Only 6 Hrs. in Florence
Apr 10th, 2004, 10:08 AM
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Only 6 Hrs. in Florence
We will be coming off a cruise ship in Livorno and with travel time, we only have about 6 hours in Florence.
What is the best of the best to see? Where should we grab something to eat? Is it safe to take a cab? If so what should it cost?
Thanks for your help.
What is the best of the best to see? Where should we grab something to eat? Is it safe to take a cab? If so what should it cost?
Thanks for your help.
Apr 10th, 2004, 10:24 AM
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I have never been on any cruise, and I don't know that I could get in the frame of mind necessary to pack in a lot with the limited time you have - - but this is not a criticism of visiting Florence this way, just my unfamiliarity. My first trip to Florence was also about six hours (day tripping from a Tuscany villa) - - we did not eat there at all, but our time was our own, and we didn't really feel the pressure of the clock.
Given that it is over an hour to get from Livorno to Florence, it seems like the ship could/would pack you a box lunch (but when do you leave the ship?) that you could eat on the train (or cab, if that is what you are doing).
The "best of the best" might include the Uffizi, the Accademia and il Duomo/Battistera or Santa Croce. Normally I recommend breaking up the Uffizi and enjoying a lunch there on their terrace; I don't think that would readily be an option with your box lunch (i.e., carrying in your own, but eating there) - - but depending on the time of your six hours, it still might be my advice. You are <b>definitely</b> going to want to make reservations to enter the Uffizi and the Accademmia, since without them, you could end up in lines for 1-2 hours. Search here for weekendafirenze - - and you can read about options (this website and others) there.
But the "best of the best" is of course, very personal. Your own interest in world class (Italian) art will dictate whether you want to actually take on the Uffizi or not. There would be nothing wrong with a long leisurely lunch, shopping and only one of the four aforementioned.
Ideally, you will get a reply from someone (actually, best if you get two such "someones"
who has done exactly this six hour dash from a cruise ship - - one for whom it went well, and one for whom it went badly.
Best wishes,
Rex
Given that it is over an hour to get from Livorno to Florence, it seems like the ship could/would pack you a box lunch (but when do you leave the ship?) that you could eat on the train (or cab, if that is what you are doing).
The "best of the best" might include the Uffizi, the Accademia and il Duomo/Battistera or Santa Croce. Normally I recommend breaking up the Uffizi and enjoying a lunch there on their terrace; I don't think that would readily be an option with your box lunch (i.e., carrying in your own, but eating there) - - but depending on the time of your six hours, it still might be my advice. You are <b>definitely</b> going to want to make reservations to enter the Uffizi and the Accademmia, since without them, you could end up in lines for 1-2 hours. Search here for weekendafirenze - - and you can read about options (this website and others) there.
But the "best of the best" is of course, very personal. Your own interest in world class (Italian) art will dictate whether you want to actually take on the Uffizi or not. There would be nothing wrong with a long leisurely lunch, shopping and only one of the four aforementioned.
Ideally, you will get a reply from someone (actually, best if you get two such "someones"
who has done exactly this six hour dash from a cruise ship - - one for whom it went well, and one for whom it went badly.Best wishes,
Rex
Apr 10th, 2004, 10:37 AM
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Thanks, Rex for another good response. I'm sorry now that I booked a cruise. After being on this site for 5 days straight.
I would much rather have just GONE and taken all the tips I've been reading about.
Well, as they say, "surf and learn."
Will take your advice about making reservations. Thanks!
I would much rather have just GONE and taken all the tips I've been reading about.
Well, as they say, "surf and learn."
Will take your advice about making reservations. Thanks!
Apr 10th, 2004, 11:44 AM
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Hi cre,
Although I think you would have a nicer day if you took the train to Pisa, then Lucca, then back to Livorno,
Here is some advice for your Florence daytrip.
Reservations for the Museums
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.
Getting there: Train schedules are at www.trenitalia.com/en.
You want Livorno Centrale to Firenze.
I suggest going to the Accademia upon arrival in Florence and then walking downhill on Via Ricasoli to the Duomo.
Spend about 3/4 hr in the Duomo and an hour at the Museo del Opera, behind the Baptistry.
Take the Via del Calzaiuoli through the Pzza Signoria to the Uffizi.
Exit the Uffizi, walk to the river and turn right to the Ponte Vecchio.
From the Ponte Vecchio take the pedestrian street north to the Pzza della Repubblica. Cross the Pzza and go west on Via degli Strozzi. Continue to Via del Sole and on to Via della Scala and the Santa Maria Novella church.
You are now back at the train station.
Enjoy your trip.
Although I think you would have a nicer day if you took the train to Pisa, then Lucca, then back to Livorno,
Here is some advice for your Florence daytrip.
Reservations for the Museums
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.
Getting there: Train schedules are at www.trenitalia.com/en.
You want Livorno Centrale to Firenze.
I suggest going to the Accademia upon arrival in Florence and then walking downhill on Via Ricasoli to the Duomo.
Spend about 3/4 hr in the Duomo and an hour at the Museo del Opera, behind the Baptistry.
Take the Via del Calzaiuoli through the Pzza Signoria to the Uffizi.
Exit the Uffizi, walk to the river and turn right to the Ponte Vecchio.
From the Ponte Vecchio take the pedestrian street north to the Pzza della Repubblica. Cross the Pzza and go west on Via degli Strozzi. Continue to Via del Sole and on to Via della Scala and the Santa Maria Novella church.
You are now back at the train station.
Enjoy your trip.
Apr 10th, 2004, 12:15 PM
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Thanks, Ira
I will definitely take your advice
regarding the bookings. You're probably right about a nicer day going to Pizza and Lucca, But..... Feel like I have to get it all in. Don't love flying, and with the world such as it is... who knows Besides this is for our 40 Anniversary, and since I'm only 61, I can still run!
Thanks for the great directions.
I will definitely take your advice
regarding the bookings. You're probably right about a nicer day going to Pizza and Lucca, But..... Feel like I have to get it all in. Don't love flying, and with the world such as it is... who knows Besides this is for our 40 Anniversary, and since I'm only 61, I can still run!
Thanks for the great directions.
Apr 10th, 2004, 01:43 PM
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The Uffizi gallery is a mess right now, the construction has created real chaos, and some of the Bottacelli's are gone visiting.
We were there a couple of weeks ago, and were very unhappy with what is happening. The Uffizi is one of my favorite places, but I would suggest that it be given a pass now.
A walking tour of the city only takes a couple of hours with an organized outfit, which would leave you time for the Accademia and the Bargelo
We were there a couple of weeks ago, and were very unhappy with what is happening. The Uffizi is one of my favorite places, but I would suggest that it be given a pass now.
A walking tour of the city only takes a couple of hours with an organized outfit, which would leave you time for the Accademia and the Bargelo
