just back from Florence

Hey Todd, I'm leaving in 3 weeks, how are the crowds over there right now? Trying to decide to buy tickets for Uffizi and Accademia before leaving, or just walk in at the end of the day? Good idea? Thanks, Mary

One problem with "walking in at the end of the day" at a lot of museums is that they start flushing people out of the place well before they actually close.

We had reservations to both places so that was the easy part. We are not great art lovers, so the Uffizi was not a big hit. Plus, at the Uffizi, exiting the building is a Major nightmare, few signs, and then you follow this up and down and around and around procedure. Reservations are the way to go, I made them online a month ago and even in March there were lines at most places.

Todd, going to Florence mid May for 3-4 days, 4 adults - 1 couple and 2 singles. Do you have hotel or B&B recommendations? We want to make some day trips from there to Pisa, Lucca, etc. Car rental our best bet? First time to Europe for all of us.

Debbie - trains are your best bet for a day trip from Florence to Pisa and Lucca. Bus is the best bet for a day trip from Florence to Siena.

We stayed at Soggiorno Alessandra in Oltrarno. It is in Ricks book and it was fine for us. Room was big and comfortable. It was a 15 minute walk south from the train station. We could walk to ponte vecchio in 15 and Accademia in 25ish minutes. We took a train to Pisa for the day on monday since most museums are closed. We took the bus to the tower and climbed it. Walking up the tower is fun due to the lean.

I'm leaving in two weeks! I've been there before, but didn't keep good records. Any restaurant recommendations? I had the best steak of my life there and can't remember the name of the restaurant. Thanks!

Hi Will be going to Florence in about 5 weeks for 5 days. Want to have 1 venture out into countryside. Traveling with 4 adults and 2 little boys age 2. A bus tour won't work for anybody, both us, babies or other passengers. Also don't want to rent vehicle. Do you think we could find a private tour for the 6 of us to one of the wineries or towns reasonably close?

Carolyn: Go ahead and send an email to your hotel to ask if they know of any small tours available. Or, they may know a driver and van to take you into the countryside.

I like art but am not a major enthusist. Should I just go to the Uffizi, or do the Uffizi and the Acadamia? I will be there for 2 nights and 3 days. I am looking forward to seeing and experiencing many things by Just being in Italy. Any suggestions would be helpful. We are also going to Rome for 3 nights and 4 days as well.

My opinion from a minimal art lover is accademia and not Uffizi. David is a sculpture that needs to be seen. I did not see how the art in the Uffizi was so much better than the paintings at accademia.

Time is of the essence. Make reservations whenever and wherever you can! Most hotels/BBs I found are happy to make your reservations for you. Check the Museum pass or join Friends of the Uffizi.