We are taking a Mediterranean cruise this November. We dock in Livorno and have the option to take an excursion to Florence. The cost is $345 per person (we are a family of 4, 2 girls 12 & 9 so not in our budget) so we think we can do it cheaper with the train and reservations at the museums. We would be playing the "tacky" tourists running into each museum to see just the "highlights". Is this possible?? How far apart should we make the reservations?? Thanks!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Academia is small. You can be in and out in fifteen minutes if just want to see the statue and be done with it.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
306 posts
If the three hours includes time waiting in line (even with a reservation you will have to spend some time in a line) and going from one museum to another, I don't think you can do it in three hours. At least not in a way that will allow you to appreciate what you are seeing. I would pick one.
Posted by
Orlando, Florida
676 posts
From Livorno it will take about an hour to get to Florence. If the 3 hours you have on the ground includes travel...Do you kids really like art? If not I'd just do one museum and do some walking around, maybe have time to hit the street maarket. I loved "David" but since they're 12 and 9...most of the rest of that museum is pictures of Jesus, Joseph and Mary, quite frankly. Uffizi is bigger, more varied but no David. I did both in 1 day a few years ago and it was WAY too much, and I was in my 40s.
Posted by
Westford, MA, USA
14 posts
Touring both the Uffizi and Academia can be done in 3 hours but doesn't take into account the travel time between Livorno and Florence. Also, it is strongly recommended that you bring the Rick Steves Florence and Tuscany guide because it provides a fine tour of both museums. By following Rick's tours, you will get an excellent and rewarding overview of both museums. However, you will need to research the trip time spent on reaching and returning from Florence. The Uffizi is one museum that should not be missed with seeing David a close second.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
Instead of going to the Accademia to see the David, go to the Piazza della Signoria (next to the Uffizi) and see the very good copy where the original used to stand - and quite a few other wonderful sculptures as well. Skip the Uffizi (it is so crowded) and enjoy other sights - the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, some of the best gelati in Italy. Rick has a free audio tour of a walk thru the city center (can't remember the name). If you really enjoy sculpture, head for the Bargello. Another option is the Duomo museum (not in the Duomo but in a street behind it), which has Michelangelo's Pieta among many other treasures. Or the Pitti Palace. There are several wonderful churches too, all with great art works.
With girls of 12 & 9, you might enjoy window-shopping on the Ponte Vecchio (Italian gold jewelry), but be forewarned, it is expensive.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
70 posts
Others that made comments must have had their track shoes on - if you have any interest in Renaissance artists it will take all of 3 hours to do Uffize justice, not counting standing in line to get in. Look at the Uffizi website before you go and then start with specific galleries of interest first before starting in on the rest of the museum.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
I would skip the museums this trip. Yes they are terrific but for a 12 & 9 yr old prob tiring. Why not just enjoy the train ride and a great walk around Florence? Along the river walk by the Uffizi gallery, have a gelato the girls will love, walk by Salvatore Ferragamo flagship shoe store and visit their museum upstairs. Walk by the Duomo on your way back to train station. All close and walkable.I think you will enjoy this stroll better than running thru the museums which really require min half day each to absorb.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Totally agree with J.S.! Just take a leisurely stroll, see the sights, and save the museums for another trip. Florence itself is one big museum.