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Florence: Abbreviated Renaissance Walk

Brief background: Our 15 y.o. daughter (and family--Mom, Dad, and brothers 14 & 11) has been granted a week long trip in Italy by Make-A-Wish. We have 11/2 days in Florence, and they have already booked a tour of Uffizi for us. DD wants to see David (who wouldn't!) so we're considering following an abbreviated Renaissance Walk, beginning with Accedemia. The Uffizi tour is booked for 4:15. Anyone know how long the walk is from Accedemia to Uffizi? DD is still weakened from chemo and we want her to see and experience as much as she can without wearing her out. (Or taxing the patience of her younger brothers!)
Any suggestions for an abbreviated Renaissance Walk would be most welcome.

Thanks!
Susan M.

Posted by
811 posts

it's about 20 min walk from academia to uffizi. the area around uffizi is packed with stuff and close to the church. you can wonder around this area in 1 day, then half day just to see david (it's a little out the way but a good walk)

Posted by
423 posts

I did the same itinerary just a few weeks ago. First David and then Uffizi. David took my breath away.

I took a leisurely walk to Uffizi and stopped and had a panino for lunch and sat outside the church to rest before my reservation. Uffizi overloaded my senses - SO much to see. I was exhausted both mentally and physically. The good thing about Uffizi is there are benches in the mail hallways where you can rest before venturing in to each salon room. That's what helped me.

Perhaps purchasing a fine book in the gift shop would be a perfect ending to your daughters incredible day.

Enjoy!

Posted by
705 posts

David is amazing and probably more so now that he has has a clean. The rest of the Accademia is worth seeing also. The Medici chapels San Lorenzo are worth seeing too. You don't need to spend a lot of time there but the sculptures are really stunning. Lastly there is museum over the road from the Duomo where they have taken all the art works and things of value from the church to display properly. It was really interesting and they even have the original architectural drawings of the Duomo there. What ever you do I'm sure you will have a great time and go home with lots of fond memories. I do hope your daughter's health improves. Best of luck.

Posted by
73 posts

Susan
We travelled last year with our autistic son. If you take a doctor's certificate about her condition, the museums will accomodate you. Then you can use the elevator in the Uffizi instead of stairs and they also sometimes escort you past the lines, as even the ticket holder's sometimes have a line. Call the museums ahead if you can. Also as the others have suggested, take it easy with breaks at a cafe or gelateria if she is allowed icecream. There are also some churches along the way. We sometimes would just sit on any available steps. Of course we did it because our son would sit outside with one of us as we took turns. I know there is a sort of park diagonally from the Accademia and there is also the Piazza Annuzianata (spelling?) behind the Accademia which is quiet. If the crowds get too overwhelming you can walk on the back streets, just a block off where there will be few people!
Good Luck!

Posted by
2091 posts

Hi Susan,I have a Chemo Kid too--12 years in remission (AML), yeah!
Have you considered asking for a wheelchair for your museum tours? (and would your daughter allow it?) The Uffizi is huge so that may be one way for her to be able to enjoy her time there more. If at all possible, I would try not to use one on the cobblestones but in the museums I think she'd be able to rest up a bit. Depending on her strength, the Accademia probably wouldn't be worth it, although it would be a way to get through the crowds so she wouldn't be jostled.
Been there, done that, you're not alone.

Posted by
6 posts

Thank you for all the helpful responses!
Darcy, wheelchair in museums is a great idea (have letter doc); DD has no problem with doing that. She suffered some neuropathy (footdrop) from the chemo, and though has recovered considerable mobility, is still a little "wobbly." I appreciate your encouragement...
Thank you.
Susan