We will arrive in Florence on Sat 6/11/11 for ONE day, before we end our trip and fly out the next day. We want to see The David, but would like some suggestions on the best way to make this happen. Should it really be a problem this far ahead? Any ideas are much appreciated!!
have your hotel make a reservation for you and go see it !!!! :):) good luck !!!
And remember one day in Florence is better than no days in Florence. David, at best, is about 30 mins so you need to plan your other activities.
This far ahead is not really to far ahead. Book your reservations as soon as you can. The lines can be wrapped down the street and around the corner if you don't have reservations.
I assume you're flying out of Florence. Otherwise you'll need to get closer to the departure airport. But Frank was right. IMHO David is the main reason to go to the Accademia. You can clear through within an hour or so. For June. I'd suggest a reserved entry and ticket. You only have one day. To maximize you probably won't have time for a tour. Too slow. Florence is a very walkable town. Study the map. Other than David. I suggest Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, Medici Chapel, And the Uffizi. Time for a glass of wine you'll deserve it. Oh look at the doors of the baptistry at the Duomo. And anything else you can squeeze in. Have fun.
Be sure you have reservations for the Accademia. Also, make reservations for the Uffizi ahead of time, if that is something you want to do. I think you can book both online, just book them a couple of hours apart, doing the Accademia first. My favorite spot in Florence is the Medici Chapels (sort of near the Accademia). It is amazing to stand and see where Michelangelo sketched on the wall, and the detail of the chapel itself is just outright gorgeous. You have to see the Duomo and the doors of the Baptistery, of course, but I wouldn't waste time going inside. I would, instead, go inside the Mercado Centrale (make a picnic!) and then go to the street of leather stalls and haggle to buy some beautiful purses. You can do Florence in a day, you will just want to return someday!