Andy

First time traveler(2-3 couples) to Italy would like to stay in villa in close vicinity to florence. Need lodging recommendations, and places of interest we must see. travel time is first week in July 2001

Linda

"The David" by Michaelangelo is the absolute must. Then, having gelato at Vivoli's, Pitti Palace, Robert & Elizabeth Browning's home, Fiesole, shopping, Also, at the end of June, they had what I call a medieval football game among the groups in Firenze--quite a spectacle. I don't know how long it continues but was fun to watch.

Rose

Michealango's tomb in Santa Croce, the Uffizi, the Bargello statuary museum, the Medici tombs (for the carvings by Michealangelo in the basement)...a good guide book will help alot in determining what you must see vs what you could see if you have the time. <BR> <BR>Be sure to order your tickets for the Uffizi on line at www.weekendafirenze.com. <BR> <BR>Be advised July is high season and there will be BIG crowds in Florence. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip!

susan

Hi Andy, <BR>I can't help with the lodging, but here's my solution - go to Barnes & Noble and leaf through the travel books, looking up hotels outside of Florence, and write them all down! That's what I do. <BR>As for sights....def. the Uffizi, (get your tix ahead of time through your hotel), and the Bargello, if you like art, Santa Croce (tomb of Michaelangelo)- Medici Tombs (Night/Day/Dawn/Dusk) which are in San Lorenzo, David is in the Galleria dell' Accademia, Santa Maria Novella, if you like churches - and visit the Piazza della Signoria (great piazza and go into the Palzaao Vecchio, which is right there) by the way, I'm looking in my "Eyewitness Travel Guide on Florence/Tuscany" (from B&N...) and in the back it lists hotels in the "Florence Enviorons" Have fun!~

Jan

We just returned from Italy and apent a week in Tuscany at The Castle Di Bibbione. It is great and has accomodations to accomodate you. It is located about 25 minutes South of Florence and it is beautiful. Farm houses are decorated with antiques in the Tuscan style and immaculate. See their web site at Tuscany.net. The views are fabulous and the price is great too. We paid 1,000,000 for a week the first of October which is about $450.00 USD. Good luck!!

Cindy

If you find Florence too crowded, you will find respite at the Forte di Belvedere - it's just a short walk from the Duomo, across the Ponte Vecchio, and up a small hill. (I'm sorry I don't know the name of the road - I had to ask for directions.) Here you will find modern art scattered throughout the fort grounds and a wonderful view of the Tuscan hillsides. I would recommend going just before sunset, and bring some wine and antipasti.

Muriel

Whether you stay in Florence or on the outskirts , I f you are going in July, be sure you get a place that is air conditioned.

Lori

Agree that Uffuzi reservations are a must, but you don't need to do it on-line and pay an additional fee/more money. You can just call them 24hours prior to (see Rick Steve's site for additional details)

beth

places to stay: <BR>Villa La Massa - on the Arno - has a shuttle to Florence - member of Relais and Chateaux <BR> <BR>Villa Montartino - look up in seach.com for their web-site <BR> <BR>Fiesole - stay in this town at Villa Aurora (in town) bus runs into Florence every 15 minutes. Or Villa San Michele, Villa Fiesole <BR> <BR>In Chianti - Villa Vignamaggio - they have wonderful apartments - about 20 miles from Florence... <BR>

Vickie

As said before David and the Uffia are "musts." Our hotel called and reserved our Uffia tickets and there was no charge. I would also recommend Museo dell' Opera del Duomo, which is right behind the Church. It has the Pieta that Michelangelo did for his own Chapel and many other pieces that I really appreciated.