Red Eye to Florence @11:30am, Duomo climb at 5:45pm? (Or bad idea?)

Posted by kevpp27 on 03/23/25 10:26 PM

We are on a red-eye flying into Florence at 11:30am from the US. We have two teens with us. Currently we have a Duomo tour scheduled for 5:45pm. Normally I wouldn't attempt it. The cool thing about this tour is when you climb down from the dome the church is empty and you get to see it without crowds. That would be new for me. I could alternatively do a tour/climb the next day in the crowded part of the day. I have been 50-50 on attempting it.

What do people think about trying to do the Duomo climb late on the day of a long flight. Reasonable plan or a disaster waiting to happen? If reasonable, nap or no?

Posted by Jessica

03/23/25 10:31 PM

1277 posts

If it were me, Id go for it. If its a red eye, get all your relaxation/sleep remedies prepped (neck pillow, eye shades, ear plugs, valerian, whatever), and hope to sleep for several hours on the flight. You still have time for a 20-30 min nap before the 5:45p time, if you want, and that tour gives you structure to the first day that forces you out and awake. Take a quick nap, drink am espresso, and go for it ;)

Posted by kevpp27 OP

05/17/25 02:21 PM

8 posts

Jessica,

Thank you for the advice. We went for it and it was fantastic. Slept a little on the plane. Got a Cappuccino, walked around a bit, had some quiet time at our hotel (only my wife slept for about 45mins) and then we did the Duomo climb. Having something to do meant that we didn't really feel the jetlag. Went to a full dinner, back to the hotel around 9:30 and got a full nights sleep. It was great! Good advice.

In terms of the evening Florence Duomo climb where you get to walk on the Terraces and then go down into the cathedral after it is closed to people - that was a very neat experience. I recommend it highly.

Kevin

Posted by geovagriffith

05/17/25 04:14 PM

8867 posts

Jet lag can be tough. We always try to stay awake the first day until after a 7pm dinner.
I am in my late 70s now and probably wouldn't do the Duomo climb the first day, but 25 years ago, no problem.