Time in Florence

Suggest 3 days, 4 nights. We were there for six days and saw every sight and museum in the historic areas in 3 days including the Cezanne exhibit. For the other 3 days, we took a 1-day Tuscan cooking class, day-tripped 1 day to San Gimignano and Siena and day-tripped 1 day to Assisi.

I'd agree, I spent 3 full days in Florence and felt it was pretty much enough to see all the big sights. However, if you are a really really huge art fan and someone who can spend hours in art museums, you might want one more day to really have the time to appreciate the museums and churches

Everyone travels differently. We all have an idea of what the ideal trip is and what makes a trip wonderful. We have been to Florence several times in the last 10 years and I can only tell you that each time is magical, exciting and too short. Take time to just walk along the Arno at Sunset and hike up to the top of the Belvedere for a beautiful view of a beautiful city. My favorite activity is to just start walking with no destination in mind, stopping along the way to enjoy a gelato or coffee and taking photos. Stop at the San Lorenzo market for lunch for a real Florentine experience. Rick has some good suggestions in his book for eateries. I know after your trip you'll feel the same as we do about this amazing place.

Sue, WE just returned from 2 weeks in Italy and spent two wonderful, busy days in Florence. We were able to get into the Academia (the David) and the Uffizi on the same day! We really enjoyed the city and were very busy trying to see a lot in those 2 days! It's a lovely city and another day would have been nice, but we were pretty happy with our time spent there.

Tom and Sherry
Steger, IL

I'd do the three full days (4 nights). There are so many wonderful places to explore!!!

Three days is plenty in Florence, and if you don't rent a car (drivers are nuts here) it's a great place use as a base and take side trips by bus or train. We're here in Florence now for five nights with train to the Cinque Terre tomorrow and a bus trip to Siena and San Giamignano on Thursday.

Word of advice....get Uffizi and Academia reservations online (or call) before you come. We didn't, and would have been in trouble if not some helpful advice from Tom and Sherry yesterday. If you are an art lover, allow time in both because the art is spectacular. If not, a few hours in each on the same day will do. DO NOT MISS THE DUOMO, and if at all possible, climb to the top of the dome. I did and the view will take your breath away. Lots of steps, so plenty of cycling, walking, etc. is needed WELL BEFORE you come.

One disappointment... too many high-end shops and stores line ALL the major streets among the attractions. No "Back-Door to Europe" here except in the neighborhoods.

I suppose it depends how you like to sightsee. I personally could spend most of the 7 days there using it as a base and taking in a couple of side trips as Larry suggests. Forence is one of my favourite places and each time I visit I find something I haven't seen or done before. Whatever you decide I'm sure you will enjoy it.