Anna

We'll be doing a day trip to Florence in July and I was wondering if we'd have enough time to visit both the Uffizi (first thing in the morning) and the Accademia (after lunch) in a day. I realize we won't be able to see one-quarter of what Florence has to offer, but because of our short time there, we'd like to make the most of it. PS. I've posted before and have got some great responses and ideas from people. Thanks. I don't know how I would have planned this trip without you!

robin-k

Yup. Very doable. As you're traveling during July (high season), recommend that you get tickets in advance. Been a couple years since I went to Florence and at that time I was able to book reservations at website called "Weekend in Firenze". Other more recent visitors can advise if that's still your best option.

cd

I doubt that you would get into the Uffize without reservations. The day we were there it would have been a 2 hour wait since we did not have reservations. If it were me with only a day, I would for sure see David at the Accademia and then use the rest of the day walking that great city. See the Duomo and Baptistery doors which took 27 yrs to complete with scenes from the Old Testament. Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in the city, and some of the churches re: Santa Croce. Everything is within walking distance so it is possible to see alot. You just won't be able to stay anywhere for a long time.

Carol

<BR>I agree with Robin...very doable. However, since your time is short, do a little research which will save you time in Florence.<BR><BR>You can certainly do both museums in one day, but if you want to see Santa Croce or the Duomo, you have to ration you time wisely. And be sure to check the opening and closing times of these churches or anything else that is a "must see" so you won't be disappointed.<BR><BR>We used Weekend in Florence for reservations...very easy to do and well worth the extra cost.<BR><BR>Have fun.

Rex

As others have suggested, you CAN NOT (on some days) get into the Uffizi in less than 2 hours withOUT a reservation - - but moreover you SHOULD NOT let this happen to you. The reservations system works so well, it's a crime to think of going to the Uffizi without one.<BR><BR>And few people will fail to get overloaded in a full morning there.<BR><BR>A nice lunch, and then a 45-90 minute visit to the Accademia will make for a great day.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Jenna

Anna, To make the most of your limited time in Florence, then I tend to agree with CD's response. One museum (for me, the David at Accademia was a real highlight) and then spend remaining time wandering about Florence. IMHO this will give you a much better feel of the city's magic than just viewing art in museums. But of course, that depends entirely on your personal taste

carol

Even with a Reservation at Uffizi you don't necessarily get in on the time booked, often there is a wait depending on how quickly they clear the area. No vehicles are allowed in the downtown area of Florence so expect to do a fair bit of walking. We did both in one day but Accademia first (much smaller gallery)and then Uffizi.

GAC

If I were you, I would make it a goal to get advance reservations at BOTH the Uffizi and the Accademia. Avoid the endless lines. These are among the greatest museums in the WORLD. You can easily take in a number of other sites (and see much of downtown Florence) by simply walking between these two places.

Grasshopper

I honestly was not a big fan of the Uffize. By the time I got there I was on museum overload. The Accademia was great (and in July is open in the evenings when there are not the long lines) and my favorite little gem of a museum is the Museo Opera, adjacent to the Duomo. That is where the original Bapistry doors are as well as some of Michaelangelo's work and the most interesting relics.

Helen Donegan

Hi Anna<BR>Click on Travel and then favoiurities:<BR>http://www.italywithus.com/<BR>For info on Uffizi/Accademia booking in advance

Anna

All that said, does anyone know how far in advance I can book tickets for both the Uffizi and Accademia? (I'm one of those planners who does EVERYTHING months in advance!) Thanks!

gaye

I'm not sure how far out, but I booked 5 months ahead.

Harriette

I just booked them both yesterday for a trip in June. You can do it very easily by calling direct. It is cheaper if you use a 1010 # and they speak english and were very nice. I believe the service charge for doing this is 1.50 Euros but they don't take a credit card on the phone you pay when you get there. they give you a confirmation # . I got this from another Fodor's thread and thank whomever posted it. The # is 011 39 055 294 883. Have fun

Jessica

I just booked for both museum in the end of April.

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david

I spent 5 days in Florence in early March. Uffize is always busy in the mornings (all museums are closed on monday). I would wait until 5pm or later to get in. At that time there was no waiting at all. The only drawback is Floraaence gets dark by 7pm., there is no lighting for the display at the corridoor. The best museum is not the Ufizzi, it is the Pitti Palace on the south side of Ponte Vecchio. The Outside of the Palace is nothing to look at but the inside is really magnificent with its painted ceilings and lovely paintings, furniture and jewery. The Pitti Palace was home to the Medicci family ( patron of Michaelangelo)with hundreds of years of art collections. I would go very early to the Pitti Palace, buy the combine ticket for 11.50 Euro. this will include the Galleria Palatina, few smaller museums and the famous Boboli garden. On the way back to the Ponto Vacchio, before you go to the bridge, turn left, there is a lillte piazza, go up the street on the left side (via Stacciatella, 9R)have lunch at this little restaurant called Trattoria Borbino. A T-Bone steak and salad special is only 9 Euro. (The best steak I have ever tasted) if you pay at the cashier there is no cover charge. After lunch you can walk north to the Academia and admire the magnificent David. If you want to buy a good replica of David do not buy it from the street venders, go to a little shop right accross the Ufizzi ( West side,a little side street called Via Lambertesca 8-9r) the shop or owner is called Amin Nabih. This guy is not Italian but he will give you a very good price if you pay him cash and in U.S.Dollars. Make sure it is a genuine Santini, each crushed marble replica is hand finished. He has a 3ft replica of "Perseus" (Displayed at the Piazza della Signoria) which sells for 2400 Euro. If I have the money I would buy it, it is the most lovely replica I have ever seen. The smaller David 10-12 inches sell for less than 100 euro.<BR>

lilly

I don't know what day of the week you'll be visiting but I believe the Uffizi is open Sat evenings until 10 or so. Your plan is very do-able, however. Do not, by the way, breeze by the "prisoners" on your way to David in the Accademia - for me they were even more striking as they fought their way out of the marble. Florence is so walkable that you could probably get the Pitti Palace in too if the Uffizi is open at night. enjoy!