Thanks to everyone for your great assistance, even though it is several (ok, so yes, it's nine, ha) months away, my husband and I are very excited for our trip to Florence and Venice.

Accommodations and airfare are booked.

In beginning with the Florence itinerary, I just have a couple questions.

1) Would the Boboli gardens be worth seeing in January? I am thinking that the answer is no, because of the season, but one would not want to assume anything, right?!?

2) During this time of year are the museums any busier on the weekend than weekdays, or will it not really matter? It will determine what I place on Friday and Saturday.

Thanks, I (we) greatly appreciate all the help everyone has given. I am really pleased with accommodation choices and itinerary thus far, and that in large has to do with all the great posts I have read here, it has been great fun to plan, thank you! I am glad I started so many months in advance.

Happy travels, T.

tttft (to the top for tiff)

Perhaps Boboli Gardens should be on your "if the weather cooperates" list. And it would depend on your interests within the gardens. I don't know what sort of winter flora you'll find, but there should still be greenery from evergreen trees and shrubs.

The view the Palace and of Florence beyond as you climb the hill toward the Knight's Garden is worthwhile as are the views from the Knight's Garden itself. Also, the the Porcelain Museum ( 15mins. to 45 mins. depending on your interest) is in the Knight's Garden.

There are numerous statuary and several beautiful grottos throughout the gardens.

There are two citrus groves, and the Lemon House is their giant cultivation greenhouse. Although I don't recall if visitors are allowed inside the Lemon House, I do know we looked in through open doorways (but that was May).

So, if the sun is shining and it is a crisp day (as opposed to downright frigid) I believe it could be an enjoyable stroll - not to mention quiet at that time of year.

Thanks Rookie, very kind of you, I thought that thread had sunk and was forever lost!

Also good advice, will plan according to weather.

Most appreciated, T.

The Boboli Gardents are a steep uphill climb, so I'd advise not heaving a heavy tote or packages with you.
I wasn't all that impressed with them even in early autumn.
They're really imo just a nice, hilly, green park.
I think there are better opportunities for fine views. But that's me.

I agree with elaine about the Boboli gardens--never found them particularly impressive.

In January I think you will find Florence and Venice much less crowded in general. I've wlaked right in to most museums in late November without waiting. However, given the choice I would schedule museum visits on weekdays rather than on weekend to avoid weekend getaway crowds.

Hi tiff,

There are very good views of Florence from the Porcelain Museum.

If you do go to the Gardens, don't walk up the main stairway. Do it like the Medicis did, walk the winiding side paths up and the main stairway down.

(Actually they rode up by horse or carriage)

If you do decide to visit the Boboli Gardens, the Pitti Palace giftshop sells a small and inexpensive "Official Guide" book which can serve as a walking tour of the gardens. It provides history and identification of the various buildings, statues, ponds, grottos, etc.

Thank you!

T.