Hi. I’m new to this forum, but have been watching all Rick Steves’ Italy videos and researching our trip for months. We leave for Italy at the end of this month.
Do we need a tour guide for the Duomo, Duomo museum, and all the Medici places in Florence, or are these things we can do on our own? We’ve already purchased the Firenzecard, and booked a tour for Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio. Also Academia? We downloaded Rick’s audio guides.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4672 posts
That's such a personal choice question. If I take your question literally, you don't need a guide. But my wife and I seek out guides/tours quite often. We love how a good guide can bring a site to life in a way we can't experience it by ourselves. Since our knowledge of art is somewhere between slim and none, a guide was well worth the money. Personally I'm not a fan of the RS audio guides, I find them a bit dull, but I bet you'll also get comments on your question that guides are unnecessary and that the audio guides will give you the freedom to go at your own pace that you won't get with a tour.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16183 posts
I agree 100% with the previous comment.
A “live” guide is not mandatory (you can do it on your own using guidebooks or audio guides), but if you hire one (a good knowledgeable one), you won’t regret it.
A guided tour is a totally different experience that will make your visit much more interesting and informative.
Posted by
72 posts
I have to say yes, get a real tour guide if you get the right one it makes all the difference. We had some excellent guides and felt that it was money well spent. Especially for The Academia and Uffizi I thought the guide really shone in these places
Posted by
Seattle
55 posts
I used Rick’s book, reading and re-reading where needful, and felt that I had very much enjoyed visiting the places that you mention. Having said that, I did go on a guided tour of the Uffizi and I also very much enjoyed that. Also, I enjoyed spending the money I saved by not hiring a guide for the places you mention on better meals and men’s shirts made in Italy. There is no absolute answer to questions like yours.
Posted by
1969 posts
You can spend a life time learning about Italy. Rick's stuff is great. You can find all different kinds of info.. I listened to RS audioguide for Uffizi prior to the trip. There is a company called "The Great Courses" that sells series of short classes on Italy (including art, wine, history, architecture, etc.). Sr. Wendy Beckett did an art series for PBS and an art history book that included San Marco Monastery in Florence (near statue of David).
My point is - you can study for your trip as much or as little as you wish. Information is available from a large number of sources. Books, music, online stuff, videos - you name it. But, remember to keep it light and have fun! If you start feeling overwhelmed - take a step back and give learning a break. Knowing a few things about the Catholic Church helps as well.