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Itinerary for 4 days in Florence

Greetings all, I will be in Florence for 4 days and trying to fit everything in. I will be there in September from a Saturday - Tuesday. Are most things closed on Mondays? I was looking into the Brunello all day bus tour recommended by Rick Steves but its only open on Tuesday and I have to leave for Rome this day. Are there other tours available or particular vineyards I should schedule a private wine tasting/vineyard tour? I am looking to go to Montalcino.

I also need to find a hotel to stay at if there are any recommendations?
Any recommendations for restaurants or place for gelato? I was told by a friend I have to go to Salumeria Roscioli and Trattoria Sostanza.
Should I book a tour of Uffizi and Accademia?
Any other must dos in and around the city?

Much appreciated any info provided!!!

Posted by
2448 posts

You do want to book the Uffizi and Academia in advance to avoid lots of waiting in line. There are also plenty of other, smaller places to see great art that you donโ€™t need to book in advance, e.g., the Museo San Marco, the Bargello, etc.

Posted by
15807 posts

Are most things closed on Mondays?

The Italian State Museums are closed on Mondays. That includes the Accademia and Uffizi. Other museums may be closed on Tuesdays, or on alternating Mondays and Sundays. The duomo complex would be good choice for a Monday.

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Also the Bargello, and San Marco, if you're there on a Monday when it's open (1st and 3rd Monday of the month):
Click on the blue text beneath each museum pix for their hours and entry fees:
https://www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/uffizi/default_eng.aspx.html

I am looking to go to Montalcino.

Ugh. Doesn't look like a good plan.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/travel-question-8e754102-8995-4f0e-8170-113322032e37

You might explore regional wines at a good Florentine enoteca or two instead?

Posted by
2315 posts

As others have mentioned, be careful not to cut yourself short on Florence. Recommending restaurants is a crapshoot, but I'll throw out a couple of personal preferences - I like Trattoria 13 for Sunday brunch, I always have the octupus. The other is Zeb, modern setting, mother and son team, food is always to my liking and they have a terrific wine list. If they have a huge bowl of minestone on the counter, DO NOT pass it by and if they have fresh puntarelle that day, point and say I'd like some of that, per favore.

Posted by
1625 posts

I can recommend a wonderful all day bus/walking tour of Tuscany with tour company Walkabout Florence, they have a Best of Tuscany tour that is a great value and you can include lunch at an organic winery.
The Mercado in Florence is a lot of fun, downstairs is a market and upstairs are multiple eateries and community tables in the middle. Florence is known for it's bisteca, so be sure to experience that. We love Antico Restorante de Cambi (reservations required can make on The Fork).
We also love the fresh sandwiches made to order at All'Antico Vinaio.
Yes make reservations for the places you want to visit. OR you can do a walking tour with a reputable tour company like Walks of Italy were you pay a flat fee and it includes all your entry fees for multiple museums and is a wonderful way to walk and learn about the city. We are never disappointed with Walks of Italy tours.
Have fun!