My Florence Itinerary: please
Jul 3rd, 2012, 09:22 PM
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My Florence Itinerary: please
For those who commented on my Venice itinerary, yes this is the same trip. As soon as I leave Venice I will be taking the train to Florence.
I will arrive in Florence on September 26 and depart on September 29. I have drawn up an itinerary I would love for some experienced travelers to look at and let me know how it fares.
My wife and I are 35 and 31, will be staying near the Duomo area and like to get up early and walk a lot. We want to find the balance between seeing a lot without having a chaotic visit.
DAY ONE:
Arrive in Florence via Train at 11:30 am and taxi to our hotel/Check In
In the afternoon, visit the Duomo and Battistero San Giovanni. If there is time, also check out the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.
Gelato, Dinner, maybe some more gelato
DAY TWO:
In the morning, visit Galleria dell'Accademia and Piazza/Museo San Marco. Afterwards, visit the Piazza della Signora en route to the Uffizi galleries.
In the late afternoon, take a bus south of the river to the Palazzo Pitti and its gardens, and hopefully, end the day with a visit to the San Miniato al Monte and drinks at Piazzale Michaelangelo.
Gelato, Dinner, maybe some more gelato
DAY THREE:
We are hoping to use day three to do a day trip to visit Pisa and Lucca, so I'm hoping the first two days are reasonably planned.
Thanks for any help!
I will arrive in Florence on September 26 and depart on September 29. I have drawn up an itinerary I would love for some experienced travelers to look at and let me know how it fares.
My wife and I are 35 and 31, will be staying near the Duomo area and like to get up early and walk a lot. We want to find the balance between seeing a lot without having a chaotic visit.
DAY ONE:
Arrive in Florence via Train at 11:30 am and taxi to our hotel/Check In
In the afternoon, visit the Duomo and Battistero San Giovanni. If there is time, also check out the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.
Gelato, Dinner, maybe some more gelato
DAY TWO:
In the morning, visit Galleria dell'Accademia and Piazza/Museo San Marco. Afterwards, visit the Piazza della Signora en route to the Uffizi galleries.
In the late afternoon, take a bus south of the river to the Palazzo Pitti and its gardens, and hopefully, end the day with a visit to the San Miniato al Monte and drinks at Piazzale Michaelangelo.
Gelato, Dinner, maybe some more gelato
DAY THREE:
We are hoping to use day three to do a day trip to visit Pisa and Lucca, so I'm hoping the first two days are reasonably planned.
Thanks for any help!
Jul 3rd, 2012, 09:46 PM
#2
Have you made reservations for the Accademia and the Uffizi?
If possible, I'd take an earlier train from Venice to maximize your time in Florence.
I think your plans are reasonably timed assuming you're not easily distracted, but FWIW I would make different choices. I would skip the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens and see the Bargello Museum and Santa Croce Basilica instead. I'd also walk through one of the open markets (Centrale, San Lorenzo) and try to squeeze in a visit to the Medici Chapel.
If possible, I'd take an earlier train from Venice to maximize your time in Florence.
I think your plans are reasonably timed assuming you're not easily distracted, but FWIW I would make different choices. I would skip the Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens and see the Bargello Museum and Santa Croce Basilica instead. I'd also walk through one of the open markets (Centrale, San Lorenzo) and try to squeeze in a visit to the Medici Chapel.
Jul 3rd, 2012, 10:40 PM
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I agree with Rastaguytoday. Siena is so much more charming compared to Pisa. We were at Pisa recently and I think we spent a total of 30 minutes there. Full of tourists and tacky souvenier stalls. The Fields of Miracles was so crowded. Lucca is a pretty wall town and unless you want to spend time cycling or walking around the wall, there really isn't much to do. You should spend at least one night in Siena. It's beautiful in the evening.
Jul 3rd, 2012, 11:00 PM
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Can I just say, unless you have LOADS of luggage if you are staying near the Duomo, ( does depend where though) but if you are the station side of the Duomo u really don't need a taxi from the station. It's a 10 minute walk at the most and they will charge a fortune. That said if you do have loads of luggage get a cab!
Jul 4th, 2012, 05:33 AM
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From the Uffizi Galleries to the Pitti Palace is a less than 10-minute walk--don't bother with a bus--plus the most direct route is over the famous Ponte Vecchio. From there a bus to Piazzale Michelangelo might be a nice option to avoid the hill climb.
For me, putting three art museums in one day would be tiring, but to put these three together is possible.
For me, putting three art museums in one day would be tiring, but to put these three together is possible.
Jul 4th, 2012, 06:46 AM
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Thanks everyone. Actually, after I leave Florence I am traveling to Siena and staying in an agroturismo. That's why I'm sticking with just Pisa and Lucca while in the Florence area.
Based on the recommendations, here is my new itinerary:
Arrive in Florence via Train as early as possible and walk to our hotel/Check In
In the afternoon, visit the Duomo and Battistero San Giovanni, Campinale di Giotto (bell tower)
and Capelle Medici. If there is extra time, we will check out the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and San Lorenzo, but there are low priority
DAY TWO:
In the morning, visit Galleria dell'Accademia to see the David and maybe the Piazza/Museo San Marco (low priority). Afterwards, head south, visiting the Museo Borgello and Piazza della Signora and Palazzo Vecchio en route to the Uffizi galleries.
After considerable time at the Uffizi, head to east to Santa Croce.
In the late afternoon, take a bus south of the river to end the day at San Miniato al Monte (FREE) and drinks at Piazzale Michaelangelo.
DAY THREE:
Pisa/Lucca
**********
Really I'm most concerned with seeing the Duomo, the David, the Uffizi and everything else is gravy.
Based on the recommendations, here is my new itinerary:
Arrive in Florence via Train as early as possible and walk to our hotel/Check In
In the afternoon, visit the Duomo and Battistero San Giovanni, Campinale di Giotto (bell tower)
and Capelle Medici. If there is extra time, we will check out the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and San Lorenzo, but there are low priority
DAY TWO:
In the morning, visit Galleria dell'Accademia to see the David and maybe the Piazza/Museo San Marco (low priority). Afterwards, head south, visiting the Museo Borgello and Piazza della Signora and Palazzo Vecchio en route to the Uffizi galleries.
After considerable time at the Uffizi, head to east to Santa Croce.
In the late afternoon, take a bus south of the river to end the day at San Miniato al Monte (FREE) and drinks at Piazzale Michaelangelo.
DAY THREE:
Pisa/Lucca
**********
Really I'm most concerned with seeing the Duomo, the David, the Uffizi and everything else is gravy.
Jul 4th, 2012, 11:03 AM
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Once I get my itinerary day I am going to try and book tickets for everything I can in advance, especially the major sites.
I want to spend as little time at ticket booths and kiosks as possible on my trip. Not my idea of a good time.
I want to spend as little time at ticket booths and kiosks as possible on my trip. Not my idea of a good time.
Jul 4th, 2012, 01:40 PM
#11
Really I'm most concerned with seeing the Duomo, the David, the Uffizi and everything else is gravy.>>
when i was in florence last May [which i anticipate is roughly the same for numbers of tourists as September] every time I walked past the Duomo there were long queues. My advice would be to get there as early as possible in the morning, rather than reckoning on getting in on the afternoon you arrive.
I would therefore get Uffizi/Accademia tickets [which you will need] at times to make allowance for doing this first, at least on one day.
have a great trip.
when i was in florence last May [which i anticipate is roughly the same for numbers of tourists as September] every time I walked past the Duomo there were long queues. My advice would be to get there as early as possible in the morning, rather than reckoning on getting in on the afternoon you arrive.
I would therefore get Uffizi/Accademia tickets [which you will need] at times to make allowance for doing this first, at least on one day.
have a great trip.
Jul 4th, 2012, 04:15 PM
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> DAY TWO: ... In the morning, visit Galleria dell'Accademia to see the David and maybe the Piazza/Museo San Marco (low priority). Afterwards, head south, visiting the Museo Borgello and Piazza della Signora and Palazzo Vecchio en route to the Uffizi galleries. ...After considerable time at the Uffizi, head to east to Santa Croce.
It took me almost 3 days to visit this particular set of sites, and am sure I would have enjoyed even more time in these amazing places. But we all travel with different interests, so maybe it will work for you.
Enjoy!
It took me almost 3 days to visit this particular set of sites, and am sure I would have enjoyed even more time in these amazing places. But we all travel with different interests, so maybe it will work for you.
Enjoy!
Jul 4th, 2012, 06:17 PM
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Sounds like you've got a tight list focusing on the art you want to see. I was just in Florence for the first 2 weeks in May. And YES, hundreds of people were in lines wrapping around buildings and snaking through piazzas. DO get those museum visits scheduled.
Since you only have a few days, you might not be able to spend "considerable time" at any one place. We were in the Uffizi from opening til mid-afternoon---I'd say 5 hours. The Pitti Palace and gardens also took most of a day---the gardens alone are very extensive. When you're up at San Miniato al Monte do leave time for the amazing cemetery there.
I also agree about the avoiding the taxi, if possible. Our apartment was half-way between the train station and the Duomo---a 15 minute walk at most. We each had a large suitcase plus a carry-on and had no difficulty with the walk.
You'll have a fabulous time!
Since you only have a few days, you might not be able to spend "considerable time" at any one place. We were in the Uffizi from opening til mid-afternoon---I'd say 5 hours. The Pitti Palace and gardens also took most of a day---the gardens alone are very extensive. When you're up at San Miniato al Monte do leave time for the amazing cemetery there.
I also agree about the avoiding the taxi, if possible. Our apartment was half-way between the train station and the Duomo---a 15 minute walk at most. We each had a large suitcase plus a carry-on and had no difficulty with the walk.
You'll have a fabulous time!
Jul 4th, 2012, 08:05 PM
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Please make time for the Museo Dell'Opera del Duomo. It is a very peaceful gem of a museum right beside the crowds of the Duomo. I think most people overlook this wonderful place. It's quiet with many benches to sit and reflect on the few masterpieces inside. It should only take you about an hour, but it is well worth it.
Jul 4th, 2012, 08:25 PM
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Please note this poster is going in September. Lines will not be as long, in my opinion. Long, but not outrageous.
cdispoto- Please consider dropping the day trip. There is so much to see in Florence. Don't cheat yourself by taking a day trip you probably won't remember, crammed into everything else.
Make note of the times places open/close. The bell tower is open different hours than the Duomo itself. The campanile and baptistry, also. Additionally, the Medici Chapel can close earlier than your guidebook states. Mine said 5pm and it actually closed at 4 that day.
So, pay attention to carefully planning where you are headed and when.
I am so glad you've added Santa Croce. I don't know how you can go to Florence and not stop to see the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, etc. They rest here together in Santa Croce. Fabulous!
The Medici Chapels are part of San Lorenzo. I encourage you to see both. There is some beautiful art in San Lorenzo, including an amazing Donitello pulpit and my favorite- a celestial dome painted by Donitello and designed by Brunelleschi.
Additionally, the markets around San Lorenzo (in my humble opinion) hold some of the best shopping in Italy. You can't miss them!
Make sure you are in Piazzale Michelangelo about 20 mts before sunset. THe view is like no other..
Buon viaggio!
cdispoto- Please consider dropping the day trip. There is so much to see in Florence. Don't cheat yourself by taking a day trip you probably won't remember, crammed into everything else.
Make note of the times places open/close. The bell tower is open different hours than the Duomo itself. The campanile and baptistry, also. Additionally, the Medici Chapel can close earlier than your guidebook states. Mine said 5pm and it actually closed at 4 that day.
So, pay attention to carefully planning where you are headed and when.
I am so glad you've added Santa Croce. I don't know how you can go to Florence and not stop to see the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, etc. They rest here together in Santa Croce. Fabulous!
The Medici Chapels are part of San Lorenzo. I encourage you to see both. There is some beautiful art in San Lorenzo, including an amazing Donitello pulpit and my favorite- a celestial dome painted by Donitello and designed by Brunelleschi.
Additionally, the markets around San Lorenzo (in my humble opinion) hold some of the best shopping in Italy. You can't miss them!
Make sure you are in Piazzale Michelangelo about 20 mts before sunset. THe view is like no other..
Buon viaggio!
Jul 7th, 2012, 12:07 PM
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Thanks everyone, my wide and I have officially placed Pisa and Lucca into the "If we have time" category. Gives us more time to spend in Florence, including maybe a night in the San Frediano section.
Jul 7th, 2012, 01:27 PM
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Just one more to chime in on your day two. I think you will find that you are visiting too many museums. The Uffizi is one of the most intensely tiring museums I have ever been in. Definitely worth visiting but perhaps on a different day than all of the others.
Have a great trip!
Have a great trip!
Jul 7th, 2012, 05:25 PM
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I have not figured out from your posts if you are really into Italian art and museums, or if you are just going to these museums to tick off a few boxes. I've been panting, just following your itinerary for 2 days. Remember, you need time to chill from the heat of the day (still hot there) and to have more gelato. What about drinking wine with your lunch and dinner at the outdoor restaurants? Part of being in Italy is to stop and watch the people. People in Italy do not rush about ticking off boxes. They understand that part of the journey is standing back and viewing life.
P.S. the shopping for leather goods in San Lorenzo market is not to be missed, especially by your wife. Nowhere else will you find it as it exists there. Can you bargain?
P.S. the shopping for leather goods in San Lorenzo market is not to be missed, especially by your wife. Nowhere else will you find it as it exists there. Can you bargain?
Jul 8th, 2012, 10:00 AM
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NoCali,
I have been re-examining that myself. Fact is, my wife and I appreciate art but are not aficianados.
Apart from the famous pieces, we will not be able to necessarily recognize the difference between most of what we see and what we've already seen at the New York Metropolitan Museum of art, which we visited this summer and is only five miles from where we live.
I think the must-see museum for us include the can't miss sights like the Uffizi, the David, etc. and the other museums, while spectacular, will fall into the "maybe" category.
We want to experience life in Italy, not spend the whole time indoors staring at paintings.
I have been re-examining that myself. Fact is, my wife and I appreciate art but are not aficianados.
Apart from the famous pieces, we will not be able to necessarily recognize the difference between most of what we see and what we've already seen at the New York Metropolitan Museum of art, which we visited this summer and is only five miles from where we live.
I think the must-see museum for us include the can't miss sights like the Uffizi, the David, etc. and the other museums, while spectacular, will fall into the "maybe" category.
We want to experience life in Italy, not spend the whole time indoors staring at paintings.
