My husband and I will be in Italy in Mid September, and we’re using San Quirico d’Orcia As a home base in Tuscany. We will have a car and plan to visit Florence one day, which is about a 2 hour drive. What are the most important things to see in one day? Do we need to purchase tours or should we just purchase skip the line tickets? Should we try and fit any other towns on way, or should we just focus on Florence?
Thanks, Louise
You can cover Florence in a day. Since your are driving make sure you find a parking lot well outside of the Florence downtown area. Florence is notorious for the TL zones and limited traffic lanes - generally bus lanes. You do need advance reservations for David (Accademia) and the Uffizi. The key sites are well cover in any good guide book - start with Steves' Rome or Florence & Tuscany. It will be easy to spend the whole day in Florence.
Florence is really a multi day visit, just to hit all the major sites. I definitely wouldn't recommend trying to visit another town on the same day, unless your goal is just to tick off another town on a list.
I don't think public transportation is particularly convenient from where you are staying, but PLEASE research parking and ZTLs very, very carefully before you go.
As for what to see, use a good guidebook to pick the 2 or 3 places you most want to see. Everyone's priorities are different. Then spend the rest of your day walking and soaking up the atmosphere. If the Uffizi, Accademia and Bell Tower or Duomo Dome climb are on your list, buy the tickets WELL in advance. Note that these only skip the ticket buying lines. You can't escape the security lines.
Florence can be seen in one day as it is a lovely, and quite walkable, spot. Walk past the Domo, the Bapistry doors and look at the fantastic statues in the square. By all means by (on line and in advance) tickets for the Uffizi Gallery and then head out toward the Accademia. You will never forget the experience.
Can you leave early (7 pm)? If not, you will only have a few hours in Florence. I'd skip the museums and just walk around.
I suggest an alternative instead of driving to the city. Stop in Greve, which is south about 20km. There is a large free municipal lot with an easy walk to the bus stop. There are frequent buses to Florence and you end up at the bus terminal, a 15 minute walk to the Duomo. Follow normal parking rules (nothing visible) and your car will be fine.
Use the RS Florence in a day with some modifications. Consider taking a Walks of Italy half day tour, but the morning tour starts at 8:30. It's a shame you don't have more time. I like the idea of saving Florence for another trip and finding another adventure closer to where you are staying. Even spending a day knocking around on the SR222 might work better.
Thanks everybody for the tips! We will definitely take your advice and park outside the city!
Thanks, Lou
