Time Planning: Florence Worth a Day?

Yeah, if I were going all the way to Italy., I'd definitely concentrate my time in the Cinque Terre and skip Florence...

It's not like there's much to see in Florence. Certainly nothing that compares to three days in the Cinque Terre...

Geez, sarcasm aside, let me inform you this trip also includes London, Paris, and Rome. I'm thinking we will have more than our fill of the history/art stuff and a little beach time will be a welcome break.

Obviously you feel the sites in Florence are great enough to pack them into the itinerary. I was having the same thoughts, which is why I posted the question here seeking the advice of people who have some first-hand experience. I will take your opinion into consideration along with everybody else's here.

In your case, you may want to save Florence for another trip. It deserves multiple days, is much more magical at night and early morning, and it doesn't sound like you guys are the rushing type. Slow down, enjoy your two destinations, and vow to come back and spend a few days in Florence and surrounding area. I got Rick's 2009 Italy book out of the library today for an upcoming fall trip and I nearly laughed out loud when I saw him say something to the effect of "in a three week trip of Italy, Florence is worth at least one well-organized day" .... I spent about 4 and a half full days in Florence a couple years ago, didn't even go to the Uffizi, and it wasn't nearly enough. If you want to go just to say you've been and see some paintings, by all means squeeze it in. But if you save it for another time, you can give it the attention it truly deserves.

Well, Kyle, you're another poster who comes here with limited information and then gets cranky because our responses don't anticipate the entirety of your situation.

You didn't tell us about the rest of your trip. You simply described a week in Italy.

If it's simply a beach vacation you want, then say so.

The CT have crappy beaches.

I think I would try for that "one well organized" day in Florence. We had a similar situation in 2003 but it was Rome. We had not planned on going to Rome, but carved out a day and took the train in from Orvieto. It was a "well organized" day and we had a blast. It inspired us to go back in 2008 and spend more time in Rome. One day could be a great intro to Florence and a lot of fun. (Come to think of it, I did FLorence in one day in 2003 as well. We day tripped in from Siena.) BTW There is an express train from Florence to Rome that will get you there pretty quick.

Debra, I have Rick's 2009 Best of Europe book and that exact excerpt stood out to me as well. I have talked to a lot of people who really enjoyed Florence (more so than Rome, Venice...) so I was very surprised Rick only gave it one day in a three week Italy only trip. As with any advice, it is only his opinion so I thought I'd see what some of his readers think of Florence. I'm thinking we may try for that one well-organized day and hit the biggies of the Uffizi, Academia, and Il Duomo. The express train Connie mentioned may seal the deal.

Doug, I did not come here with limited information. I clearly stated in my original post this was only the Italian portion of my trip as the rest is already set. I have Rick's book and have read the pertinent sections multiple times. I've spent a lot of time reading this and other reputable websites. I sought out the opinion of anyone I know who has been to Europe. Limited information is not a problem. There is a reason I didn't say I wanted a beach vacation, I don't. I do think I will enjoy the downtime and relaxing atmosphere that comes with visiting small coastal towns, especially when the rest of my trip will be spent in three of Europe's biggest, bustling cities.

Anybody else have any thoughts about doing Florence in a day or one night and a day? Would that be cramming too much in to the trip to be able to enjoy it? Or is it a convenient one day detour during my two weeks in Europe?

Oy!

Now you tell us you're trying to do all of this in two weeks?

Your expectations are nuts.

"Nuts?" I realize this is ambitious, but I feel it's doable.

Our trip is 17 days total, with 15 full days in Europe and a day in/out on each end.

Travel Day

London - 3 days

Travel Day (Not really, quick trip)

Paris - 3 days

Travel Day

Cinque Terre/Florence - 3 days

Travel Day

Rome - 3 days

Travel Day

It will be a brisk pace but should be enjoyable still. For a "fast-paced" 17 day trip Rick suggests: Paris, Swiss Alps, London, Rome, Rhine/Amsterdam/Haarlem, and Venice/Florence. We've cut 3 of the stops out and substituted in the Cinque Terre (the next place to add on Rick's list) for it's convenient location and change of pace.

Maybe this clarifies why I was asking if trying to fit in a day for Florence was too much. We obviously won't be able to to spend a lot of time there and really experience Florence. But I'm wondering if it is worth a quick stop on the way from the Cinque Terre to Rome.

No, I think advice and suggestions from all view points should be given. Just like I read multiple forums, websites, and guidebooks when planning my trips. I think Florence is a must see, but I would rather linger in CT. I don't think this make me an inexperienced traveler or qualifies me for a thumping.

It just sounded condescending to me to imply that only inexperienced travelers would put CT on a must see list. The CT is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a national park; it is more than just a "trifle". I just don't think the sarcasm implying that one person's opinion is highly superior to anothers is necessary or useful.

Kyle- I think you should skip Florence. It seems like you already have enough city scapes planned and the CT will be a nice relaxing pace as compared to your other stops. I only have 3 days in CT for my 2 week trip for which I am leaving for on Tuesday and I am starting to regret that I didn't allow more time....and I am not even there yet! Don't like the grumps on this message board bother you, I have gotten some down right rude answers to questions in the past and it is senseless to be sarcastic or mean when people are just here asking for help. I usually find that people who are mean to strangers online aren't the ones I would be comfortable taking advice from in the first place. Good luck on your trip!

But, Laura, compared to Venice, Rome and Florence, the CT are trifles!

I'm not trying to argue with you. You seem to know what you want to see. That's great.

But there is now a whole generation of public television viewers who think they must carry their tote bags to the Cinque Terre or they will have "missed" Italy.

Through none (well, some) fault of Rick's, the very reasons the CT were placed on UNESCO's list are in peril from mindless tourism.

Melissa, thanks for your input. I keep going back and forth on whether to fit in Florence or just spend that time staying in the Cinque Terre. A week ago I had all but ruled out Florence. Today I felt like it was really worth the effort. Tomorrow, we'll see.

That extra time in the Cinque Terre may be nice. Rick's line about it having a strange way of messing up your momentum seems to resonate with me.

We are just spending a day and a night in Florence and three days in CT and Rome. I think it is worth it for the big sites. If you make reservations ahead of time you can see the big museums and then be on your way. For me, IMHO, Florence lacked the beauty and magic of other Italian cities. My first trip to Italy we actually planned three days there and left a day early.

CT is beautiful and wonderful place to relax in the middle of a trip.

Laura, Robin, Jill, Maggie, Karen... Thanks for all the detailed information. There was some really good stuff in there. Florence seems like a "must-see" but maybe not a "must-linger" like you could classify the Cinque Terre. As much as I hate to do it, going in and out in a day and half may be the best compromise.

I came here specifically looking for people's opinions. That is the great thing about travel boards, you can easily gather a lot of information from people who are very passionate about the destination. But the downside is you often get an attitude that most people wouldn't dare use in more personal communication.

Kent's point about Rick overselling the Cinque Terre seems reasonable to me. You can sense the gushing in anything he writes about it. And it sounds like it has been opened up now and may be a little overexposed. It's almost like the basketball player who doesn't put up big numbers and goes unnoticed until someone points out they're very underrated. But over time that player gets so much attention for being underrated they eventually end up getting more credit than they deserve. The true value of that player (or destination) never really changes, just the opinion of it, and in reality lies somewhere in between the two extremes.

It's looking like a night and a day in Florence. Thanks for everyone's help and opinions.

I did the opposite you did: spent three days in Florence and just daytripped to the C.T. I wish I had spent more time in the C.T., but I don't regret the time in Florence, either. "David" is amazing; the Uffizi was good; Piazza della Signoria was cool; the Duomo was scary as all get out (apparently I'm claustrophobic!) but had awesome views; Piazzale Michaelangelo afforded super views as well; Ponte Vecchio was interesting; Santa Croce (church) has the tombs of Michaelangelo AND Galileo; and of course, where else can you see one of Galileo's fingers but in Florence? :) (Museum of Science and History) In my opinion, it's worth at least a day. We were in Italy for 15 days and I thought I would be "museumed" out by the time I got to Rome (the end of our trip), but no such thing! And I'm not a museum or art person normally. You are travelling a lot more than we did, though, and may need that extra down time. Regardless of whether or not you go there, it will be a great trip! Florence has been there a long time; I'm sure it'll be there for your next trip if you don't make it this time. :)

Kyle, I think if you don't make the stop in Florence you will wonder what you missed. I agree with Rick that one day is plenty. For me, the highlight was seeing "David". If you make reservations in advance it only takes a short time. I would think that if you plan in advance you could leave CT in the morning, eat lunch in Florence, see the Duomo (if you want to see florence from above, but don't want to wait in line to climb the duomo you can climb the tower right across - I think it's the camponile (sp?) the view is just as spectacular), see the David, and eat a late dinner in Rome. Just my humble opinion.

A lot depends on what you like to see and do. My suggestion would be to leave CT on day 3 and go to Florence. Pre book tickets to the David for later that afternoon. Do Rick's Renaissance Walk from the book--- and download the podcasts for the walk and the Accademeia (which houses the David). Stroll over to Santa Croce see the church and perhaps visit the leatherschool. Catch the #12 or #13 bus to Piazzle Michelangelo sit and admire the view. Stroll further up to San Mineato for more great views. Walk back down through the Oltrarno area find a nice wine bar for a drink. Stroll around Florence in the twilight find a nice non touristy place for dinner. Splurge on an afterdinner caffe. The next morning get up and wander the streets in the early morning. Find an interesting cafe for coffee and a pastry. Visit one more site, perhaps Santa Maria Novella Church for the Masaccio and Ghirlandiao frescos. Pick up some interesting sandwiches and fruit from a local market to take on the train. Take the ES rapido to Rome.That's a very generic slice of Florence. If you and your girlfriend are art lovers, you might want to prebook entrance to the Ufizzi as well or add the Bargello or San Marco. If you're food and wine lovers you might want to do some research and book a special well recommended restaurant for dinner or find a nice winebar. The key to making a "shock and awe" trip work is meticulous planning. Look at your time as though it were money and budget if for the experiences most important to you. If you reread Rick's quote he's not saying Florence can be "done" in a day but rather it's worth carving out at least one well organized day. We'll be making our 5th trip to Florence on Thursday--- I've yet to run out of things to see and do.We're really seeing an upswing in the nasty and sarcastic postings. Since no one is "required" to respond to posts I don't understand the anger or irritation in some responses.

I don't know what month you're travelling but in June 2004 we left Santa Margherita (by CT) early as it was raining. Same thing happened to a friend last June. Last year we did a "One-Day Rome" for the daughter that couldn't remember it from her previous visits and it was a great day. BTW Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome, is a one-euro one-hour trip from Rome and very relaxing & fun. You wander the ruins and I much prefer it to Pompeii

In my defense, Kyle came with an initial question that proposed spending his visit to Italy in two places: Cinque Terre and Rome.

He didn't say it was part of a larger European tour, although his subsequent postings made that clear.

I'll be honest. I can be sarcastic responding to people who come here thinking that the Cinque Terre is a significant destination. I can't reach through the computer and thump them on the head!

The Cinque Terre are beautiful, but they are a trifle - meaning a confection - compared to Florence, Venice and the other cultural sites of Italy.

Kyle did say he was looking for a "vacation within a vacation". He didn't say - in his original post - that he had more than a week in Italy.

Part of what's going on in this thread is: Some of us here think the Cinque Terre has been over-sold by Rick.A traveler inexperienced in Italy sees Rick's videos or reads his books and it's easy to come away with the impression that the Cinque Terre is somehow this "must see" place that's equal to Florence and Rome. Some of us here don't believe that. Everyone has their own preferences and it's not our trip, but when people come on here and ask for advice, we're going to give advice and that advice will sometimes include our judgment based on our experience. Some of us believe the Cinque Terre has been oversold by Rick as one of his pet project "back doors." I'm a fan of Rick's and he's made a lot of money putting places like the CT on the map--but to some of us the CT, while certainly pretty, is just one of many picturesque Italian seascapes.In contrast, there's only one Florence. The predominant world view reflected in Western civilization today began in Florence. And the Italian Renaissance began in Florence. Florence may have more culture per square foot than anyplace. Now maybe that's not your thing. Maybe you're just looking for beach time, and if you are, the CT beaches are not that great, if you've been around and seen other beaches.Someone who comes on here with an itinerary containing the implicit assumption that the CT is superior to Florence or Rome, and asks for advice--well, they're going to get advice and if they want to discuss it further, they'll get a discussion.

An experienced traveler might also come away with the impression that CT is must see and is equal to Rome and Florence. They are different types of destinations and can be equally appreciated and enjoyed by travelers for their own uniqueness. Endless strings of art museums and high culture do not necessarily make the ideal trip for everyone.

Yes, Laura, of course. But I didn't say "Endless strings of art museums and high culture make the ideal trip for everyone." My point was and is: If someone comes on here, has 4 days CT and zero days Florence, and asks for an opinion, then they're going to get opinions from some of us who think Florence is worth a little time. Heck, I even agree with the person who once said: "A trip to Florence is one of life's essential experiences." I don't expect everyone to agree with that, but 4 days CT and zero days Florence?? when they haven't ever been in Florence? Are we just supposed to say "sounds good to us, I'm sure it will be a wonderful trip"? That's not helpful.

there is no right or wrong answer. Most importantly, you have to ask yourself what kind of traveler you are. Personally, I would rather know one place well, rather than 5 places in a blink of an eye. It boils down to what you value most from your travel experience.

Obviously, there's no right or wrong answer. No one disagrees with that. If someone comes here and posts a question asking for comments on their itinerary, they should not be surprised if they get comments and advice on their itinerary that go to the issue of "what places are worth seeing."

You consider the Cinque Terre a "must linger" and Firenze a "day and a half" stopover? And in addition you had to be talked into spending even that much time in Firenze? I wish superficial people like you would stay out of Europe all together. How very sad.

You're welcome! :)
Have a great trip, whatever you decide to do.

It is one of my biggest pet peeves that people see Florence as a couple churches and a few museums and that's it. There is so much more there and that's why Rick's view bothers me a bit. Then again I can't understand why Rick also almost completely ignores Emilia-Romagna and other things, but I digress. If you want to give Florence just a day or so, that's fine, but what you are really giving a day is the museums, which could pretty much be anywhere in the world and still hold the same artwork. If you want to spend a great day in FLORENCE, and I mean FLORENCE, forget the museums. I found David boring anyway. I spent 2 minutes walking around it and then spent most of my time at the Accademia in the (maybe temporary) exhibit for gorgeous old Italian musical instruments, which I basically had to myself while the gaggles of tour groups gawked over David. Instead, walk around the piazzas, wander through the two open-air markets and the Mercato Centrale for tasty samples, interesting leather and other goods. Walk the Ponte Vecchio and look at the centuries of stunning jewelry-making, go into the Oltrarno to see how Florentines really live, and end the day with sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo. Listen to the Gregorian Chants in San Miniato al Monte. Have lots of gelato, share a bistecca, drink wine, eat lunch at a trattoria on a communal table speaking languages you don't understand. To me, that's florence. And that's why I'm going back there instead of Rome or Venice. Florence is magic to me and it has nothing to do with the art. If you're accepting the fact that all you're going there to see is a couple museums and some art - albeit some of the finest art in the world - that's fine. But it bothers me to no end that people spend a day in Florence, see a couple museums and one big church (that isn't even that interesting inside, compared to other churches in Florence), and think they've seen all they need to see there.

Sorry. /end rant.

Charles, what in any of my posts leads you to the conclusion that I am "superficial?" Because I would dare spend a few days in the Cinque Terre over Florence? If I was only going to one destination on my trip, yes, I would pick Florence. But taken into the larger context of my entire trip it becomes a different story.

You also might want to check with Rick Steves (whose opinion I assume you value by being on this site), as he suggests giving Florence only one day on a three week trip to Italy. By that measure I am probably overemphasizing Florence.

And, if you don't mind, I will be going to Europe in a couple of months and will enjoy every second of it. There is nothing sad about it.

Kyle,

I sure hope you and your girlfriend have a fabulous time! How can you not? Its Europe after all…and please come back to this forum with your questions or contributions.

Kyle- I think some people have posted thoughtful things that are worth considering (as you have). Ultimately, it is your trip. We have a saying in our family: "He who made the money gets to decide how to spend the money." I know if I posted my itinerary from previous trips many people would say we traveled too fast, went too many places, didn't do this that or or the other. But I wouldn't change a thing about them. It is great to have this forum to get feed back and I always appreciate responses whether I end up following the advice or not. But, in the end, I am going to be the one on the trip and no one knows me better than me myself. So..."to thine own self be true" and have a great, awesome trip.

You've had many good replies, but here's mine anyway. Hope it helps.

I love the CT and it's a great place to just kick back and relax. Hike the trails between the towns, drink their incredible wine, enjoy their outstanding food and get to know the locals. I loved Vernazza, but given your itinerary there are better ways to spend your time. Please do not spend a DAY in Florence, because if that's all you've got don't even take the train through Florence. It's a 2 1/2 train ride from CT to Florence and another 1 1/2 hours to Rome, so if you're not staying overnight there it's a waste of your time, and Florence deserves more of your time. If you can, get a copy of Rick's "Italy's Cities" DVD and you'll see why. One writer didn't like David. While there I learned that Michelangelo found this 4' X 14' piece of "discarded and inferior" marble in a church yard and created one of the most spectacular sculptures in history. It's there for you to marvel at how he could do that detail with a hammer and chisel. I stood in awe with the masses with those thoughts in mind. But I do, however, agree with the writer who was critical of David when she talked about all the other things to do there. As my favorite example, where else can you see the largest cathedral in Italy (The Duomo) and the 4th largest in Europe that took 138 years to build. Why? Because in 1296 no one knew how to build a 152' diameter dome that is now 300' tall. Climb the 478 steps to the top of it that I did for the best view of Florence and Tuscany you'll ever see. If you've ever seen 'Under the Tuscan Sun', its the first building you see after they land in Italy.

Gee, it sounds like I'm getting defensive about this wonderful city, and maybe I am. We spent 5 nights in an apartment there and walked everywhere. Also took one side trip to Siena. If you only have one day to give to Florence, do yourself a favor and skip it, then tie it into a return trip that could include Venice and the Milan/Lake Como.

Kyle, you sure sparked a lot of discussion with this post! The great thing about this site is that you'll get a variety of opinions...I just wish certain people were more civilized and polite in presenting their opinions. Unfortunately making insulting comments doesn't help get one's point across. Everyone travels for different reasons & that's what makes it exciting; there's not a right or wrong way to visit a city or a right or wrong reason to visit a city.

Regarding your question though, I would save Florence for another trip. I always operate under the assumption that I will return to Italy again in the future. I think by the time you figure in travel time to Florence & then travel time to Rome, it would be a very hurried & rushed 1/2 day at best in Florence. There are some wonderful towns along the Ligurian coast that are worth visiting and if you've seen all of what you want in the CT towns, then you might consider checking out some of the other less touristy (but just as beautiful) towns during your remaining time there and then head down to Rome. Rome will be a faster pace and you might enjoy the slower pace of the CT in between London, Paris & Rome. In my opinion, Florence deserves at least 2-3 full days. I would save Florence for another trip and combine it with Siena, San Gimignano, and maybe some of the other towns in Tuscany.

My two cents. The CT is a nice place to relax after hectic travel. Florence & Rome are Florence & Rome, but hectic.

One more opinion:
The CT is a nice place for a brief visit on your 5th or 6th trip to Italy after you've seen many of the "musts". I would not even consider it on a first trip and I would never take time away from Florence for the CT.

Kyle, is there a possibilty that you could arrive in Florence instead of Pisa? It may not push you that far off your itinerary, logistically speaking, and still give you time for CT that you want.
Eitherway, I hope you and your girlfriend have a blast.

I Kinda Wish, that there wasn't a mention of CT at all in the RS guides.

Rick, if you are listening, can you substantiate why CT has a prominent chapter in your books?

I've seen the PBS vids. I've been there. I still don't get it. What is the special thing about this place that I didn't get?

I didn't read all of this. I'd just like to tell my experience with CT, Firenze, and Roma.

3 days CT. 4 days Florence (including day trip to Siena). 2.5 days Rome.

LOVED Cinque Terra. This was 1997. Not sure when Rick started promoting it. But it was very relaxing and beautiful.

LOVED Florence. (This was part of an architecture study/travel) Loved the intense urban nature. But needed some downtime and nature also.

Rome was very overwhelming. Maybe we were there too briefly, but it wasn't my favorite.

I would visit Florence, even just for 1 day, and cut the extra day from Rome.

But it really depends on your personality, and what you're looking for.

Of course you could spend a week in Florence and not run out of things to see/do. However, a day and a half can be a great introduction to the city. That's how the Rick Steves tours operate! Arrive, find your hotel, get oriented, walk around, see the major sights, have a meal and a gelato, sleep, get up and spend a day doing what interests you. Sleep again and leave town. I traveled around Europe this way on my first trip; I wanted to see as much as possible. If that is your object, go for it!

I think the CT has a lure for the outdoorsy/hiker type. The same people who "don't get" the CT also "don't get" Arches National Park ("It's just a bunch of rocks!") A church that took 138 years to build is nice but a landscape that took thousands of years to carve by hand and nature, is way nicer to me.

Secondly, I have no problem with people giving their opinion or advice and I am a sarcastic person to those who know me. However, I think that attitude is inappropriate and unhelpful in this setting. Also, it's quite clear in the original post that the 8 days is part of a longer multi-country trip - see the part where he says "I have 8 days planned FOR THE ITALIAN PORTION OF OUR UPCOMING TRIP." he goes on to say that the CT portion "would fall in the middle of the our trip." so obviously the "Day 1" is the first day of the italian segment, not the entire trip.

Kyle - If you're landing Pisa, why not take the train right to Florence (only about an hour away) spend the night there and the next day also. While you will misss a lot of things - Florence is a great visit. I prefer it to Rome. It is walkable, beautiful and the food is terrific. Summer is tough though - sort of disney-ish. If you can get to the Michaelangeo park which overlooks the city before sunset - do it. A grwat view and a memorable couples spot - Happy travels!