I plan to spend 10 days in Florence, Italy with a side trip to Assissi. Any recommendations for INSPIRATIONAL places to visit. . .either a feeling or simply a place of visual beauty. I am an artist and will be traveling with other artists.

The view from the bell tower of the Duomo.

early morning in Cortona: the view of the mist rising out of the valley below

Anything in Assisi is inspirational. The Basilica di San Francesco (don't miss the tomb) w/ amazing frescos and of course the tiny chapel w/in the church “St. Mary of the Angels” may move you to tears. It was here on February 24, 1208 that Francis heard the gospel which was to be his earliest Rule; it was here that the Poor Clares were founded when Clare received her habit from Francis.

1. San Miniato al Monte across the Arno and up the hill. Nearby is Piazza Michelangelo with a nice veiw of Firenze on a clear day. <BR>2. If you want inspiration walk any Italian town and try to fathom the effort and devotion of all those people who constructed the most beautiful places in the world. <BR>I'm in love.