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Help for visiting Florence with a back injury

Posted by on

My husband is recovering from a pinched nerve/back injury. He is mostly on the mend but is likely to be very stiff and in pain after our long flight to Milan followed by a train to Florence. We plan to take it easy our first afternoon of arrival....relax at the hotel (nap) in the afternoon, bus to Piazzale Michaelango and dinner in evening. But I also do not want to plan too much long walking without breaks to sit on our 2nd day as well, after that he should be moving more easily. Here are some of the things I was considering doing that 2nd day. Visit Pitti Palace (not sure about the gardens?) in the morning, Lunch in Oltarno, Galileo Science Museum (or another suggestion) in afternoon. (we are traveling with our kids) OR RS Renaissance walk in morning, visit Bargello, lunch near by and Galileo Science Museum (or another suggestion) in the afternoon. Which option will afford more opportunity to stop for a break or allow him to sit for a bit between things?

Also, if we are to start the morning with the Renaissance walk, is there an easy bus to take from Santa Maria Novella Train station to the start of the walk near the Duomo? Just trying to minimize long walks. Short walking periods with breaks are what is be best.

Totally realize Florence is a walking city but not a trip we are willing to cancel. :D So we want to make the best of it...

Posted by
1994 posts

The garden at the Pitti Palace is probably not a good idea; a lot of it is on a hill. You may want to focus on museums where he can sit for a while, and I'm not remembering if that's the case at the museums you mention. However, I wasn't particularly looking for places to sit, so I could have missed seating.

The museum in Florence where I remember the most seating is the Uffizi. Hallways are lined with benches, and there's also an elevator you can use to get to the floor with the galleries. And if you make reservations, you shouldn't have to worry about much of a wait.

Posted by
16895 posts

Downtown Florence does not have many public benches; a few walls or stairs may be an option, or paying to sit in a café. It's nice that you're thinking of some sites that don't require reservations, in case the plan has to change.

Google maps suggests that from SMN to the Duomo is an 8-minute walk (without injuries), or suggests bus line C2. See more about buses at http://www.firenzeturismo.it/en/getting-around/.

Posted by
16 posts

I am thinking the RS renaissance walk would be a good choice, too. Then he can sit in a cafe or on a wall while I pop into a church or climb the Duomo for example with the kids. He and I have been to Florence before, so it won't feel to hard to miss something here and there. The question is can I get in the Pitti Palace later in our time there. We missed it last time we were in Florence. Not wanting to skip it again.

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