<BR>My friends and I will only have two and a half days in Florence and want to make the most of our stay. Does anyone have any must see sites? Any recommended tour guides (we prefer the walking or small group types)? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. Scott

Michaelangelo's David is a definite must-see. Gelato at Vivoli's, Pitti Palace, Ponte Vecchio, Fiesole. If you are there in late June, they have what I describe as medieval football--lots of pageantry.

Seeing "David" at the Accademia museum is indeed a must, the experience of a lifetime in my opinion. If you are going in high season, you can order a ticket in advance to avoid what sometimes are hours-long entrance lines, ditto for the Uffizi museum if that also interests you. I personally liked the Bargello museum overall better than the Uffizi, but that's a minority opinion and the Uffizi really does have some masterworks.. <BR>You should of course look at the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Campanile, which are all next to each other. Ghiberti's doors on the Baptistery are a great work of art, as is Brunelleschi's dome on the Duomo (the two words aren't related). The nearby Museum of the Duomo has a Pieta by Michelangelo, done when he was quite old, that is extremely different from the more famous one in Rome. He included his own aged likeness in the Florence grouping. <BR>Ponte Vecchio is congested with shops (jewelry, gloves, etc) and tourists and I loved browsing there. <BR>When you cross the Arno you can continue to the Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, where you can take beautiful but sometimes strenuous walks (a lot of it is straight uphill). After that yes go to Vivoli for gelato, and then go again and again. <BR>

In a city with the wealth of treasures that Florence has, everyone is going to have different "must-see's". All of the suggestions above are wonderful, but I'll just add a couple. <BR> <BR>While you're seeing the "David" at the Accademia, don't miss Michaelangelo's "Prisoners". If I could only see one thing in Florence, it would be the Prisoners, they changed the way I look at sculpture forever. <BR> <BR>Elaine is right about the Duomo Museum, many people miss it, and the Pieta alone is worth a stop. Also Donatello's Mary Magdalen (haunting), among many other wonderful pieces. <BR> <BR>With only two days (and a lot of art to see), I'm not sure that I would include the Pitti Palace, but the Boboli Gardens behind it are wonderful. A great place to relax. <BR> <BR>Don't miss Santa Croce, the Giotto frescos are extraordinary, and when you look at these you are seeing the work of the man who set the artistic stage for the Renaissance. It's hard to remember that they were painted in about 1300. Santa Croce is also full of the tombs of many, many famous people, it's fun to look at the inscriptions. Also, in the cloisters is the most out-of-place statue in Florence. There is actually a Henry Moore in front of the Cappelle Pazzi. Rather disconcerting, as after a few days in Florence, you have forgotten what modern art looks like! <BR> <BR>Have dinner at one of the outdoor cafes on Piazza San' Spirito, a charming, quieter area of Florence. <BR> <BR>I don't think a tour guide is necessary in Florence, just get a good guidebook and map, and decide for yourself what you feel you absolutely must see. And remember, you'll go back to see the rest!

Scott: <BR> <BR>If you do decide that the Uffizi Gallery and/or 'David' in the Accademia are on your must see list, then definitely buy your tickets ahead of time online. I purchased my tickets to the Uffizi 3 weeks before my visit to Florence (I was there for 2 days, April 21st & 22nd)- I was VERY glad I did so as lines to get in were running approx. a 2 hour wait and when I went to the side entrance to pick up my pre-paid tickets, they had a notice posted that advance tickets were already sold out thru April 29th. From the number of people I saw in Florence last month, it looks like high season is already here. <BR> <BR>Also enjoyed Santa Croce - wonderful frescoes by Giotto and the tombs of many reknown Italians (Rossini, Dante Aligheri, Machiavelli, Michelangelo). <BR> <BR>Of course, Florence is also home to several well known gelaterias. Vivoli & Perche No both serve up gelato that's SO good, you'll feel like a 2 yr old licking his first cone! <BR> <BR>Since you do have a short time, you may not be interested in including shopping on your 'to do' list - however I'd be remiss in not mentioning the wonderful leather goods that can be found in Florence. In some instances, the prices of leather items are much better than what you'll find in the U.S. (realize I'm making the assumption that you're American & do apologize if that's incorrect). For instance, I bought a leather bound photo album(tooled leather with Fleur De Lis emblem on front), approx. 9 x 12 size with 20 pages and paid 50,000 lire for it (about $30 US dollars). In the States, I'd easily pay 2 or 3 times that much. I also bought a leather coat (3/4 length, swing jacket style, w/thin strips of suede in between the leather). Paid 500,000 lire, which may not be as big a savings in price, however the workmanship & quality of the leather is fabulous! I wish you could all touch & smell my leather coat - SO soft, it feels like 'budda'. <BR>Both of these items (and several other leather goods) were purchased in 2 stores located in the Piazza Santa Croce. By all means, visit Santa Croce first and then when you come out of the church, on your left side is the store where I bought my leather coat - Poker, Piazza Santa Croce 28, Tel. (055) 24-22-37 and on the right side of the piazza (your back to the church) is a store w/white awning, Luciano's, Piazza Santa Croce 9, Tel. (055) 24-45-47. Luciano's is where I bought the photo album - they've got ALL kinds of small to medium sized leather items (portfolios, wallets, purses, small boxes, eyeglass cases). Both of these stores will give you the necessary paperwork to get your VAT refund if you spend over 300,000 lire at one time. <BR>Amazingly enough, I didn't purchase any shoes or handbags, but both places do have these as well. I've only mentioned these 2 places, and as Florence is TEAMING w/leather shops, I'm sure other people have good suggestions as well. (Of course, that is if this makes your "must do" list). <BR> <BR>

Scott: <BR>I'm sorry, I got so caught up reminiscing about my leather shopping frenzy that I forgot to include the website where you can purchase tickets to the Uffizi, and several other sites in Florence. It's called "Weekend A Firenze", at the following: <BR>http://www.weekendafirenze.com <BR> <BR>Buon viaggio!

I've now seen from subsequent postings that the 'Weekend A Firenze' no longer sells tixs to the Uffizi! <BR>Below is updated info from other posters discussed in the topic, 'Ordering Uffizi tix online?' <BR> <BR>Author: Sara ([email protected]) <BR>Date: 5/15/1999, 2:14 pm ET <BR>Message: There is no need to order tickets in advance and thereby pay a service charge. Just call the reservation office at the Uffizi; their number is 39 (0)55-294883. They will ask you what day and time you want and will give you a reservation number which you must have when you claim your ticket at the museum. It's really simple and doesn't cost anything extra (except of course for the phone call). And they speak english. <BR> <BR>Author: cheryl ([email protected]) <BR>Date: 5/14/1999, 7:09 pm ET <BR>Message: Paige-- <BR>I came across this site--I don't think it is the one mentioned above--the cost is $15.00 US for each museum with a $5.00 charge if you have to change the dates..I think the price is pretty close to other sites I have seen--I will be doing more research before I buy here (I'm going in September)--perhaps someone on the forum could confirm prices for tickets so you (we) know if its the way to go! The site is listed below--have a great trip! <BR> <BR>www.initaly.com/regions/uffizi.htm <BR> <BR>Author: Howard ([email protected]) <BR>Date: 5/15/1999, 7:50 pm ET <BR>Message: For advanced reservations: <BR>www.waf.iot/museires.htm <BR>Cost: Admission plus $5 (approximate) service charge. You can also reserve Galleria dell'Accademia tickets for the same price. <BR>It seems to be the same website as previous weekendafirenze site. <BR> <BR> <BR>Author: cheryl ([email protected]) <BR>Date: 5/16/1999, 9:33 am ET <BR>Message: paige-based upon the current exchange rate--the cost differential is about $4.00--with initaly being $15.00 and the 'waf' site being $11.00--the difference between the two is that the 'waf' tickets cannot be exchanged for another date should your plans change. I will probably order through the 'waf' site-- Have a great trip. <BR>

Let me update the previous message. A new website for getting tickets: <BR>www.waf.it/museires.htm <BR>From what I can tell, it replaces the one mentioned in the previous response.

If you're a Michelangelo fan, there are 2 places I recommend, besides the Accademia. The small museum across from the Duomo, with a later Pieta; and the Medici Chapel, in the area of the Central Market, with the Night & Day, Dusk & Dawn statues. These places are quiet, uncrowded and allow you to walk right up to Michelangelo's sculptures. But check their hours because they are opened only half-days. <BR> <BR>And don't miss the Central Market. Go inside the building for the freshest fruit and veggies, and the best cheese and deli meats! Outside, pick up a bargain on leather stuff. If you shop around, you can bring home a great jacket under $100 (I did!). Enjoy! <BR>

<BR>Scott - before you go, try to see the new movie "Tea with Mussolini". Mostly takes place in Florence, and is a wonderful movie. Made me miss Italy so much.

<BR>Hi! I have a question about shopping in Florence. We will be arriving around noon on Saturday, and leaving on Monday morning. Are the stores open? Thanks <BR>