I have only 1 full day in Florence. I want to make a reservation for the Accademia and Uffizi Gallery. Does anyone have any idea how long it takes to go through these two spots?
I would also like to rent a car to drive the hill towns. How far are the car rental spots from the train station? I've a bit nervous about the congestion zones. After I rent the car will I be able to drive out of town towards Lucca without any problem?
Thanks
The gallery is huge so it could take all day so it is just a matter of deciding how much time you want to be there. David on the other hand is only one item and some small supporting exhibits - an hour, ninety mins at most. Renting at the airport might be safer.
As Frank said, people here have had better luck renting from, and returning to, the airport. The reason for this is: many travelers reporting in here have found it's a challenge to rent a car near the train station in Florence, and return it, without incurring any of the large fines that are levied upon you (through your car rental company, who will pass it on to you) if you get into any of the many limited traffic zones in the historic core area of Florence.
Ken from Vernon (a contributor here) knows the links that will help inform you about this. Hopefully he will see this post.
Here's one link: http://www.florence-on-line.com/maps-of-florence/florence-driving-map-ztl.html
Only one item at the Accademia? Besides the David, there are several other sculptures by Michelangelo, and a significant painting gallery on the upper floors. Still, an hour would be sufficient. The Uffizi can be done in a couple of hours, depending on your interests.
Thanks. Great help on the times. I now have an idea on how to make my reservations. Renting the car looks like it could be a hassle from the train. Does the train go to the airport?
Rick's audio tour of the Uffizzi is designed for a route that he says takes 2 hours and most customers on our guided tours do seem to find 2 hours enough for them.
One problem with the RS Uffizi Gallery audio tour is that it was, of course, made at some particular point in time. When I was at the Uffizi last fall, many rooms were closed for renovations. Some items had been re-located, others were simply not on display, and it was very difficult to follow the tour. The descriptions of various works of art were still valid and helpful, but it was sometimes hard to be standing in front of a work and listening to the description on the tour at the same time.
One day is not enough for both the museums and the hill towns. You need a full day for each.
The amount of time you spend in the museums depends on your personal love of art. Personally I don't believe in spending more than 2 or 3 hours in any museum. Accademia is small and one hour would be enough for me. Uffizi is significantly bigger.
All rental car agencies near the station are located on a street called Borgo Ognissanti, about 5 minutes walk from the station. There is no chance of getting a ticket while exiting that area. To return the car, the agency will tell you the itinerary to follow to avoid fines. In any case cars are allowed to enter the ZTL to take the car to a garage or rental agency. The garage or rental agency will then communicate the license plate to the City website so that no fine is issued even in the event your car gets photographed while entering the ZTL. What you hear in this forum about the ZTL is mostly mythology. I lived there most of my life and visit at least once a year, yet I got no tickets since the ZTL was created in the 1980's.
