We made it to FLORENCE, ITALY! One of the most incredible parts of traveling with princesscruises is not just the remarkable, world-class ships but the rich history we get to immerse ourselves in during the excursions. Here’s a fun fact about me—I’ve been in love with history since I was a kid. History tells stories that transcend time, binding generations together. That passion has become a cornerstone of my life and even my career! Right now, I’m standing at Santa Maria Novella, one of Florence’s most iconic landmarks. Construction began in 1244 and was completed in the mid-1400s, making it one of the oldest and most beautiful Gothic churches in the world. This basilica was designed by Fra Sisto Fiorentino and Fra Ristoro da Campi, with its stunning marble façade added later by the renowned architect Leon Battista Alberti in the Renaissance style. Beyond its architecture, Santa Maria Novella is home to breathtaking frescoes by Masaccio, Giotto, and Filippino Lippi—true masterpiece...