BTW, Florence is one of my favorite cities in the world: Il Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Campanile, David, the Uffizi... the list goes on. I also rode up into the hills to a Tuscan olive oil farm and watched Italy play in a world cup match with the landowner... Magical!!! Visit medieval Sienna if you get the chance. Finally, cross the river and Piazzele Michelangelo to San Minato al Monte. This beautiful hilltop Romanesque Church has amazing views of Firenze! When I was visiting a choir was just finishing a practice session which was followed soon thereafter by monks chanting from the chambers below. The impression it left was very spiritual (Something akin to the bagpipe experience you shared). Enjoy the ride and buon viaggio!