We are staying in the Chianti region and have a rental car. If there an easy way to see Florence in one day? Where do we leave the car since driving inside the city is impossible I hear. Is Florence an absolute must to see even if I have only a day trip? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Paula, I could happily spend a week in Florence, but if you only have one day and are sure you can't do more, then park your car outside the city and take a bus in. The airport is another alternative or perhaps if you tell us where you will be in Chianti, a train might be convenient. Just don't drive in. It will eat up too much of your day trying to find a place to park.

It's a shame to squeeze it into a day, but we've done it a few times by train from Rome. It's definitely a 'must see' if you're nearby. Much as we love the Italian countryside Florence is certainly by far the most worthwhile spot between Rome and Venice. <BR> <BR>Ed <BR> <BR>Rome.Switzerland.Bavaria <BR>www.twenj.com

Paula, <BR> <BR>It isn't impossible, however you will only be able to get a quick taste of the city. But I defintely wouldn't miss it. There is just so much to see and do. We also drove in Florence but left our car parked at our hotel so I don't have any good suggestions for parking. I would recommend The Bargello and climbing the steps to the top of the Duomo (yes there really are 463 of them) The view of the city from the top is fantastic. Personally unless you are a true art fan I would skip the Uffizzi (sp)altogether and just pop in quickly to see Michaelanglo's David. Wandering the streets was what we enjoyed the most.

Depending on where you're staying in the Chianti region, the car could be the best option even considering driving in and finding a parking spot. On the other hand driving out of Florence is a piece of cake. <BR> <BR>From some towns in Chianti, the best option may be the bus, but chances are that you won't be allowed to stay for the evening because service normally stops in the late afternoon/early evening. Finally, as Kam points out, from some other towns the train may be a better option. <BR> <BR>If you decide driving into Florence, look for the signs of the city center (concentric circumferences) and the sign to the train station. If you watch these signs carefully you won't get lost and they will lead you to Sta. Maria Novella station. There's a big public garage there. Should this be full (it won't if you're there early), continue to Piazza Sta. Maria Novella and on to the river. On Via dei Fossi (which lays between the corner of Piazza Sta. Maria Novella and the river) there are a couple of private garages. They're expensive but I never had problems parking there. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>

Hi Paula--can't help you with the car issue since we did Florence in a day before meeting a walking tour that we did in Tuscany, but just wanted to say that you can do Florence in a day but be prepared to have a head close to explosion by the end of the day because you will see so many wonderful things! This was a couple of years ago so I hope someone can give you more recent advice on how to do this, but we had advance timed tickets to the Ufizzi which was key because we didn't waste time in line and we built our day around that. We went to see David as soon as they opened to again avoid waiting in line (we lined up about 40 minutes prior to opening and went straight in when they opened). We had time to also see the Duomo, do a little shopping (I have the most wonderful gloves from Florence so all winter I think of that day) and have dinner. <BR> <BR>The main sights in Florence are very close so a day trip is very doable. <BR> <BR>I hope someone who has recently gotten advanced tickets to the Ufizzi will see this and help you with that contact information. <BR> <BR>Have fun! <BR> <BR>Mary

Another place to park is Piazzale Michaelangelo. It's totally free (don't let the kids there scam you into paying). It's on the south side of the Arno, and has a picture postcard view over the city. If you're coming from Chianti, there are signs as you get near Florence. You can easily find it on a good map. From there, you can walk down, take a bus (sorry, I don't know which one), or call for a taxi (if there isn't one already there). The numbers are 4242 or 4798.

Before going to Florence I strongly urge you to read the Agony and the Ectasy by Irving Stone. You will enjoy the sites better by knowing the history and this biography of Michelangelo does the trick. The Churches are awesome.

Paula <BR> <BR>We drove into Florence from Sienna for a day last week (on April 12). We parked in a lot opposite the Jolly Hotel just across the Arno about 3 blocks west of the Ponte Vecchio (sorry, I don't have my map). It was very cheap to park (about 2000 L) - and was about 3/4 mile downtown. There were empty spaces at 10:00 a.m. <BR> <BR>I agree with everyone that the Ufizzi is tough to include in one day. We came back at the end of another day - at 3:00 and stood in line for an hour and 1/2. Another family member was in line at 8:00 a.m. and still waited an hour and a half. The day we were there, at mid-morning, the line appeared to be 3 or 4 hours long. <BR> <BR>On our one day, we went to the Academia - to see "David", went to the Baptistery, the Duomo (and waited until 5:00 p.m. to climb the 456 steps - there were no lines and a great view!, went shopping for leather goods - and generally walked around the plazas. It was not a stressful day. And we enjoyed it. <BR> <BR>Florence is a must see and do!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. You have convinced me to try it. I'm sure I would be dissappointed if I was so close to Florence and didn't visit. We are staying at Villa Vignamaggio in Greve, another suggestion from fellow Fodorites. Thanks again.

Paula, <BR> <BR>For advance reservations to the Uffizi, Accademia, and the new Renaissance Museum, go to www.initaly.com. <BR> <BR>

Hi Paula, <BR>Two summers ago, I rented a house just south of Siena and took two day trips to Florence by car, traveling up the SI-FI route, through a suburb called Galluzzo, and parking in a public lot at the Porta Romano on the south side of the Arno. Driving up to Florence was very straightforward, parking was very reasonably priced, and I have this forum to thank for the advice in the first place.