Florence last min. tips/suggestions
Aug 7th, 2006, 07:17 AM
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Florence last min. tips/suggestions
Hello - My husband and I are heading to Italy on our honeymoon in a few days. We will be spending 3 nights in Florence at the Hotel Santa Maria Novella which is in the Piazza S.M. Novella.
Does anyone has any last minute suggestions on things to do and see that may or may not be in the guidbooks.
Does anyone has any last minute suggestions on things to do and see that may or may not be in the guidbooks.
Aug 7th, 2006, 07:26 AM
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If Uva Fragola (in the Piazza S.M. Novella) is still open, it has good food and great pizza at excellent prices and after a long day of sightseeing, it can be quite nice not to go far for dinner. And don't forget to tour the interior of Santa Maria Novella, including its bapistry and cloister.
To me, the most memorable museum in Firenze is San Marco, the deconsecrated monastery where Fra Angelico's original glowing murals decorate several dozen historic monk's cells. Taxis are cheap in Firenze, so I recommend taking one to San Marco if the walk seems far. From San Marco, you can easily catch a bus back to the train station near your hotel.
To me, the most memorable museum in Firenze is San Marco, the deconsecrated monastery where Fra Angelico's original glowing murals decorate several dozen historic monk's cells. Taxis are cheap in Firenze, so I recommend taking one to San Marco if the walk seems far. From San Marco, you can easily catch a bus back to the train station near your hotel.
Aug 7th, 2006, 07:44 AM
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I agree that San Marco is very interesting; along with the Fra Angelico's is an amayzing DellaRobbia in what is now the gift shop. I also really enjoyed Santa Croce with it's many famous tombs and early Giotto and Cimabue. And maybe you should buy yourself a honeymoon momento on the Ponte Vecchio!
Aug 7th, 2006, 08:13 AM
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eat at Il Quattro Amici very near your hotel via degli Orti Oricellari ,29. They do a 7 course meal with matching wines and the service is fab.Price very reasonable too.
We,ve stayed at S M N Hotel and liked the location.
Go to the Piazza Michelangelo in time for lunch so you can eat al fresco looking over the Arno River and the city.
Have a wonderful time and Good Luck for a happy future together!
We,ve stayed at S M N Hotel and liked the location.
Go to the Piazza Michelangelo in time for lunch so you can eat al fresco looking over the Arno River and the city.
Have a wonderful time and Good Luck for a happy future together!
Aug 8th, 2006, 05:35 PM
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Try to visit the Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. It's on Via della Scala 16, and it's quite a place. They've been making and selling perfumes, soaps, creams, lotions, oils, there for a loooooong time and the shop itself is quite beautiful. My wife buys a fragrance every trip. Most of the prices are reasonable.
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Aug 8th, 2006, 06:53 PM
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San Marco is absolutely great and undervisited. You will be amazed. Santa Croce is my favorite, and I say it here all the time.
Another great out of the way location is San Miniato al Monte. If you can be there for vespers, hearing the monks chant is so cool. We took a really long walk up to the church by a loop from the Ponte Vecchio, and then back down the steps by Piazzale Michelangelo. I thought that was a truly romantic walk.
You will love your three days and want to come back.
Another great out of the way location is San Miniato al Monte. If you can be there for vespers, hearing the monks chant is so cool. We took a really long walk up to the church by a loop from the Ponte Vecchio, and then back down the steps by Piazzale Michelangelo. I thought that was a truly romantic walk.
You will love your three days and want to come back.
Aug 10th, 2006, 09:08 PM
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When you're at the Uffizi, make SURE you go to their cafeteria/restaurant with its outside panoramic terrace and its extraordinary views of the entire city. This is a GREAT place to take a break-highly recommended, with glass of wine in hand!
Aug 10th, 2006, 09:28 PM
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I'd second the Uffizi terrace and also the San Marco. Sunrise on the Arno is also nice. I also enjoyed the Masaccio paintings in Santa Maria del Carmine. I also liked the Medici Chapel, which is all Michelangelo sculpture.
If you are not huge art buffs, try not to be overwhelmed. Rely on a good guidebook to hit the highlights; don't try to view every single work in the larger museums (Pitti and Uffizi especially).
If you are not huge art buffs, try not to be overwhelmed. Rely on a good guidebook to hit the highlights; don't try to view every single work in the larger museums (Pitti and Uffizi especially).
