Thanks for all the tips on the hotels. I've been checking them all out. Just like Cinque Terre, I've waited a bit late to stay at the Tripadvisor favorites, but there are so many to choose from that I know I'll find the perfect place. Some of the suggestions would have been perfect for us (graze!), but are not available. (And I'm still thinking about that Granduomo...how cool to overlook the Duomo!)

When is the market in Santa Croce square...since it seems we should go there anyway ;)

Agreed about Piazzle Michelangelo - what a beautiful view. We stopped there on the way from Lucca to Tuscany a few years ago just for that view (not at sunset though - darn) and knowing we'd be back to Florence sometime. And here we are saying we have to come back to Florence again in the future, but at least this time we're making it into the city!

Should we get tickets to see David in advance? Can we have our hotel do it when we arrive or will that be too late? It would be nice not to be pinned down to a time before we arrive, but it's on the top of my husband's list so I don't want him to miss out.

To avoid disappointment, I would suggest booking an entry time to see David in advance. We pre-booked an early morning time; arrived slightly ahead of our reservation and were allowed entry; and we gazed at David with 4 other visitors in the gallery! I understand not wanting to schedule your days in Florence. But if this is something that is high on your husband's list, it may be worth making a reservation.

Good luck with your plans!

Thanks 2010 - did you book from home and how early was 'early morning'? When I went many years ago, it was very crowded so your method is very appealing.

I agree with 2010. If it's important, plan the rest of your day around your museum entrance. Your hotel can make the reservations for you. You should, though, probably request it just as soon as you book. The lines here can be outrageous, even for those with reservations. So, I'd go very first thing when they open. Just my humble opinion!

I always appreciate opinions, humble or otherwise!!!

Grazie!

hi kwren:

I made our booking from home. This is the 'Polo Fiorentino Museale' website I used.

www.uffizi.firenze.it

I phoned and spoke with an English-speaking agent. I made an 8:30am reservation for the Accademia. I was given a confirmation number. It was a while ago but it seems to me that we presented our confirmation number at the museum and paid for the tickets + fee for the reservation there.

If you prefer, you can book your reservation on-line or ask your hotel to make the arrangements for you. By the way, have you booked your hotel yet?

We will be in Florence this fall, staying at the Tourist House Ghiberti. It's our third stay at the T/H/G. Needless to say, we recommend it highly!

I've never booked tickets in advance for the Accademia and never had to wait in line more than 10 minutes (even in June at 1pm). Usually I just go later in the day and there are no lines. Mornings are crowded, afternoons usually aren't.

Good info everyone...thanks.

ky - the same thing happened to us at the Vatican. We were worried about the lines, bought a ticket online (paying the extra reservation fee) and when we arrived at 2:00, not a single person on line! They did have the cattle chutes set up all the way down that looooooooong block though and I can imagine the pain of slowly moving all the way up to the door!

bookmarking

http://www.monterossovernazza.com/ We did this trail and it was beautiful. Loved both villages also.
I did a cooking class in Florence but you will be cooked out by then. Sounds wonderful.
I took pictures of the beautiful shoes in the windows of the Salvatore Ferragamo store. Loved them. I will slurge if I ever go again.




Via dè Tornabuoni, 4r-14r

Yes, I agree that queues to Accademia are virtually nonexistent later in the day. We arrived there at about 5pm and queued for 10 mins max. The gallery is open until about 7pm so we weren't at all rushed. Earlier in the day, the queue was down the street and around the corner!