5 days in Florence - how would you do it?
#21
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I am just reading this thread. It is good to hear your trip is going well.
This is an old thread with lots of suggestions for things people recommend highly in Florence that might be helpful
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...op-10-list.cfm
This is an old thread with lots of suggestions for things people recommend highly in Florence that might be helpful
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...op-10-list.cfm
#22
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@annhig, am not as much of a museum buff as a curious person who likes to absorb things slowly I was in Venice for ~ 3.5 days before coming to Florence and I still did half of what most do in that much time. Florence has been an exception, probably because of small distances, clarity in what masterpieces to see where and sheer enthusiasm In Accademia, I must have spent at least half of my time around David. I had 'scheduled' to allow myself as much time as I wanted without feeling the need to move on (like I did in some places like Bergallo museum or Medici Chapel, etc). I was moved by Dsvid. I entered the hall and nothing else mattered. I genuinely say this, I did not notice anything around me when I took that right turn into the big hall, I just walked possessed towards David. I had goosebumps I spent a lot of time walking round and round and sitting or standing in different corners. I had Rick Steves's audio guide with me, which I listened to. I went into my thoughts about the biblical context of David & the Goliath and the Goliaths we face and must face in our lives. Rest of the time was very unproductive, loitering around few rooms, I don't know why I do that at times Ofoxurse The Rape of Sabines was there and couple of other things to see in the musical instruments room. My whole point was I have come all the way here to see David, I should just relax and absorb without any hurry. Uffizi, I could have spent more time but I had sensory overload in the 6 odd hours I was there.
#23
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@NomadLass, omg that is such a personalised list of memories you cherish! Thanks for sharing! I have just come back from a day trip to San Gimignano and Siena. Will do what I can practically achieve for sure
@Vttraveler, wish I saw that bread before arriving here. But I'm very satisfied with my few days here. But for surge bookmarking for my 'next' visit
@Vttraveler, wish I saw that bread before arriving here. But I'm very satisfied with my few days here. But for surge bookmarking for my 'next' visit
#24
lol, rtwin, you remind me of my BGF who is also american, not that i think that is necessarily relevant. She too likes to sit and take everything in, have the audio guide on all the time, read the guide book etc -we are definitely not compatible on holiday, or so our trip to Venice a few e ago years taught me. She spent ages examining every last thing in the Frari, for example, when I was almost screaming with frustration and wanting to be out of the door in an hour or so. ditto the Accademia in Florence [and in Venice for that matter] - a hour just about does me which is why I was interested to find out what you had found to do in there for so long.
in fact, with one or two exceptions, an hour or so in a museum is about my limit. perhaps the Firenze card with its motto "72 museums in 72 hours" would be good for me after all!
in fact, with one or two exceptions, an hour or so in a museum is about my limit. perhaps the Firenze card with its motto "72 museums in 72 hours" would be good for me after all!
#25
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@annhig, I'm selectively curious. Spent equal time in Musee del'orangerie as well as louvre enjoyed the former more. Even the 5th floor of musee d'orssay with Degas paintings.
Sorry for my typos. Too many in past couple of posts.
Sorry for my typos. Too many in past couple of posts.
#26
>>>you must be a real museum buff to spend 4 1/2 hours in the Accademia; what on earth did you find to look at in that time?<<<
While that's a long time for a small museums, most people don't make it past the area around David. There are other rooms of sculpture on the first floor along with the musical instruments. Many people don't bother finding the stairs to the upper floors (or even realize there is an upstairs).
While that's a long time for a small museums, most people don't make it past the area around David. There are other rooms of sculpture on the first floor along with the musical instruments. Many people don't bother finding the stairs to the upper floors (or even realize there is an upstairs).
#28
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If you have time, try to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, just by the train station. It has several art masterpieces, including the Tornabuoni Chapel, the Holy Trinity by Masaccio, and a wooden painting of the crucifixion by the Beato Angelico. It also has a nice cloister.