We arrive in Florence Sept 5(we have been to this beautiful city before)11:30 AM and hope to enjoy a lunch and some shopping before seeing David at the Accademia later in the day (3:30??did not make reservations yet). RS book states bus#7 to Fiesole leaves from Piazza San Marco, which I believe is very close. Would we have time to enjoy the ruins and some views, sunset, etc and a later dinner...or does everything close up fairly early...and would we need to get a taxi for a late return to Florence? The following day is our 1/2 day Fiat 500 wine tasting tour. Returning to Florence @ 4 pm, we hope to spend (again late afternoon and dinner) time in the Oltrarno area (San Piazzale Michelangelo? A good steak dinner?) Some of the same questions apply. We like walking and don't need "sights" to a memorable experience. We would just like to extend our view of Florence. Any comments would be fo helpful.
We are really looking forward to this trip: 4 nights Venice/two nights Florence/4 nights Positano/4 nights Barcelona.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Piazza San Marco, where you can catch bus #7 to Fiesole, is a very short walk from the Accademia. Bus ride takes about 20-25 minutes, so you could be there before the sights close at 7:00 and early enough to enjoy the views before sunset. There are a couple of restaurants on the main square that Rick recommends, and they serve dinner. Buses back to central Florence run quite late, so you'll have no problem getting back after dinner. You can check schedules at www.ataf.net. The following afternoon, you can take the bus up to Piazzale Michelangelo, enjoy the views, maybe stop at San Miniato and then walk down to the Oltrarno area to explore. You can catch the bus to Piazzale Michelangelo at a number of places in addition to the train station, for example at Piazza San Marco or on Via dei Tintori, across the street from the recommended Ristorante del Fagioli. If you know where you want to eat in Oltrarno and want to eat around a specific time, reservations would be wise. Since you won't previously be in the area when restaurants are open, maybe your hotel would call and reserve.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
If you have time, visit the Museum/Convent of San Marco, where you'll be taking the bus. Fra Angelico frescoes each of the friar's cells, much of his best work is here ( small museum, less than an hour should be adequate).
Posted by
OP
Manheim, PA, USA
82 posts
Great responses. Thank you both. Sounds like my plan might be do-able. I appreciate the specific suggestions...that is exactly what I was looking for. Will the Oltrarno area be "alive" later if we head to San Piazzale Michelangelo first?