Multicorker approves!

[@supunsandika5455]

I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos because seeing your experiences brings me great joy. As always, thank you very much, dear Harold, for this impressive video. It's nice to see Martina again.

[@redroads4598]

So great to see Martina again! Those videos a few years ago were some of my favs! Thanks so the great history lesson and views!

[@TheLukeCrew]

Love the video, you gotta visit Turin, Italy. Great city, amazing people, and not very touristy!

[@briansweeney2291]

Welcome back Harald baldr hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year 2024 like these historic memories looking bk to different types of history it was nice meeting up with you're tour guide , Florence is a beautiful city ❤️ very clean streets beautiful 😎👍

[@nap41hb67]

Mr Harald,I have been in Italy,Rome,not Florence,what a beautiful,historic city,artistic, country,you did it again,spectacular documentary,amazing,felt like I was there with you,we your subscribers approved 👏👍☝️❤!!!!!!

[@yourpapichulo8859]

Crazy bro I commented like 3 days ago that I would be so excited to see this lady back when I re-watched the older videos of Italy and BOOM I wake up and it’s there 🤣🤣🤌🏻 you’re absolutely amazing bro, I hope to meet you one on some random street in the world to have a beer with you! Thanks for keeping up, stay safe 💪🏼 greetings from Amsterdam

[@thetravelingfoodshow]

This video was awesome and informative! Please do other areas of Italy. Its amazing.🔥💪🏻

[@TOM-C.]

1:23:59 You can see before you open the windows what appears to be a movie set! A beautiful city with unbelievable art hidden behind facades you'd swear were just built for a movie. Not all of the city, just that area outside your B & B, but who knows, maybe the entire city is like this, very interesting. Thanks for the tour Harald, been saving your vlogs to binge. 😁😎👍✌🗽

[@WisemanMr90]

Came back to this video after the Rome one. Feels like being on vacation just by watching this series. Absolute top shelf quality vlogging, miles away from the usual bunch. I will buy a hat and after that I will raise it for you. 😁

[@karsto7844]

The architectural integrity of these ancient buildings is mind blowing. They didn’t have engineering degrees but obviously knew what they were doing. It’s magical.

[@damonmelendez856]

Blacks built the pyramids, so constructing these magnificent Renaissance structures would’ve not been difficult at all. Italy needs another injection of Strong, Young, Africans to reboot the stale and aging Italian culture.

[@abettertomorrow2945]

​@@damonmelendez856 😂😂 thanks for the laugh

[@damonmelendez856]

@@abettertomorrow2945 lol

[@damonmelendez856]

@@abettertomorrow2945 ‘you’ve gotta laugh otherwise you’d cry’…sums it up perfectly!

[@kuntiluciano8026]

So much to see and learn. Some of the most ancient architecture and buildings, both of you spoke about. They are so beautiful and well preserved for generations to learn and see. Good choice of video, you guys make a great team.

[@jamesacheneider]

Absolutely amazing, Florence is my top one place I want to visit.

[@Rix703]

I loved your Florence tour videos 5 yrs ago, so glad youre doing a second part!

[@giangra92]

Welcome back to Italy Harald, is always a pleasure having you here! If you havent been yet, I recommend you to visit the island of Sardegna :)

[@pestr999]

A day and a location to put others to shame with one of the best tour guides.

[@fowchiiiliedpuppiesdied]

I never tire of Italy. The renaissance, your narration and the wonderful tour guide, are so enriching. The views are incredible, the frescos, all of it. I remember studying Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce at length as an art student Thank you.

[@venger5705]

Absolutely loved this! Thank you Harald!

[@haahahah28]

8:13 this part was so trippy, it looks like u were going down

[@preciousangel2377]

*I thought exactly the same 😂 scratching my head thinkin 🤔 wasn't he climbing up 🙃*

[@OwnRules1]

New camera looks awesome and in glorious 4K - methinks it's worth you trek up Nepal again just to film everything again with this one! Or better yet, since you're so close, hit Spain & travel around the Picos de Europa/North coast - amazing experience this time of year.

[@HaraldBaldr]

Was thinking the same yesterday

[@kameronjmci]

Amazing video! Definitely planning on going back to Florence later this year and this video made me miss it so much! Always love your Italy videos :)

[@sinimini]

Really great to see you back in Florence with Martina, she is a wonderful guide!

[@StaciaG-606Paranormal]

Definitely on my bucket list! So good to see my favorite Northman this morning. Thank you for gracing us with your presence.

[@bookbigtnp8855]

Yessss I'm waiting for you to upload a video😂😂

[@emmamayall87]

You are wonderful to watch, and thank you. A great social historian. This Australian girl loves this