We arrive in Florence on Palm Sunday. We are staying in an apartment and plan to take day trips to Lucca and Sienna. We hope to do the Accademia on Palm Sunday and Lucca on Monday. Any recommendations of itinerary would be appreciated. Is Holy Thursday a good day to stay in Florence or should we venture into Tuscany? We leave Florence early on Good Friday. Are there any other day trips besides Lucca and Sienna that we should consider? What is the best day to visit the Uffizi?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16230 posts
If you arrive on Sunday, then you have only 4 days, since i dont consider the day of arrival a day that can be counted. At most you'll have half day by the time you are settled in the apartment and due to the jet lag you might fall asleep as soon as you sit down on a chair. In 4 days you can devote two to Florence, one to Siena and one to Lucca. At most you could add Pisa to the same day you visit Lucca since the two cities are only 20 min drive apart.
Any day is good to be in zflorence. I dont know which day is best for the Uffizi but I know which one is worst: Monday (uffizi are closed on that day)
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I agree with Roberto! Not sure if you're arriving from an international flight on Palm Sunday, but if you are, take a 2 hour nap and set an alarm!
Spend Sunday evening in one of the beautiful, miraculous Piazzas in Florence! Not to do this is not to see Florence at all! Walk through the Piazza de la Republica (?) or Piazza della Signoria. Listen to the acapella opera singers, accordian players.....enjoy the beautiful lit fountains, statues, etc. Florence is worth lingering in. One day-trip! Lucca and Siena are probably the best bets. He's also correct in that museums are closed Monday. Ufuzzi is a half day affair, and Accademia 2 hours. Find the time to wander through Ponte Vecchio, have a drink at Golden Bar Open View and enjoy the Arno river. Buy some gloves, or a beautiful bag at the leather market. Please linger in Florence. If you have the time, go up to Piazza Michelangelo and have a drink (or lunch) at the "only place in town" and look at the beautiful view of Florence and Tuscany at sunset. It's so beautiful that it's a regular spot for local wedding parties to be photographed with the sun setting over Tuscany in the background. Almost forgot: DO have a splurge dinner of the bisteca Florentine (Best steak you'll ever eat) at one of the steak houses. Look in RS book for suggestions.
Posted by
OP
Fairfax, VA
4 posts
Thanks very much for your responses. We will have already been in Italy for a week. 3 days in Rome and 3pm Spoleto/Assisi. The Opera singers/accordion players, etc. Are exactly what we are hoping to experience.