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Questions re: Best Of Venice Florence & Rome Tour, May 5 - 14, 2023

Posted by on

Questions specific to the The Best of Venice, Florence & Rome Tour on May 5 through May 14

Do we know yet which of our guide's favorite islands we'll be visiting on Day 3?

An early itinerary included the Bargello Museum in Florence on Day 5, but I don't see it now. Do I need to book that on the side?

On Days 4 & 6, there is a gap in the schedule between early events and dinner. Do we know how much time, and when, so that we can make reservations for other locations?

Is the Baptistry in Florence still under renovation?

Is the Biblioteque Medicia at San Lorenzo in Florence still closed for renovation?

Thanks in advance.

I can ask the individual hotels the following questions, but thought I'd ask here as well.
Do the hotels on May 5 -14 Tour include:

  1. Laundry options
  2. Hair dryers
  3. 2 - prong electrical adapters (don't want to bring 3 prong if not needed)
Posted by
2499 posts

You shouldn’t need to book the Bargello in advance - just go when the spirit moves you.

Go ahead and bring your own 2-prong electrical adapters. They’re very small and light, and inexpensive. The Rick Steves travel store on this site has them, as does REI, and many other places.

Posted by
5649 posts

No reason to bring a hair dryer to any hotel in Europe, plus even if your dryer is dual voltage, they usually don't work very well. A hair dryer that is US voltage will be ruined if used.
You probably need to call / email the RS office for schedule questions. The RS staff usually don't frequent this site, it's mainly used by fellow travellers.
Have a great trip.

Posted by
10299 posts

Hi, as Pat said, for answers to these questions specific to your tour, you should call or email the Rick Steves office. On this site we are mostly just random travelers who try to answer questions and offer insight.

Posted by
6713 posts

I took this tour a few years ago and the "guide's favorite islands" were Torcello and Burano, a memorable experience. I think these are the "favorite islands" of all the RS guides. Murano is easier to visit on your own if have the time and interest.

On day 4, you'll probably have little if any free time. It takes awhile to bus from Venice to Florence, then check into the hotel, then the walking tour will likely take the rest of the afternoon. On my tour the group dinner was a buffet at the hotel, but it looks like the current arrangement is different.

On day 5, my tour didn't include the Bargello, but I skipped the cooking class and went there that afternoon. You'd probably have time to do that after the cooking class if you want. No need to book ahead. I think the only place in Florence requiring prior booking is the Uffizi, which the tour includes.

On day 6, you're left on your own at the Uffizi, so you can spend more time there if you want. You're on your own for lunch and the afternoon, so more time for the Bargello or other places.

This is a great tour and I hope you enjoy it.

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