First Solo Trip to Florence for 77 Year Voyager
May 15th, 2005, 06:44 PM
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First Solo Trip to Florence for 77 Year Voyager
Years ago-standing on a hill one lovely afternoon at sunset and gazing at Florence spread out below, husband Jim and I vowed to return and take in more of its beauty on a more leisurely visit. That didn't work out, but now a "few years later" at age 77 after months of planning I'm striking out solo to fulfill that dream -for both of us. I leave May 27 for two weeks in Florence!
Jim had always taken care of nitty gritty travel details while I floated along oblivious to all the work that entailed, but now studying travel books and reading Fodorites' postings every night have enabled me to do the planning and soon I'll be on my way, riding into town on the autobus to SMN station and catching a cab up the hill to WillTravel's convent.(My four daughters-in-law were thrilled to hear that I was going to a convent until I gently pointed out that I would be there only as a guest -not as a permanent postulate.)
I'd appreciate your looking over my tentative plans and commenting on and/or suggesting alternatives. Let's see now - my interests? A grandmother of 7, a retired organist/choirmaster for the 5 choirs of an Episcopal church, I love Renaissance art, history, Italian Lit (especially Dante), music, and am a "people person". Here is my grocery list:
1. Self-guided walking tours listed on the following web site:
http://www.aboutflorence.com/Itinera...oltrano-1.html
2.Re-visiting San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce, Uffizzi, San Marco
3."Touring" on Bus 13; Bus 7 to Fiesole for a Sunday afternoon
4.Possible day trips via train or bus:
A. Pistoia to see duomo & Della Robbia
frieze on hospital
B. Bologna to follow Ira's footsteps and
check out setting for Grisham's new
book "The Broker"
C. Lucca to see the sights
D. Siena to see its sights
E. Sans Sepolcro to see more of Piero
della Francesco's work. Love his fresco
cycle in Arrezzo. Both Eloise and
Adrienne have given me helpful info
about way to take train to Arrezzo,then
bus to Sans S.but wonder if that is do-
able for me. What think you?
5. Many hours roaming Florence's street,
free(?) concerts, people watching
6. At least ONE elegant meal each week.
7. Any other suggestions from Fodorites.
Many thanks for any input.
Jim had always taken care of nitty gritty travel details while I floated along oblivious to all the work that entailed, but now studying travel books and reading Fodorites' postings every night have enabled me to do the planning and soon I'll be on my way, riding into town on the autobus to SMN station and catching a cab up the hill to WillTravel's convent.(My four daughters-in-law were thrilled to hear that I was going to a convent until I gently pointed out that I would be there only as a guest -not as a permanent postulate.)
I'd appreciate your looking over my tentative plans and commenting on and/or suggesting alternatives. Let's see now - my interests? A grandmother of 7, a retired organist/choirmaster for the 5 choirs of an Episcopal church, I love Renaissance art, history, Italian Lit (especially Dante), music, and am a "people person". Here is my grocery list:
1. Self-guided walking tours listed on the following web site:
http://www.aboutflorence.com/Itinera...oltrano-1.html
2.Re-visiting San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce, Uffizzi, San Marco
3."Touring" on Bus 13; Bus 7 to Fiesole for a Sunday afternoon
4.Possible day trips via train or bus:
A. Pistoia to see duomo & Della Robbia
frieze on hospital
B. Bologna to follow Ira's footsteps and
check out setting for Grisham's new
book "The Broker"
C. Lucca to see the sights
D. Siena to see its sights
E. Sans Sepolcro to see more of Piero
della Francesco's work. Love his fresco
cycle in Arrezzo. Both Eloise and
Adrienne have given me helpful info
about way to take train to Arrezzo,then
bus to Sans S.but wonder if that is do-
able for me. What think you?
5. Many hours roaming Florence's street,
free(?) concerts, people watching
6. At least ONE elegant meal each week.
7. Any other suggestions from Fodorites.
Many thanks for any input.
May 15th, 2005, 07:52 PM
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jsbach, That is fantastic! Two weeks will be so wonderful. It sounds like you have the what to do part covered. Just a suggestion if you like wine; the CAFTour to the Chianti region is great. As a solo traveler, when I get to the point where I feel like I need to be part of a group I just pick up a half day or day long excursion. I have a feeling you'll be doing plenty of connecting.
Have a wonderful trip!
Have a wonderful trip!
May 16th, 2005, 01:08 AM
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Dear jsbach, good for you!! I am sure your Jim is smiling down on you as you make your plans to enjoy beautiful Italy. My very best wishes are sent to you for a wonderful two weeks. I know they will be.
May 16th, 2005, 04:26 AM
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Hi js,
Good for you.
I suggest, that if you can arrange it, you visit Venice for one or two nights.
You might also like to take a daytrip to Orvieto.
Have lunch in the garden at
I Sette Consoli
Pzza Sant’Angelo 1A
phone/fax 011 39 0763 343911
Did you intend to skip the refurbished David at the Accademia?
Uffizi and Academia Museum Reservations
The easiest and cheapest way is to call Florence 011 (U.S. international access code) 39 (Italy's country code) then 055-294-883 8:30-18:30 M-F and 8:30-12:00 Sat. Florence time. You will get an English speaking operator and in 2-3 minutes YOU CAN RESERVE FOR BOTH. This is through the reservation service at the Uffizi and costs beyond the normal entry fee only about 1.60 euro for the service. This is MUCH cheaper than the commercial booking services.
You will not be charged for the reservations unless you use them.
Save time for a night time walk along the Arno.
Loved your remark about the convent.
Have a lovely visit.
Good for you.
I suggest, that if you can arrange it, you visit Venice for one or two nights.
You might also like to take a daytrip to Orvieto.
Have lunch in the garden at
I Sette Consoli
Pzza Sant’Angelo 1A
phone/fax 011 39 0763 343911
Did you intend to skip the refurbished David at the Accademia?
Uffizi and Academia Museum Reservations
The easiest and cheapest way is to call Florence 011 (U.S. international access code) 39 (Italy's country code) then 055-294-883 8:30-18:30 M-F and 8:30-12:00 Sat. Florence time. You will get an English speaking operator and in 2-3 minutes YOU CAN RESERVE FOR BOTH. This is through the reservation service at the Uffizi and costs beyond the normal entry fee only about 1.60 euro for the service. This is MUCH cheaper than the commercial booking services.
You will not be charged for the reservations unless you use them.
Save time for a night time walk along the Arno.
Loved your remark about the convent.
Have a lovely visit.
May 16th, 2005, 05:45 AM
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God bless you, jsbach. I totally agree with LoveItaly. Listen carefully at different times during your trip...you're bound to hear your Jim...in someone's laughter or footsteps. Have a wonderful time, dear.
May 16th, 2005, 04:15 PM
#8
When we were last in Florence a few years ago, we attended a very inexpensive concert (under $10 each) in a church on via Corso. We had just been walking by as a person standing in front of the church was handing out flyers. (Later we saw flyers posted around the city advertising various performances.)
The instruments were antiques (a harpsicord-type keyboard instrument is the one I most remember). We were told Dante attended this church. (True?) Anyway, we enjoyed the concert very much.
The instruments were antiques (a harpsicord-type keyboard instrument is the one I most remember). We were told Dante attended this church. (True?) Anyway, we enjoyed the concert very much.
May 16th, 2005, 05:16 PM
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You're an inspiration, jsbach! Have a wonderful time. Your plans sound great. You might want to see the Pitti Palace if it's not on any of your tours. Don't miss the Ponte Vecchio, but try to go early or late in the day, before it gets packed. There's a nice little shop in Piazza della Signoria that has wonderful bed and bath products-can't recall the name, but they'd make nice little souvenirs for any grandaughters!
Buon viaggio!
Buon viaggio!
May 16th, 2005, 05:28 PM
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Maybe there will be some concerts in the English church at via Maggio 18. It's near the convent. I noticed you said you are Episcopalian - this is an Anglican church, so you might feel right at home. http://www.stmarks.it/st_marks.html
I had to chuckle at the idea of "my" convent
. One thing to note, though - it's down the hill from SMN station to the convent, not up. I hope you enjoy the convent as much as I did.
The Paperback Exchange at via Fiesolana 31r is a great place to go if you need something to read.
What a great place to visit and what a nice way to remember your husband.
I had to chuckle at the idea of "my" convent
. One thing to note, though - it's down the hill from SMN station to the convent, not up. I hope you enjoy the convent as much as I did. The Paperback Exchange at via Fiesolana 31r is a great place to go if you need something to read.
What a great place to visit and what a nice way to remember your husband.
May 16th, 2005, 05:53 PM
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In Siena, climb the stairs in the Duomo for a bellissima panoramic view. Also, San Gimmignano is also very lovely. You can visit Siena and S.G in one day.
I really like your writing style and sense of humor. I'll count down to read your trip report!
I really like your writing style and sense of humor. I'll count down to read your trip report!
May 16th, 2005, 06:32 PM
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Don't forget the overlooked Oltr'arno, the "wrong" side of the river. Apart from the Pitti palace and Boboli gardens few penetrate its mysteries or sample its charms: Chiesa di Santo Spirito, Chiesa del Carmine (the famous Giotto frescoes), etc.
Anyway, enough for practicalities: This flinty Scots heart melted a bit, in reading your intro, and these astigmatic eyes found it a little harder to focus.
All the best -- you sound well prepared and properly psyched for the trip.
Anyway, enough for practicalities: This flinty Scots heart melted a bit, in reading your intro, and these astigmatic eyes found it a little harder to focus.
All the best -- you sound well prepared and properly psyched for the trip.
