The Jewish ghetto was where it is now piazza della Repubblica - it was levelled in the second half of 19th century to make place for modern buildings. The only memory of it I can visualize is a commemorative stone in via delle Oche, where once there was a Jewish oratory, that received objects coming from the demolished synagogues. The new and larger Synagogue was built after some time, at the end of 19th century.

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to make reservations for some of the most famous sights and museums in Florence, because in September, if you try to go without reservations you could end up spending hours on line. Literally hours.

If you want to visit the Accademia, the Uffizi, the Cappella Brancacci, then having a reservation is really the wisest way to go. I am possibly forgetting some others on your list that offer reservations that would be wise to accept. I think if you visit Pisa and want to climb the tower you must have a reservation, but I am not sure.

By the way, there is always a lot of variance in opinion about visiting Pisa. The architectural site is one of the most harmoniously beautiful in all of Europe. The silly tourist scene it attracts is hands down the most disgusting (although I have never been Oktoberfesrt in Munich). If architecture means a lot to you, then the complex of architectural masterpieces in Pisa is an eye-opening thrill and worth as much time as you can give it. But if you are going to Pisa mainly to take your picture "holding up the tower," my advice is to spend a few moments at home with photoshop instead and use your time in Italy to see Lucca or Siena or Fiesole or anyplace else but Pisa.

I was just in Florence last week and am totally envious of your trip! You will have such a wonderful time! I would definitely suggest making time to browse and have lunch at the Mercato Centrale, either at Pork's or Nerbonne downstairs or upstairs in the new food court section (which stays open later than downstairs). You could probably do this easily in between San Lorenzo and Santa Maria Novella (which I loved, by the way - the Georgio Vasari Madonna of the Rosary is so worth seeing and the Spanish Chapel makes me emotional.)

I agree with annhig that the Bardini is so much better than Boboli Gardens, and can easily be done in conjunction with the Piazzale Michelangelo, Actually, I always seem to end up feeling that the Pitti Palace is an exhausting mistake, but I know some people love it. Be warned that there are a lot of stairs. A lot.

My suggestion for the Uffizi is to take some time looking over the map of the rooms before heading up and decide which are your "must see" rooms. It is pretty overwhelming to try to really see all of it, so make sure you have a plan to skip ahead if your energy begins to flag. The Botticelli's are among my favorites. There is a little cafe on the top floor with an outside patio if you want to get a little refreshment and fresh air mid-visit.

While you are over at the San Marco, directly across the square is a little shop called Pugi's - best foccacia ever! I had been dreaming of it for two years, since my last trip, and it didn't disappoint. Just heavenly stuff. My Mom got a really fab slice of anchovy and caper pizza there as well. And just a block south of the Accademia, lovely gelato place called Caribe. It is one of the best in Florence, in my opinion.

Have a glorious time and enjoy wandering about!

rosecity15-Thanks for all the dining recommendations!! I did go on the Uffizi website and went through it all, room by room, and now have a long list of what I'd like to see. This is a place where we will need a lot of time. Plan to go through for about 2 hrs., take a break at the little cafe you mention, then finish up with another 2 hrs. i think I'll need 3-4 hrs. here just to see the art. That's why I only have the bridge and the Palazzo Vecchio for the rest of the day scheduled.

To everyone else-reservations-yes definitely, don't want to waste precious time standing in line. Vaporetto pass or not-need to do more research on if it works best for us.

jelopez33-The soap sounds like something I would buy for gifts. I bought soap that had been carved/shaped into flowers and set inside lovely wooden cases on our SE Asia trip and they were a big hit with my nieces.

chris - here's another vote for the uffizi cafe. surprisingly good and reasonable, but sadly there's a brick wall that blocks out any decent view.

and try to get as early a time slot so that you get as far in front of the guided tours as you can, though inevitably they will catch you up sooner or later.

If you are interested in soap and will be in the neighborhood of Santa Maria Novella then read up on the historic pharmacy, several hundred years old, where you can buy soap and other cosmetic products, perfumes and salves -- or simply gawk at the beautiful interior

http://www.smnovella.it/?lang=en

Be sure your Uffizi entry ticket allows you to leave the museum and return again -- or else eat in the museum cafe.