Need input, advice, etc. re. trip to Florence...
 

I may be going on a trip to Florence with a group at the end of October. We will stay and the Hotel Residence Palazzo Ricasoli. There will be a private guide/escort with the group during the entire stay. I prefer to strike out on my own though. Here is our itinerary which I think looks rather over-ambitious. <BR> <BR>Sight-seeing in Florence and the Uffizi Gallery (this is supposed to be in one day!) <BR> <BR>Pisa <BR> <BR>Siena and San Gimiagnano <BR> <BR>Chianti Wine Region-country style lunch and off to 500 yr old winery for wine making demonstration and wine tasting. <BR> <BR>Fiesole for dinner. Beforehand a walking tour of the amphitheater, baths and temple. <BR> <BR>We will only have six full days there. What should I skip and what shouldn't I miss? I'm thinking of ditching everything but Siena and San Gimignano which we're doing in a day and maybe going to dinner in Fiesole. What do you guys think?

Have you been to Florence before? If not, I would be sure to take in the Uffizi, and it would probably be great to go with him on his tour, it should give you a good overview. Piza is only worth 1/2 day, and that's with transportation there. IMHO I would skip it entirely and use that day to just walk the rest of Florence and see that wonderful city, visiting things you didn't get to see the first day. And Fiesole is worth the trip. It probably won't be the entire day, which gives you more time in Florence. And your instincts are right--take the tour to SG and Siena--beautiful towns and worth whatever time you can afford to spend there. Have a great trip. Wish I was going with you.

Hi Linda. I should have been more clear. I am definitely going to the Uffizi but it seems like if we're going to tour Florence and go to the Uffizi on the same day we will probably hurry through the museum and I've been waiting to see the Uffizi forever and would like to spend a few hours there. <BR> <BR>I've never been to Florence before and want to spend as much time in the city as possible. That is why I was asking about which side trips I should take. Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it.

Hi Maria, <BR> Just spent 3 weeks in Florence, so here are my ideas. I would skip, in this order, Pisa, Fiesole, Chianti. Uffizi, Siena and S.Gimiagnano are all worth seeing, and I think you will enjoy the day in Chianti too. <BR>buon viaggio, <BR>Tommaso

I am in Florenxe right now and I cancel or my day trips plans. Siena and Pisa can wait. I love it here just fine. I wish I scheduled all my vacation time here, not just 5 days.

Thanks everyone! I'm definitely going to the Uffizi, Siena and San Gigmiano. I think I'll forego the rest. All the trips sound wonderful but I need to take in as much of Florence as I possibly can. <BR> <BR>Thanks again.

Wise choice--with only 6 days, definitely ditch Pisa. It can wait for another visit, especially since the Tower is supposed to re-open sometime in November (last time I heard). <BR> <BR>Fortunately, the Uffizi is a relatively small museum (certainly compared to Louvre!) and can easily be done within 3 hours. By using your "Pisa" time, you'll be able to partake of other Florentine sites that may get over-looked in the 1 day tour. One of my personal faves is the Santa Croce Church --- which of course then puts you within very close proximity to my favorite gelateria, Vivoli's. <BR>

Here are a few things you shouldn't miss! The Mercato Centrale, especially the glove stand right by the Church of San Lorenzo (about 6 stalls in), the foccaccia at a bakery at the end of Bella Donna (Street, the gelati at Vivolo, the trattoria on Bella Donna same name as the street. You should definately know that the museums are only open till 1:30 or so each day so plan your trip if there are things you want to see. If the group isn't buying tickets for the Uffizi you may want to get them ahead of time. You shouldn't miss the Pitti Palace or the view from the top of the hill behind the museum as well as the synogogue (if that's your thing...it's quite something) and the museum that has Botticelli's boy. I want to say that it is near Santa Croce. They also have a lot of work by Della Robbia. Have a great time.