A September 2001 trip to Florence by Defiant1
Quote: I spent four days in Tuscany (three in Florence and one in Siena) in Sept. 2001 as part of my trip to Italy. Birthplace of the Renaissance and nestled in a green valley, Florence is a spectacularly beautiful city. Walking its streets, I could not help but feel that I was following in the footsteps of genius. So many great artists and minds lived and worked here. Their accomplishments live on in the form of the city's beautiful churches, architecture, and incomparable artwork. I also spent a day in Siena, a small town just south of Florence. Equally charming in its own right, it makes for the perfect daytrip. Tuscany = Perfection.
Overview
Hotel
All rooms have private bath, phone, and TV, which is a nice touch. I wouldn''t call them charming though. No "Italian" touches can be found at all. They resemble fancy hospital rooms, if anything else. Still, they do the job, which is to provide you with a comfortable night''s sleep.
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 27, 2002
Albergo Firenze Piazza Donati 4 Florence, Italy 055 214 203
Restaurant | "Le Colonnine"
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 27, 2002
Ristorante Le Colonnine Via Dei Benci 6r Florence, Italy +39 (055) 234-6417
Attraction
I highly recommend that you make a reservation (either online or by calling the museum's special number) to avoid the lineups. I booked mine for 8:45am and there was already a very long line when I arrived. By the time I left, the line was snaking all over the courtyard.
Uffizi Gallery Piazzale Degli Uffizi, 6 Florence, Italy 50122 +39 05523885
Attraction | "Accademia"
Also of note in the Accademia are Michelangelo's "Slaves", conveniently located in the same room as "David". However, the paintings can be safely skipped.
To avoid lineups, go about an hour before closing. Since there are only two noteworthy things to see here, that should be more than enough time.
Warning: photography is banned in the Accademia but there's only one guard to enforce the rule. Form a temporary alliance with your fellow tourists to distract him/her while you snap away!
Galleria dell'Accademia Via Ricasoli 60 Florence, Italy 055 238 8609
Attraction | "Museo delle Opera del Duomo"
The history behind the Duomo's construction is also presented with models and charts. It's all quite informative and a must for art history buffs.
Member Rating 2 out of 5 on January 27, 2002
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo Piazza Duomo Florence, Italy 50122
Attraction | "Boboli Gardens"
Fountains, statues, snaking paths, and of course lots of greenery can be found. I visited the gardens just before sunset and it was the perfect way to finish my day of sightseeing.
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 30, 2002
Boboli Gardens (Giardini di Boboli) Behind the Pitti Palace Florence, Italy 50122 +39 (055) 2388786
Attraction | "Galleria Palatina (located in Palazzo Pitti)"
Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 30, 2002
Galleria Palatina Piazza Pitti, 1 Florence, Italy 50125 +39 0552388614
Attraction | "Palazzo Medici-Riccardi"
I would classify this palazzo as somewhat barren. Not a whole lot to see compared to other similar sights. If you have a yen for anything Medici, then go by all means. If not, it's an easy pass.
Member Rating 2 out of 5 on January 30, 2002
Palazzo Medici Riccardi Via Camillo Cavour Florence, Italy 50129 +39 0552760340
Santa Maria Novella Piazza Santa Maria Novella Florence, Italy 50123 +39 055215918
Attraction | "The Ponte Vecchio"
Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) Over the Arno River Florence, Italy 50125
Attraction | "Duomo-Santa Maria del Fiore"
Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 31, 2002
Santa Maria del Fiore & Baptistery (Il Duomo) Piazza Del Duomo Florence, Italy 50122 +39 055294514
Defiant1 Mississauga, Ontario
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