I'm planning a trip to Italy for Sat. (June 11) to Sunday (June 19) (last minute thrill I know) and for sure I have to hit Rome and Florence, at least 2 full days each and in between, well, I'll visit what's in between! I have read that many tourist attractions are closed on Mondays and right now there are too many for me to look at individually. I actually haven't bought my plane ticket yet, so I'm not sure whether to do Florence/Pisa or Rome first, in terms of timing for certain attractions. What are your suggestions for itineraries for the order of the cities and anything in-between? Thanks!
Posted by
Henson, Florida, USA
466 posts
June 11 to June 19. I assume your back
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
What airport are you flying into and which one are you departing from? Also, many major attractions are indeed closed on Mondays in Florence. These are nicely listed in RS' book.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23650 posts
I think she means July 11 since July 11 is a Saturday. If she is this badly confused it is only going to get worse. Hate to see the price of that ticket. Most things will be closed on Monday. Just enjoy the restaurants and the area on that day.
Posted by
OP
Houston, Texas
11 posts
Yes, I am confused. Sorry it's July 11-19.
Posted by
OP
Houston, Texas
11 posts
Oh yes, I'm flying from Belfast, UK. I will most likely fly into Pisa/Florence because the ticket seems to be cheaper, after looking into jet2.com, easyjet.com, and wegolo.com, than going to Rome on July 11th. Flying from Dublin or London won't work. I was just asking your take on which city would be better to visit since things are closed on Mondays. I guess here is when you see that RS' Italy book trumps Frommer's Eurail, which didn't mention the off-day at all.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
You can make it work in either city, depending on what you're interested in seeing, but Rome is probably a little easier to manage on Monday, as the ancient Roman sights (Colosseum, Forum, etc) are open, as well as the Vatican.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2033 posts
Both Florence and Rome are great cities just to walk around in and soak up the atmosphere. I think either one will work out, but I would probably vote for Rome on a Monday-there is just so much to see besides museums that may be closed. However, Rick's books usually tell you what the closure day is.
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
Avoid Florence on the Monday if possible. There is enough to do and see in Rome that the monday closures wont be an issue. The first time I went to Florence it was a Monday, we were a bit limited in seeing all the things we wanted to see, as we only had that day.
Posted by
Austin
27 posts
Here is our itinerary for a recent Monday in Rome (2 couples - 30 years old).
Mon. May 25:
Roman Forum
Capitol Hill/Victor Emmanuel Monument (free, ~1 hour)
Pantheon (free, ~1 hour, 8:30-19:30)
Lunch/Gelato
Vatican Museum (€13, ~2 hours, 10:00-16:45)
St. Peter’s Basilica (€6 to climb the dome, ~2 hours, 8:00-17:45)
Dinner - Campo de’ Fiori
Night Walk across Rome (Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps)
We arrived at the Vatican Museum around 12:30 and only had to wait about 5 minutes. Note that part of the 'night walk' was actually done during the day. We didn't mind repeating it though - it is such a nice stroll at night.
Have fun!