My husband and I are planning to spend three nights in Lucca in May. We would like to take a day trip to Florence during that time and I'm wondering if that is a doable day trip from Lucca? Would we be better off to get a hotel in Florence for one night?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
I agree with Kent, with the caveat that you won't be able to see everything in Florence in one day. I did it as a daytrip from Rome a few years ago. In about 12 hours we managed to fit in: Santa Maria Novella, the Duomo, Uffizi, Accademia, lunch, and dinner. If this is all you're interested in, then you'll be fine. Be sure to set up reservations in advance or the lines may do you in.
If you are interested in more sights, such as San Marco, the Bargello, Santa Croce, Orsanmichele, and others, then you'll need more than one day.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Yes, that's a feasible day trip by train, about 1hr 15 mins station to station each way. No need to drive and avoid Mondays, as the Uffizi, The David, and other biggies are closed Monday. Go here to see the train schedules: http://bahn.hafas.de/bin/query.exe/en
Posted by
Land of La
9223 posts
Definitely doable but as other posters have noted there is a great deal to see in Florence. Are you going for the art? To shop?
I visited both Lucca and Florence in December but did the day trip from Florence to Lucca. LOVED Lucca! If I won the lottery I'd move there in a nano second.
If you truly want to explore all the Florence has to see I'd stay overnight.
PM me if you want some accommodation recommendations in Florence.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Just clarifying: I agree with the other posters that, IMHO, Florence deserves more than a day trip. On my first trip to Florence, I spent 3 full days and didn't see everything I wanted to. Florence has more Renaissance art, architecture, and history, per block, than any place I've been.
Posted by
town in tx
16 posts
If you intend to see the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and/or the Accademia (Michelangelo's statue of David), then you might want to book tickets ahead. Especially with the Uffizi, as wait times can be long ..... during May, you're not quite into the high season, however you wouldn't want to waste time during a 1 day visit.
I'm sure this Rick Steves website can tell you how to best book tix ahead .... OR, if you're staying in a hotel in Lucca, then the concierge may be able to do so .... or review this thread on another travel site about topic . . . .
Uffizi and Accademia Ticket Prices >>>
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=35175751
Posted by
OP
Florida, USA
53 posts
Thank you all for the great info! I think we've decided to make Florence a day trip, but we will definitely book before we go so we can see as much as we can!