Florence on a Monday? What to visit?
Mar 13th, 2010, 07:55 PM
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Florence on a Monday? What to visit?
Hello all,
I'll be on a Mediterranean Cruise in June. We visit the port of Livorno on a Monday. The main options for shore excursions would be trips into Florence, Pisa or to the Cinque Terra. We've never been to Italy before and for a first-time visit, Florence seems like a no-brainer (although all the choices have merit). However, some of the most famous notable museums (Uffizi, Accademia, etc) are not open on Mondays. So do we go into Florence anyway? Or would we be better off choosing another option for that day?
The Cinque Terre villages sound really wonderful but I will be traveling with my 71 year old mother who is in good health but isn't up to tons of steep, hilly walking. Can we enjoy this area without completely wearing my poor mom out?
Many thanks for any suggestions or insight into this part of Italy.
I'll be on a Mediterranean Cruise in June. We visit the port of Livorno on a Monday. The main options for shore excursions would be trips into Florence, Pisa or to the Cinque Terra. We've never been to Italy before and for a first-time visit, Florence seems like a no-brainer (although all the choices have merit). However, some of the most famous notable museums (Uffizi, Accademia, etc) are not open on Mondays. So do we go into Florence anyway? Or would we be better off choosing another option for that day?
The Cinque Terre villages sound really wonderful but I will be traveling with my 71 year old mother who is in good health but isn't up to tons of steep, hilly walking. Can we enjoy this area without completely wearing my poor mom out?
Many thanks for any suggestions or insight into this part of Italy.
Mar 14th, 2010, 05:05 AM
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I think le Cinque Terre is a poor option, especially in June when the heat from the sun will be intense.
A great many people enjoy Florence without seeing the Uffizi (in fact, some enjoy it more for NOT - truthfully.) There is a nice big David outside even if he isn't the real deal. There is the Duomo and its small but wonderful museum (open Mondays) and the extraordinary Bapistery. There is a nice walk to the river and seeing the historic Ponte Vecchio.
It's quite a stunning city, and just about any church you stick your head into has a staggering amount of art and beauty. And nice window shopping everywhere.
I would think going in for a relaxed walk around and a long Italian lunch would be memorable.
A great many people enjoy Florence without seeing the Uffizi (in fact, some enjoy it more for NOT - truthfully.) There is a nice big David outside even if he isn't the real deal. There is the Duomo and its small but wonderful museum (open Mondays) and the extraordinary Bapistery. There is a nice walk to the river and seeing the historic Ponte Vecchio.
It's quite a stunning city, and just about any church you stick your head into has a staggering amount of art and beauty. And nice window shopping everywhere.
I would think going in for a relaxed walk around and a long Italian lunch would be memorable.
Mar 14th, 2010, 05:22 AM
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I agree that a day in Florence would be wonderful even though the Uffizi and Accademia are closed. I wouldn't suggest visiting the Uffizi with only one day in any case. Check your guide book to plan a day. As Zeppole suggests the Museum of the Duomo is a wonderful choice and very manageable. By all means choose Florence - a very great city IMO. And have a wonderful day. Don't forget the gelato!
Mar 14th, 2010, 06:48 AM
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We did a stop on a cruise in Livorno a few years back; we just got off the ship and hired a taxi (van) that fit the 4 of us. He took us to Florence and while we walked around he followed us and after we saw most of the city (including) the Academia with David he took us to Pisa and we strolled around there too. In Livorno we asked him to take us to a wine store where we purchased a couple bottles of wine for the ship. We had planned on taking the train and ignored most of the taxi drivers trying to get us but when we were almost out of the area one driver came us and we asked him how much for the day (we got him down to 50Euros per person) so we had him take us wherever we wanted to go. I thought this was worth it rather than going in a large group. Buses cannot drive into the city and this left us with lots of time to get it all in.
Som
Som
Mar 14th, 2010, 08:03 AM
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Sominex has a great idea.
But also the Bargello is open on Monday depending on which Monday: Monday – Sunday, 8.15 - 14.00 Closed 2nd, 4th Monday of each month, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday of each month IMO the best museum in Florence because I love sculpture.
The markets are open on Monday also.
Santa Croce (burial place of Michelangelo and many others and the ancient leather school) is open on Monday...Many places are open on Monday. You just need to search and not put off seeing Florence just because of the Uffizi and the Accademia. Once you see Italy, you will return to see them.
But also the Bargello is open on Monday depending on which Monday: Monday – Sunday, 8.15 - 14.00 Closed 2nd, 4th Monday of each month, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday of each month IMO the best museum in Florence because I love sculpture.
The markets are open on Monday also.
Santa Croce (burial place of Michelangelo and many others and the ancient leather school) is open on Monday...Many places are open on Monday. You just need to search and not put off seeing Florence just because of the Uffizi and the Accademia. Once you see Italy, you will return to see them.
Mar 29th, 2010, 08:03 PM
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Hey there cam where have you been? Straying I see! LOL! J/K. Everyone's in planning stages for CR again and I was just thinking about you! Do you still have my e-mail? If so, drop me a line..I can't seem to find yours.
Mar 29th, 2010, 08:07 PM
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P.S. Have a wonderful time in Florence. It's a beautiful city and there's a wonderful leather store at Santa Croce square. Every time I use the purse I bought there it brings back wonderful memories.
Mar 30th, 2010, 03:26 AM
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For a wonderful view (and photo opportunity) overlooking Florence, visit Piazzale Michelangelo, which is on the other side of the river and up the hill a bit. It probably won't be suitable for your mother to walk there, because it does get steep, but you may like to consider taking a taxi. The views are definitely worthwhile. Enjoy Florence!
