My husband and I will have one full day to visit Florence, and two evenings. We would like to see the Duomo, Baptistry, Acedemia and Uffizzi. Yes, it’s a lot to see in that time. We will be there on a Saturday in early June this year. Is it better to book a tour to hit the highlights, or do the Firenze card and do it on our own?
If I had to leave out something, what would it be, and is it possible to see any of these after 5 pm?
Thanks for your help in advance.
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Forget a Firenze card; do it yourself piecemeal; do not force it. It is nicer and more romantic to see Florence outside of being in a series of crowded hot museums on foot, and without a group of people trying to listen to a guide. Florence will still be there for another trip one would hope for you later
Where are you going before and after Florence? If doing Rome I would consider dropping the Ufizzi and just do the Accedemia, and leave more artwork for the Vatican Museums. And do the Uffizzi on a return visit to Florence. That way you aren’t super rushed.
Since only the Uffizzi and Accademia (from your list) have paid admission, the Firenze card would be a huge waste of money. You can find all of the open/close hours online. Usually they stop admitting 30-45 min before closing. You'd be better off to plan your day, starting first thing in the morning, and buying advance timed tickets to the museums, then fitting the Duomo and Baptistry in as time allows. Spend your evenings enjoying the city instead of inside another museum.
Rick has good audio guides of both museums and good descriptions of the more interesting features of the Duomo and Baptistry. Check them out. All of these are so easily done on your own, I can't see the need to pay for a guide.
Robert, we will be coming from Siena or San Gimignano and after that we’re going to Vernazza. We will have already been in Rome where we have a Walks of italy Pristine Sistine Chapel Tour set up, along with the Colluseum tour on different days.
Perhaps a walk in the gardens would be a better option for an afternoon? My hubby doesn’t want to be indoors all day either. We are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary.
So would piece mealing be the best option, no Firenze card? I know they’re expensive. Would a tour of Acedemia and Duomo be okay for a half day tour and then explore on our own? I don’t want to waste time waiting in line.
Is there an inexpensive skip the line tour?
The rest of our trip will be Vernazza for two nights and Varenna for two nights and then head home out of Milan.
Those are good points, CJean, and Jazz Travels. I have a lot in my itinerary elsewhere, so that makes sense not to rush it.
Rick Steve’s tour guide app is already downloaded for my trip, so this will be good to utilize instead of paying a guide. Timed ticket entry sounds like a great way to go. I like that idea. Thank you. Florence is the last of our busy schedule, then it’s on to hiking and relaxing in C.T. and Lake Como.
Thank you too, Robert for the excellent advice. It is all much appreciated.
