A day in Florence

There's so much in Florence! You have already selected "David." I recommend only one more "major" site or several "shorter" sites. Check out the following: Duomo Complex - either all of it or part of it. It's rather close to David. Santa Maria Novella complex: Santa Croce complex: Uffizi. Add lunch in there somewhere. Decisions ... decisions.

Thank you. But my first challenge is figuring out how to get there. lol

I mentioned that Florence wasn't too far...

Look at this. You'll have to take a minimum of two buses and it will take you 2 1/2 - 3 hours to get there. It would take 1 1/2 hours to drive using the Autostrada.

I suggest you choose something closer. Even Siena is 1 1/2 hours away. Are you planning to go to Montepulciano? It is 20 minutes by bus and is a charming town.

but was surprised to see that there aren't any trains from Pienza to
Florence. Huh?? I would appreciate your help again. I need to know
when we can catch a train so I know what time to book the Accademia.

Lori, there aren't any trains from Pienza: it doesn't have a train station. Near as I can tell, Florence from where you'll be staying will be a time-consuming combo of buses or buses/ train but I'm sure some can explain the exact details. Unless you drive, it looks a lot of your day will involve getting there and getting back.

Even if you don't do the Duomo itself, I highly recommend the Duomo museum.

Yeah, I'm seeing that this Agriturismo thing may be more trouble than it's worth. Right now I see that I can drive from the agriturismo to Siena (about 40 minutes according to google) then a train (1 hr 25min). I'm starting to rethink the agriturismo thing for a couple of reasons. 1. It's a lot of driving, 2. My BFF isn't helping (she won't look at guidebooks or help me know where or what she wants). Although, that would mean missing Assisi, Deruta and Orvieto, so maybe it's worth the driving. Ugh, my head is spinning.

Accademia is about a 11 minute walk from the train station. A tour is really dependent on if you want to commit that allotted time. If you sole intent is to see David (I could gaze at him for hours), then a whole tour might not be worth it. If you want to learn more about David and all the other art pieces, then it may be worth it. I did not do a tour and went about 1 1/2 hours before it closed, less crowded.

Google maps is really great. I typed in Florence SMN, then I pressed the arrow on the right side in a circle (underneath says directions). Then you enter where you want to go and you choose what type of transportation (car, transit, walking) & you can even flip the directions (with the up/down arrows).

Good luck. Just a thought but maybe the place you are staying could give you other options, that are close by to tour another olive oil/cheese production on the dates you will be there. It's worth a shot!

Lori,

You don't have to drive to Siena to catch a train. There is a station in Monteroni D'Arbia. It's a 15 minute drive from the farm. The 8:31 train takes 1Hr34m, arrives Firenze SMN.

Return trains at 17:45 and 19:19 take 2hr 13 min.

Thank you Katie. That really helps.
Gerri, you saved me again! I will check on that train station right away!!! THANK YOU!

Gerri, well done! 👍 Crossing fingers that works! 🤞

My BFF isn't helping (she won't look at guidebooks or help me know
where or what she wants)

My sympathies, Lori. It's not fun to play tour director for someone who won't engage. Hang in there! ☹️

Thanks Kathy. I appreciate the validation. I'm surprised and saddened by it.

Gerri, it looks great! I have printed the driving directions to Monteroni D'Arbia and taken photos of the train schedules. What a relief to only drive 12 minutes instead of 40! You're the best.

Anything else a must-see in Florence?

Lori, I think the drive from Pienza to Monteroni d'Alba will be longer than 15 minutes. My recollection from driving in the area was that it took more than half an hour. You might also look at trains from Chiusi to Firenze. Chiusi is also about a half hour drive from Pienza, and it may have more options for departures and arrivals. Make sure you research whether there is all-day parking available near the station you select. If you decide this is all too much for you, I expect there are other farms in the vicinity that offer tours on the Saturday of your stay. I just googled "Farm tours Tuscany" and got at least half a dozen hits.

Lori, get a good map of Florence, or do one on your phone. This route will give you a good overview of the city. I don't think you'll have enough time to see more than the Accadenia other than to pop into a church.

Kathy may offer a better itinerary.

Academia-Mercato San Lorenzo-Santa Maria del Fiori (Duomo)-Piazza Republica-Piazza Della Signoria-Uffizi Gallery-Ponte Vecchio-Pitti Palace-Santa Spirito-Ponte Trinita (take a photo of the Ponte Vecchio) in the late afternoon its golden.

One thing to note, the train makes a very short 1 minute stop. Make Sure you're parked and at the station at least 15 minutes before. This is a regional train, if you haven't booked online, you'll have to validate your ticket.

Mary Sue, this station is on the Chiusi-Siena-Florence line. Lori is about 30 minutes NW of Pienza.

You all are great! I have google mapped the driving route from Agriturismo Bagnolo to Monteroni D'Arbia and it says 11 minutes. I will allow for more than that (traffic, parking, etc.) Gerri, I went over your suggestions with my BFF and I think we have a tentative plan. Thank you all again!