We are planning our May trip to Italy. We will be spending 8-9 nights of our 22 day trip in Tuscany.
How many nights should we dedicate to Florence?
The remaining nights we will stay in the countryside exploring Siena, Chianti, San Gimigano and various other spots. I prefer countryside atmosphere but I love art, so I know Florence is something we will enjoy.
Just a background. We plan to spend the first few nights in Venice before heading to Florence. After the time in Tuscany, we will head to Amalfi Coast and end our trip with Rome.
Thank you
Stacey
Posted by
North Carolina
2448 posts
Hi, Stacey,
It sounds like you're planning a nicely relaxed and well-paced trip. I'd give at least four nights to Florence - there's sooooo much to see. Enjoy!
Posted by
Rural Georgia
2109 posts
I think you need a minimum of 2 days in Florence (3 nights).
You could consider what we did. We stayed just outside Greve and used it as our home base. From there, we took the early bus into Florence. It's a ~40 minute ride to the bus terminal in Florence, which is a 20 minute walk from the Duomo. We then took the 8:00 pm bus home. This saved us a move from one accommodation to another. The bus is cheap, may 4 euro. Of course, this cuts out late night strolls through Florence. If you wanted to spend more than 2 days in Florence, then staying there would make more sense.
From our agriturismo home base we visited Greve, Radda, Castellina, Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, and the Monte Oliveto Abbey. Of course, you'll need to rent a car to properly explore Tuscany.
BTW, we just watched Rick Steves Christmas special on YouTube last night. He showed the Gregorian chant a Monte Oliveto. It's a gorgeous place to visit. We stayed for vespers. There was one lady from a nearby town, the monks and us in the huge and gorgeous sanctuary. It was a peaceful and moving evening.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
52 posts
We have been to Florence four times. Based on that experience, I would stay in town at least a few nights. It is much different in the evening when all the bus tourists have gone. Be sure to spend an evening at Piazza Signoria (sp?). Near the Uffizi there is usually “casual music” ie street performers. Often they are quite good. Also Ponte Vecchio is a beautiful scene at night. Enjoy!
Posted by
7661 posts
I would stay in Florence 4 nights. Siena is wonderful, but you can see it in a full day. We spent two nights there and visited San Gimignano on our way to Florence. You didn't mention going to Pisa?
Posted by
824 posts
Stacey,
I agree that 4 nights in Florence is a good compromise.
I found doing the Accademia and the Uffizi in the same day a bit mentally fatiguing because both are so intense.
The Pitti and Boboli Gardens can take the better part of a day if you let them.
There are MANY other sights to behold. (Don't miss the Mercato Centrale across from the train station!)
Pisa and Lucca are an easy day trip via train. I would do them in that order and try to hit Pisa as early in the morning as you can because the motor coach crowds can be overwhelming.
I would get an apartment in Florence versus a hotel... Stay in the (old) city center so everything is an easy walk.