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Will we be too jet-lagged for a 9am tour?

My husband and I fly into Florence at 6:25pm on a Monday evening. We only have that evening and the next day and night in Florence before we go to the countryside of Tuscany on Wednesday morning. We would like to do a 3 hr walking tour of Florence including the David while we are there. I contacted the Tuscan Tour Guide for his tour on that Tuesday and he only has the 9am tour available. Am I pushing it too much thinking we will be able to get up for a 9am tour? I would think we will have enough time to go out to dinner after we land and get an ok nights sleep but I'm not a big traveler and am not sure how the jet-lag will affect us. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Posted by
7731 posts

I think you will be alright since it is daylight and you will be walking on your feet. If the tour was in a car you may fall asleep like a lot a people do

Posted by
2699 posts

Everyone reacts differently to jet lag. I would not let you hold that back. The risk here is a severe flight delay in which case you will be sleep deprived. Barring that I suggest you check in, shower, stroll, have a nice but not too heavy meal, go to bed by 11, arise about 7-7:30. You may find yourself wiped out later in the day but the tour will hold your interest.

Posted by
23178 posts

We tend to be up fairly early on the first day so, for us, a 9am tour would work out well. Later in the day ???? so, so.

Posted by
1045 posts

Where are you flying from? The number of hours for a time difference means a lot. I personally like to shower, unpack, eat and walk around that first evening. I try to lie to myself that this is my normal time but tell myself the truth: I'm where I have been wanting to be! Bed by 10 or 11, nice breakfast and continue the lie. I'm a good liar - it seems to work. An afternoon nap (riposo) can help too!

Posted by
63 posts

Thank you! We are flying from Nevada but leave in the evening and have business class so I'm hoping we get some sleep on the plane. I think the morning is a good idea as well, especially after reading your replies. It will be lovely to nap in the afternoon!

Posted by
522 posts

I agree with Frank. I usually am up very early the first few days, but start to crash in the afternoon. I think the 9am tour will work out fine. Have a great trip!

Posted by
7209 posts

Flying Business Class?? You should get PLENTY of sleep and pampering on the plane so that you arrive WAYYYY more rested than your poor counterparts in steerage. Of course 9am the next morning is fine. But do you really need to have a 3 hour walking tour? You can book a timed entry to see the David at your leisure: http://www.accademia.org/buy-tickets/

You can do the same for Uffizi at https://www.uffizi.it/en/tickets

Of course you'll be able to see the magnificent Duomo with no problem on your own. If you don't think you can keep up with a 3 hour walking tour then just see the highlights on your own.

Posted by
4256 posts

I've only flown business class on Delta, but maybe other airlines offer this service too. They will let you request that your entire meal be served when everyone else is having their appetizers-then you can start sleeping earlier on the flight. My husband, who is Platinum trending toward Diamond so travels constantly asked me, "how did you do that?". The service was listed right there on the menu.

Posted by
15043 posts

Sleep with all the window shutters open so that the sunlight will wake you up early. Italian windows have shutters that will make your room totally dark and that makes it hard to wake up early in your first days there, at least for me. You’ll be fine outdoors in the light during the tour (light controls our biological clock). Staying in the dark or indoor, especially after lunch, is the killer.

Posted by
63 posts

Cala - That's great advice and funny about your husband! All of this is really helpful. The idea of leaving the blinds open will be a good trick too. You guys are great - thank you so much!

Posted by
6 posts

we're also traveling soon to Italy and a bit worried about jetlag, but in the past (travelled many times to Europe) I have first made sure, as everyone else says, to get a good sleep in the airplane (maybe with medication?), then after being out and about in your arrival city, take Melatonin before going to bed. I take Melatonin several nights after an overseas flight, which is a great help against the jetlag for me at least. Melatonin can be bought at any drugstore or Mothers. Enjoy your trip!

Posted by
3514 posts

I know I would be too tired to do that, but that is just me.

I fly business every time I go to Europe. And I pick the planes that have the fully flat bed option. Yes, much more comfortable than coach seating, but I still don't get enough sleep. All the rustling around, light from people watching videos, walking around, people constantly bumping into the seat, brewing coffee for those who don't want to sleep, it keeps me awake. And I need 2 days to recover now.

Good news is with the late arrival you should be able to have a nice dinner and then a regular night's sleep to help get you ready for the walk.

Posted by
7129 posts

We flew one year to Paris and immediately took the train to Caen. The next morning we had a tour scheduled for Normandy sites. It wasn't a problem. As others mentioned, you will be more awake in the morning and become more tired mid afternoon. I usually wake up at 3-4am in Europe, ready for coffee to start the day.