bvlenci

You might not need a booking for the Uffizi at all in December. My daughter and I were in Florence in January a few years ago, and we visited the Uffizi on two successive days. Both times just walked straight in. At any time of the year, though, it's likely to be crowded on a Sunday.

By the way, it's a huge museum, and very specialized. We spent altogether 7 hours there and still had to skip a few things we had planned to see. I would say that unless you're passionate about Italian Renaiassance religious art, you might find other museums, and especially churches, that would be more rewarding, especially on a short visit, because walking from one to the other also lets you see the city. There are many churches and monasteries that have been turned all or partially into museums, and that have splendid Renaissance art on display, in its original setting. Just off the top of my head, I could mention San Marco, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, and Santa Maria del Carmine. I'm sure I've overlooked a few.

sandralist

December is a more popular month to visit Italy than January is, so if you go to the entrance of the Uffizi on a very cold or wet (even snowy!) day in December and are told you must wait in line, that could be a drag. What might work is to wait until you arrive in Florence, go straight to the Uffizi or the Accademia, and see what happens. If you can't get in right away, then hopefully you can still make a reservation for one your upcoming days.

Something else to bear in mind about visiting the Uffizi is that some of its galleries depend on natural light. In the short days of December, you want to make sure you go before it gets dark.

I agree that unless you want to see specific paintings at the Uffizi, it can be more enjoyable and rewarding to visit the churches of Florence if you want to see religious art (Santa Maria del Carmine requires a reservation however).

ashwinb

Thanks a lot!
So I'm going to spend 1.5 days in Florence(visiting all the churches, climbing up towers, which has the best view?), visiting a smallish museum and so on.
And then I go to Siena, spend half the remaining day and then go to San gimignano and return by late afternoon to spend the evening in Florence again(or should I wait till the towers light up at San gimignano)?
Any walks I could do around Siena or San gimignano?

dwdvagamundo

In Florence you have choice of various views from the Duomo (which entails climbing up and down a LOT of steps), taking a bus to Fiesole where you have a panoramic view, or Piazzale Michelangelo in Oltrarno (on the other side of the river). Piazzale Michelangelo is probably the most scenic, IMO.

sandralist

In December, I might go for the view at the Westin Excelsior bar if you can afford it and it's a pretty day. Otherwise, check out the cafe at the Golden View.

ashwinb

Thanks a lot everyone! Had a great trip, I ended up spending more than 5.5 days,glad I could extend my holiday. If I had to do just 5.5 days, I would do 3.5 days in Rome,2 in just Florence, leaving Siena and Tuscany for another trip.
Here's my TR on fodors: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...n-december.cfm
And with pictures: https://ashwinbahulkar.wordpress.com...rence-tuscany/