We are now starting to plan our visit for next year. We'll be in Florence for about five nights before moving on to Venice.

We have decided to somewhat concentrate on Medici stuff, including the commissioned art works, possible tours of the palaces, homesites, etc.

Considering the use of Context since we had such a good experience with them in Paris a couple of years ago.

However, if anyone knows of other resources, private guides, etc., I'd appreciate that information.

Thanks

Last November we took a Context tour in Florence that focused on the Medicis & their influence on the Renaissance. There were 4 of us on the tour, it was excellent & one of the most informative tours I've had. Hope this helps...

Dorkforcemom,

Thanks for your reply. I am tending toward using Context and am aware of the couple of tours they have which focus on the Medici family, etc. Glad you enjoyed yours.

As background prep you might want to watch a very good PBS series on the Medicis.

I bought the DVD a few years ago from Amazon -- its proper title is "Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance."

It's very well done and might help you arrive in Florence with some good context for your Medici tour!

Sac...great minds think alike!!!

We have that very DVD and have watched it.

I am also filling in the many blanks (in the DVD) by reading Unger's book "Magnifico" about Lorenzo.

I recently read a book that gave a new perspective on the Medici; so much of what I know is about Lorenzo, or Catherine. This one is about Isabella (1542–1576), daughter of Cosimo. It's "Death of a Medici Princess," by Caroline Murphy. It wasn't the easiest read, kind of a beefed-up school textbook, spiced up (or not) with suppositions about her lovers and dull details about other stuff. But seemed to be historically accurate, and as I said, a different time period/generation than is usually the focus. I'm glad I stuck it out and read the entire thing.

The Unger book is far more than just about Lorenzo and it, in fact, has a lot of detail about Cosimo as well as Lorenzo's father.

It, along with the PBS tape, has helped us decide to spend our time in Florence before moving on to our Med cruise jumping off point in Venice next year.

Try to do a search on the Vasari Corridor. I've read about it, and it's very difficult to get in... I think several Fodorites have tried unsuccessfully???

This book was just reviewed in the Boston Globe and looks fabulous. I plan to read it whether I get back to Florence or not soon!

Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and
Violent Times of Lorenzo de' Medici
By Miles J. Unger

You might enjoy reading "The Medici Villas," by Isabella Lapi Ballerini, (Giunti 2006). Available at major museums, in several languages. Easy but informative read. Some villas are available for touring; some remain in private hands. The fmily lived well.

I second Murder of a Medici Princess. It sounds like it's an awful romance novel by the title but it's well written and, I agree, more textbookish. We went to Florence last year and I really wish I'd read it before I went. It would have brought the Medicis to life.

I recently read April Blood and even though I did not enjoy it tremendously, it provided nice contrast to the usual 'all-hail-the-mecenas' attitude found in art books. It focuses on medieval economics and politics. I tought its was rather enlighting.

The author is NOT a Medeci fan.

Thanks, everyone for these additional comments and recommendations...they really are MUCH-appreciated.