Gia, I was in Florence last Sept and also used Luca. He is great. One tip for Florence, if the line for the Duomo or Baptistry is long (the Duomo line was down one whole side of the building, across the street and starting up the other side), try coming back late afternoon. I did that and only waited about 10 mins. to get in the Baptistry (don't miss this!) and about 5 mins to get inside the Duomo. Have a great time!

Florence is one of the world's great cities, and I believe that great cities are supposed to be exciting and crowded. Who would want to visit NYC or Paris and find them deserted? Florence, like other cities of its time, was originally a walking city, and fortunately it still is. I've stayed there twice, once near the Palazzo Vechio and once near Santa Maria Novella. It was great being able to walk from where I was staying throughout the whole city.

Hi Susan
I already noted that because I found your trip report from your trip to Italy and I LOVE it. I'm taking notes, and enjoying your observations. Also, bravo on solo-tripping! I enjoy venturing out alone sometimes as well.

Joe, I agree with you. I understand all about crowds, living 2 blocks from Times Square, so believe me, I get it. But there is a different energy in the city say if the President is visiting and traffic is ridiculously jammed up and everyone is tense, or if it's New Year's Eve and people are lined up for the ball to drop vs a regular weekday in June. That's all I was worried about. But I should remember that my idea of 'crowded' is probably a little skewed so I really have nothing to worry about unless I'm visiting Tokyo! :)

What an ideal trip. I am so envious. You are visiting some of my favorite places. Returned from Italy two weeks ago and besides Le Marche, Florence was my favorite city and I wasn't there nearly long enough.With one day for day tripping, you actually only have two days in Florence. After you list what you want to see, might want to add a day.
We stayed at Hotel Casci and loved it. You really can walk everywhere in the city and unlike Northshore, I cannot imagine getting enough of it.
We also ate at Za-Za's, although for dinner. Loved it. Very reasonable prices. Took the bus up to Fiesole at sunset and ate at the Aurora Restaurant, beside the Blue Bar at the bus stop. Overpriced but great view. However, the plaza is under construction, so that part was definitely not picturesque.

Vera

Hi Gia, I highly recommend Tourist House Ghiberti! We stayed there in December 2003 and just loved it! It was very close to the Duomo so it was an easy walk to all the museums and top sights of Florence! The hotel has very modern rooms - our room was huge, our bathroom was beautiful and spacious (with heated floors!) and we had our own computer (free internet) in the room.

Have fun in Florence! It was our favorite city in Italy (15-day trip covering Rome, Siena, Venice, Milan, Florence) :-).

I have added a day to Florence, couldn't resist!

Gia, oh yes, always add a day when possible! :-d

Glad my trip report helped.

Gia, you make a good point. There's a big difference between crowded and tense. Have a wonderful time!