Will be going to Florence, Italy at end of Sept. Is there anything any of you feel I just shouldn't miss? That could be musuems, food or anything?

Definitely go the Accademia and the Uffizi Gallery. If you email the concierge at your hotel now, she/he will be able to reserve tickets for you. Definitely do this (although the end of September will be less crowded than during the summer).

Also, be sure to see the cathedral (and, if possible, read "Brunelleschi's Dome" before you do).

If you can find a PBS documentary on the Medici family (at Blockbuster or the equivalent) before you leave, that will add to your appreciation of Florence.

If you need any specific help, shoot me an email!

David

Wear comfortable shoes (the cobblestones are hard on the feet). Its a good city to explore on foot. It's difficult to get a bad meal, (unless you go to McDonalds) but it's best to not go to the places with big ads about their fixed price tourist menus. Get a couple blocks further away from the main tourist attractions and pick any small trattoria.

I went to one of the best restaurants around near Firenza when I was there not too long ago. I will see if I can find the name of it and post it here. It is about 30 minutes from city center, so having a car or willing to hire a taxi will be needed. If you are not interested in doing that let me know.

It is a short walk around the main areas of town, where some beautiful buildings are and there is a boar with locks down there that is neat and also the bridge is interesting. Walking out on the bridge is a must, putting a lock on there for your s/o is optional.

You will be shocked at the makeup of the city. More Americans than anyone else.

Art: Uffizi, Convento di San Marco, Santa Croce, Cappella Brancacci in Chiesa del Carmine, Cappella dei Magi in Palazzo Medici Ricciardi, Cappellone degli Spagnoli in the cloisters of Santa Maria Novella.

If the art becomes too much and the weather is fine you can stroll in the Giardini di Boboli

Vivoli (near Santa Croce) for the best icecream in Florence.
Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco in Borgo San Jacopo (Oltrarno, sort of the Rive Gauche of the river) for fabulous food (get the concierge to book a table or call yourself, they're always packed)

If your hotel doesn't have a concierge, or you want to buy your own tickets to the Uffizi or Accademia, you can buy them from the US on line http://selectitaly.com/museums.php?ref=yahoo. I would also suggest (depending upon how long you'll be there) a couple of quick side daytrips that can be easily done via bus to : Sienna, Chianti region, Pisa, Lecca, Fisole etc. The buses are frequent & cheap (as an example: to Greve in Chianti it's e2.90 each way--takes about an hour and you ride through the beautiful Tuscan countryside ^ http://www.greve-in-chianti.com/ ).

Vivoli! aaaahhhhhh Vivoli, Hands down the absolute best cioccolata gilato ever. DO NOT MISS THIS!!!!! Even if you don't like ice cream, DON'T MISS THIS!!!

I can't remember the name of the restaurant but it was a villa in the medici hills.

I am so tickled at all the great suggestions. I won the trip at Conde Nast Traveler. But we are staying an extra week and renting a car to drive through Tuscany. Keep the suggestions coming.

Congratulations on winning the trip! In addition to the sites, restaurants and gelateria mentioned by the other posters, I would also recommend you visit the Pitti Palace, the Duomo Museum, the Baptistry (across from the Duomo) and make your way over to Piazzale Michelangelo for great views of the old city. I really enjoyed a walking tour given by Walking Tours of Florence (www.italy.artviva.com/italytravel_best_tours_tour/florence_tuscany_tours/the_original_florence_walk) called the "Original Florence" walk (25 Euro). It really helps put the amazing art and architecture in its historical context. Since you're going in late September, you'll be in Tuscany during part of the grape harvest, so there should be alot of activity in the countryside -- there are hundreds of small wineries you can visit in the area around Montalcino or the area around Montepulciano (Montalcino is a little closer to Florence). There's a nice wine shop inside the walls of the Fortezza in Montalcino where you can, for a price, taste a number of different wines from the region. I'd also highly recommend you visit Siena and, while you're there, walk through the Civic Museum (which is located on one side of Il Campo - the main piazza) and Santa Maria della Scala (opposite the entrance to the Duomo). Have a great trip.

Following up what Gargoyle mentioned, beware of menus in the front that are in 3 or 4 languages. (IMO) Keep walking. If the menu has pictures of the food........run.

McDonalds comes in very handy for "you know what" stops, and the expresso is very good for €1 or less.

I'll also vouch for the walking tours mentioned by LosAngeleno, (The evening walk through Oltrarno was a nice one also), and a trip to Siena and probably Lucca. Pisa is a ½ day trip.

Take the #7 bus to the top at Fiesole to watch a spectacular sunset.

To get a quick survey of the town, and where you might want to return to and walk thru, ride the little electric A, B, C, and D busses thru the city. (Maps at the ATAF web site http://www.ataf.net)

All good suggestions so far.

I can recommend pretty much anywhere in Florence to eat. If it looks like its not touristy than its probably excellent. Even some touristy places are fantastic. I really haven't had too many bad meals in Italy.

If you can swing it, climb the Duomo or Bell tower. 300+ steps.

Definitely recommend getting lost in Boboli Gardens. Its nice to do even in August (at least for me).

Also recommend taking ChgBob's suggestion of Bus 7 up to Fiesole to watch a sunset. As well as from Piazza De Michaelangelo -- great photo ops actually.

I would recommend NOT getting gelato in Piazza della Signoria. Its a rip off and not as good, but very popular due to convenience. Walk around any corner for gelato half the price and imo better tasting.

Vivoli! aaaahhhhhh Vivoli, Hands down the absolute best cioccolata gilato ever. DO NOT MISS THIS!!!!! Even if you don't like ice cream, DON'T MISS THIS!!!
I definately recommend this as well. To bad my apartment wasn't closer so I could get it more often, but at least there are plenty of good places to get gelato in Florence.

The first thing we have put on our list is Vivoli. Hertz is holding a Peugot 107 for us. Looks small, is it doable?

All good suggestions so far.


If you can swing it, climb the Duomo or Bell tower. 300+ steps.


I'll second this one. The view is breathtaking. Definitely do this if you can. ^

The first thing we have put on our list is Vivoli. Hertz is holding a Peugot 107 for us. Looks small, is it doable?
Well, I definately recommend against driving a car in Florence. Tourists can't drive in the center of the city other than drop off bags and what not without a permit anyway. And it's just not worth the frustration it's going to cause you.
It really is a walking city. And if you want to go outside of the city, there is frequent train service.

Hertz is holding a Peugot 107 for us. Looks small, is it doable?


depends upon your shoe size. did you also get this as part of the trip? if not, at least check with autoeurope, and make certain all fees are included in the hertz quote. You must carry full insurance. that car is small, even by european standards.

you will have no use for the car in Forence. cannot drive it there, and will probably ahve to pay about €50 a night to park it. you can pick up a car in central florence, drive to your hotel, pick up luggage, and go to tuscany from there. there is a 10% airport pickup tax.

You should realize that almost all art in florence is from a single century, and if you are not crazy about that c, you will be bored. the pitti palace has later stuff.

the crowds and the lines in sept-oct can be very big in florence.

Well, I definately recommend against driving a car in Florence.
Seconded, thirded and fourthed (fourthed?).

I once picked up a car in Florence so we could drive around Tuscany. It took me three separate tries, one hour, and two fights with Mrs. PTravel to go the roughly 1 km to get out of the city and onto the highway.

Florence is, of course, a Renaissance city and the layout hasn't changed since then (one of the great things about Florence -- it's one of those cities in which you can time travel by just walking around). However, it makes driving an absolute nightmare -- narrow streets, unexpected one-ways, fleets of scooters sweeping in from all directiongs. Arrgh.

Here's a short video of Florence at night:

www.travelersvideo.com/florence.wmv

Well, I definately recommend against driving a car in Florence. Tourists can't drive in the center of the city other than drop off bags and what not without a permit anyway. And it's just not worth the frustration it's going to cause you.
It really is a walking city. And if you want to go outside of the city, there is frequent train service.
We get the first four days in Florence, and we are walking. Then on the 1st we were getting the car to drive out into Tuscany. I should of stated that.

We get the first four days in Florence, and we are walking. Then on the 1st we were getting the car to drive out into Tuscany. I should of stated that.

when you pick up the car, ask them about 10 times what is the fastest way out of town, even if it is driving due north when you want to go to chantishire.

Spent a little time in Florence last month as part of a whirlwind Italy trip, but definitely noticed a few things:

Lidl or other assorted supermarket is probably a good idea for beverages to carry for the day (tall-boys of coke, etc). Coffee that was €4 in the city can be €1 just a short ways outside. Actually, most things that are rediculously expensive in the centre can be found for a fraction of the price outside.

Get a good map and plan your day. It's really easy to do a LOT of walking, especially if you end up backtracking. Possibly, starting at the main train station, go south across the river, then work back.

The 107 is small. Very small. And as it's been stated, driving in Italy requires the use of three things.
- The steering wheel. This makes your car turn.
- The gas pedal. This makes your car go faster.
- The horn. This makes things in front of you move.

For eating, try Enotecca Pinchiorri, arguably the best Italian restaurant in the northern half of Italy.

Spent a little time in Florence last month as part of a whirlwind Italy trip, but definitely noticed a few things:

Lidl or other assorted supermarket is probably a good idea for beverages to carry for the day (tall-boys of coke, etc). Coffee that was €4 in the city can be €1 just a short ways outside. Actually, most things that are rediculously expensive in the centre can be found for a fraction of the price outside.

Get a good map and plan your day. It's really easy to do a LOT of walking, especially if you end up backtracking. Possibly, starting at the main train station, go south across the river, then work back.

The 107 is small. Very small. And as it's been stated, driving in Italy requires the use of three things.
- The steering wheel. This makes your car turn.
- The gas pedal. This makes your car go faster.
- The horn. This makes things in front of you move.
This car gets 61 mpg, and was 200 cheaper than the next grade up, it's a stick shift, but we both know how to drive with them. Yet, I am worried it is too small for any comfort and may change.

I've been contemplating a little break in Firenze myself--how many days are necessary in the city to get a good introduction?

Also, is it a worthwhile use of to make a side-trip to Pisa or the Gucci/Prada outlets?

Will be going to Florence, Italy at end of Sept. Is there anything any of you feel I just shouldn't miss? That could be musuems, food or anything?
We know to wear comfortable shoes. How do the people dress? Jeans or slacks?

I got antsy about the car and reserved a larger one. I also found out that you have to have an international license in Italy now.
My husband wants to know "Does he have to dress for dinner?"
Having to put everything in the check-in bag now, probably means a bigger bag.

We know to wear comfortable shoes. How do the people dress? Jeans or slacks?

The whole jeans vs slacks idea doesn't really matter anymore. Its about dressing stylish vs unstylish. You can wear jeans and be stylish. You will see tons of italians in jeans. However, you wont see people who looked like they stepped off a cruise ship in the Bahamas though.

Dressing for dinner is common.

Also, be sure to see the cathedral (and, if possible, read "Brunelleschi's Dome" before you do).

David

Agree wholeheartedly with this recommendation. One of the best historical books I have read.

I am so tickled at all the great suggestions. I won the trip at Conde Nast Traveler. .

GRRRRR. I was supposed to have won that trip!

But seriously, good luck, and have a great trip.

If you can swing it, climb the Duomo or Bell tower. 300+ steps.


Most of the big tour groups tend to start their visits from 9am, so if you can sneak in before them at at half past eight you can have the place to yourself! I did this visiting the Bell tower and there was only me and one other person in the place ^. As I was coming out all the tour groups were starting to traipse in.

PS Don't forget to read A Room with a View by EM Forster while you are there.

Most of the big tour groups tend to start their visits from 9am, so if you can sneak in before them at at half past eight you can have the place to yourself! I did this visiting the Bell tower and there was only me and one other person in the place ^. As I was coming out all the tour groups were starting to traipse in.

PS Don't forget to read A Room with a View by EM Forster while you are there.
Great idea, getting up early and getting there early. I've got two books to read now. I like to read.

If you don't mind a little bike ride, there's a small (as in, 1-2 people) company based in Florence called www.ibikeitaly.com. They do one, two and multiday bike & walking trips thru nearby Tuscany, and can "cater" to a variety of levels. A few of us FTers did the "one-day"--a nice ride uphill to Fiesoli, then thru the hills to a great mom & pop restaurant for home-made pasta, then to a Chianti vineyard, and more wandering thru the Tuscan hills. A FANTASTIC trip, to be sure.

Across the Arno on a hill is a monastery where the monks still do the evening mass in Gregorian Chant. Even if that's not your musical thing, it's a rare chance to hear it live, and done the way it's been done there for centuries. The terraces in front of the monastery offers an AMAZING view across the river overlooking Florence. I've noticed that a LOT of Florence postcards & guidebook pics are taken from here. You can listen to the monks down in the basement where they sing, or, you can sit in the church & hear the music echo around the rafters.

A few of us did a couple of the walking tours. The "historical" one thru the city center was really cool, led by a european college architecture & history major. Pointed out TONS of stuff about all the buildings that you'd never notice otherwise (not who-cares-about-this trivial stuff, but stuff that gave you a greater appreciation for what you were wandering thru). The Uffizi guide gave us a great crash course in art appreciation wandering thru select galleries at the Uffizi. You can book the tours on-line, and their meet-up location is in the city center (like everything else there), a couple blocks up from the Ponte Vecchio. I'm not usually into touristy stuff like this, but I'm really glad I did the "historical" walk and the Uffizi one.

The Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens are great for wandering around (the Gardens were a LOT bigger/more expansive than I thought they would be).

The trek up the Duomo stairs is worth it, as the views from the top are spectacular.

You definitely won't need a car within Florence, and as countless others have said, the whole city center area is VERY walkable.

I got antsy about the car and reserved a larger one. I also found out that you have to have an international license in Italy now.
My husband wants to know "Does he have to dress for dinner?"
Having to put everything in the check-in bag now, probably means a bigger bag.
one went just poorly but most of the people in Europe actually dress quite nicely for things. You can dress poorly you to stand out as a tourist much like many of the other people that are tourists there. I have spent about two weeks in Florence over the years and it is a beautiful city and a lot of fun. Just check before you go because all of the museums are closed one day of the week and also they have some odd hours. The first time that we went there we actually try to go to the museum during the time when it was closed and it was like a weird time like Tuesday at six o'clock, I thought that was an odd time to be closed

Seconded, thirded and fourthed (fourthed?).

I once picked up a car in Florence so we could drive around Tuscany. It took me three separate tries, one hour, and two fights with Mrs. PTravel to go the roughly 1 km to get out of the city and onto the highway.

Florence is, of course, a Renaissance city and the layout hasn't changed since then (one of the great things about Florence -- it's one of those cities in which you can time travel by just walking around). However, it makes driving an absolute nightmare -- narrow streets, unexpected one-ways, fleets of scooters sweeping in from all directiongs. Arrgh.

Here's a short video of Florence at night:

www.travelersvideo.com/florence.wmv
Thank you

..... Hertz is holding a Peugot 107 for us. Looks small, is it doable?

The car is OK for two people and two small bags.....most of the cars on Italian streets are small. We had a small Lancia Y and it was fine.

.....Also, is it a worthwhile use of to make a side-trip to Pisa or the Gucci/Prada outlets?

Pisa has only the leaning tower and nearby area, OK for a short trip. I liked Lucca and Siena better.
We went to "The Mall" - South of Florence, near Autostrada A1 - about 20+ high-price outlets. Mrs. USAFAN buys such stuff cheaper at "Off-Saks-Fifth-Avenue, which is nearby of our place in Florida. BTW, there was no Prada, Prada is on a place nearby "The Mall".

.....getting the car to drive out into Tuscany. I should of stated that.

Get a good road-map from Tuscany.
Some nice places are: Fiesole, Lucca (nearby Pisa), Siena.
In the middle of Tuscany is Radda.
We liked this hotel, in a building from the 15th century, recently renovated, modern equipment, parking and wi-fi free, payed less than Euro100:
Hotel San Niccolo
Via Roma, 16, Radda in Chianti 53017, Italy
http://www.hotelsanniccolo.com/en/index.htm

Nice hotel in Lucca:
http://www.eurostarshotels.com/en/hotels-in-italy-lucca.html

Get a good road-map from Tuscany.
Some nice places are: Fiesole, Lucca (nearby Pisa), Siena.
In the middle of Tuscany is Radda.
We liked this hotel, in a building from the 15th century, recently renovated, modern equipment, parking and wi-fi free, payed less than Euro100:
Hotel San Niccolo
Via Roma, 16, Radda in Chianti 53017, Italy
http://www.hotelsanniccolo.com/en/index.htm

Nice hotel in Lucca:
http://www.eurostarshotels.com/en/hotels-in-italy-lucca.html
Conde Nast is putting us up in the De Lanzi Hotel.
Would it be better to get the hotel to set up tours, or do it here from the States on the Florence Italy web site?

If your hotel doesn't have a concierge, or you want to buy your own tickets to the Uffizi or Accademia, you can buy them from the US on line http://selectitaly.com/museums.php?ref=yahoo. I would also suggest (depending upon how long you'll be there) a couple of quick side daytrips that can be easily done via bus to : Sienna, Chianti region, Pisa, Lecca, Fisole etc. The buses are frequent & cheap (as an example: to Greve in Chianti it's e2.90 each way--takes about an hour and you ride through the beautiful Tuscan countryside ^ http://www.greve-in-chianti.com/ ).
I remembered someone told me to do this and reread everything, but had put my last post on before I did. Thank you for this suggestion. :)

Conde Nast is putting us up in the De Lanzi Hotel.
Would it be better to get the hotel to set up tours, or do it here from the States on the Florence Italy web site?

De Lanzi is in Florence ... my recommendation was for a trip to the Tuscan hills/countryside.

BTW, the reviews about De Lanzi are mixed.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187895-d237512-Reviews-De_Lanzi-Florence_Tuscany.html

What "set up tours ....."? From the hotel? No way! Do your homework here, get a good map, get a car and hit the road.... BTW, Tuscany is pretty large, you will not see all in one trip.

De Lanzi is in Florence ... my recommendation was for a trip to the Tuscan hills/countryside.

BTW, the reviews about De Lanzi are mixed.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187895-d237512-Reviews-De_Lanzi-Florence_Tuscany.html

What "set up tours ....."? From the hotel? No way! Do your homework here, get a good map, get a car and hit the road.... BTW, Tuscany is pretty large, you will not see all in one trip.
I was speaking about museum tours while I was in Florence for the first 4 days before going out into Tuscany.

Having read all the threads advising against renting a car in Florence, I wonder what the best way would be to visit the Chianti region for wine tasting. Is it worthwhile to rent a car for one day to visit wineries, or arrange for a tour? (Which might be the way to go, I suppose, if one is inclined to swallow instead of spit)

Any recommendations on touring wine country using Florence as a base?

Oh yes, if you are going to be tasting wine, get a guide. I suggest a private guide rather than a tour--worth the dollars to be able to make your own schedule. The tuscan roads are difficult to navigate sober, much less after a few wineries:)

Oh yes, if you are going to be tasting wine, get a guide. I suggest a private guide rather than a tour--worth the dollars to be able to make your own schedule. The tuscan roads are difficult to navigate sober, much less after a few wineries:)

Any recommendations for a specfic guide?

I am afraid ours "retired " to write a book. ( doesn't everyone?:)). I would trust any reccommendations on the Slow Travel website--a good group there and some fine reviews of Tuscany for great tips.

Oh yes, if you are going to be tasting wine, get a guide. I suggest a private guide rather than a tour--worth the dollars to be able to make your own schedule. The tuscan roads are difficult to navigate sober, much less after a few wineries:)
How do you go about getting a guide? Will we see advertisement when we are in Florence for one?

There are several different ways to get a private guide. Your hotel will be able to suggest one--if you like, you can e-mail or call them for suggestions before you go. Another way is to go to the website slowtrav.com and click on the Italy tab--then look for classified ads and tour guides. There are lots there and the message board on that website can give you some reviews. You can always google the subject . If you put in Tuscany private tour you get a ton of sites. Have fun!

There are several different ways to get a private guide. Your hotel will be able to suggest one--if you like, you can e-mail or call them for suggestions before you go. Another way is to go to the website slowtrav.com and click on the Italy tab--then look for classified ads and tour guides. There are lots there and the message board on that website can give you some reviews. You can always google the subject . If you put in Tuscany private tour you get a ton of sites. Have fun!
We are packing and tomorrow is the day. We really appreciate all the great suggestions.

My "don't miss" suggestion is Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella, which was founded in 1221 and was open to the public in 1612!

It is FASCINATING and smells unbelievable...like a medieval Aveda store!
Just a short stroll from the Santa Maria Novella church and central train station.

Official website: http://www.italian.it/santamarianovella/smnuk.htm

Other great information:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9A0DEFD8103FF935A15752C0A960948260

http://www.designboom.com/eng/trend/santamarianovella.html

Florence was fantastic, Vivoli's really was that good! We did it all. Tuscany was more than I could of hoped for. We stayed at a bed and breakfast not to far from Radda, in Lucarelli-very nice. Wine tasting everyday. Views were great. Two days in Vada by the sea. A wonderful vacation.

Glad to hear you had a great trip to Florence ^

Now you should post your trip into details in the Trip Reports forum. Pictures are always good ;)

Okay, I know.....the art is AMAZING! I concur...Ufizi Museum and also don't miss Michel Angelo's "David"....breathtaking!

In addition to the art, invest in a beautiful leather jacket. Florence has some of the highest quality leather in the world. I purchased a coat length, black leather jacket about 4 years ago for about $550 US dollars. I would've paid at least $1,500 in the US. The great news is...any item over $500 US dollars you get all the Italy tax refunded on your credit card.

Upon departure, go to the tax reimbursement booth at the airport, show your receipt, fill out the forms & in about 3 weeks, your credit card will be credited for all the jacket's tax...quite a chunk of money.

Before security, put on your jacket (don't claim it as a purchase) and you're good to go!

Enjoy Florence! One of my fav's! ^ ^ :)

Wear comfortable shoes (the cobblestones are hard on the feet). Its a good city to explore on foot. It's difficult to get a bad meal, (unless you go to McDonalds)

I truly don't understand why anyone would choose to go to McDonalds when they are visiting overseas. :confused:

Vivoli! aaaahhhhhh Vivoli, Hands down the absolute best cioccolata gilato ever. DO NOT MISS THIS!!!!! Even if you don't like ice cream, DON'T MISS THIS!!!


This is soooo not nice! :D I'm craving some good Italian gilato right now!

Its about dressing stylish vs unstylish. You can wear jeans and be stylish. You will see tons of italians in jeans. However, you wont see people who looked like they stepped off a cruise ship in the Bahamas though.

Dressing for dinner is common.

Si! Gli Itialiani are all about La Bella Figura! :)

I truly don't understand why anyone would choose to go to McDonalds when they are visiting overseas. :confused:

1. Very good expresso for €1 (including a sweet roll in the morning)
2. Bathrooms
3. Mmmmmmmm? I can't think of any more. ;)

I truly don't understand why anyone would choose to go to McDonalds when they are visiting overseas. :confused:We wanted to meet up with a friend of my wife one day a few years ago; she's Florentine, had three young kids (ages 4 to 9). They absolutely insisted that the only place they were willing to go for lunch was that Scottish Restaurant, so that's where we went.

:(

We wanted to meet up with a friend of my wife one day a few years ago; she's Florentine, had three young kids (ages 4 to 9). They absolutely insisted that the only place they were willing to go for lunch was that Scottish Restaurant, so that's where we went.

:(
Someone had said don't go to any restaurant that has a menu in many languages. We stuck to that and had great meals, but we were never sure what we were ordering, especially in small towns. We gave each other thumbs up whenever the order arrived. Part of the charm of Italy-no bad food,