Florence Travel Answers

Hi, there is a public bus that gets to the piazza - and I agree it is a very spectacular place. Sorry I can't help with timetables or any other info. Maybe you could consider the once in a life time experience and go by taxi - again I can't help with pricing or even hire a limo, which would include the return trip.

Well, David is right that a taxi makes sense...your problem is finding a taxi at 5 a.m. Sunrise in June is about 5:30 a.m. in Florence. So the logical answer would be to work with the people at the hostel to arrange for a taxi to pick you up at 5 a.m. at the hostel. Taxis do this all the time for hotels...the only thing is that the taxi driver will be puzzled that you don't want to go to the train station or the airport. Your link to your hostel doesn't work (it got abbreviated) so I don't know where you are...but you can solve the problem if you're willing to spend a few bucks...if you're not, then the young lady ought to say "no" :-0 Bill

You can rent a vespa (scooter) in Florence. There are various proposals if you google noleggio-scooter-firenze. Here is one - scroll down the page to the scooter section http://www.tuscany.travel/en/transports-in-tuscany/getting-to-and-around-tuscany/scooter-bycicle-and-car-rental-florence/ And congratulations :-)

Hello! I would either rent a vespa or pay for a taxi. It's such a beautiful place to propose!! Yes, work with your hostel, even if that's a quick phone call before you go as I don't know if you will be able to sort this out without her knowledge!? The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards renting a vespa. Obviously, know your route before-hand! I hope everything goes well! And let us know what happened!! Hayley :)

There are buses from SMN station..12 and 13 here ataf.net/en/timetables-and-r... But they may not serve your purpose as they don't start running until around 6am, which will not actually be sunrise (around 5.30 in June). I think pre-booking a taxi would be a good idea. The Vespa might appeal to your girlfriend (only you can know that...and you'll anyway need to sort out helmets etc) but if it was me I'd have preferred a taxi. You can park at P Michaelangelo: it's just a big parking area really. An alternative if you do go for the Vespa (or even if you decide on a taxi): drive up into lovely green Fiesole and propose there, overlooking the city from the other side. Then take her to one of the cafes and treat her to a superb hot chocolate with cream (even if it's not cold!).

I would suggest a place that is far more romantic than Piazzale Michelangelo: Il Giardino delle Rose (the rose garden). It is near Piazzale Michelangelo, a bit downhill from it but still with the same gorgeous view. You can read a presentation here: english.firenze.net/turismo/... It is more quiet than Piazzale Michelangelo and moreover in the garden you can easily find a spot where you will have some privacy, so you can go there at a time of the day that is more convenient. It is open from 9 am to sunset.

A lot of practical problems in getting to the square for 5.30 a.m. Why not propose at sunset on the Ponte Vecchio? It dosn't matter if people are around - after all, you two won't be looking at anyone else. And if it all goes to plan and she says 'yes', you can have the rest of the evening for a romantic dinner.

there is a rather quaint custom of lovers inscribing their initials on a padlock then locking it to a place on the approach to the ponte vecchio (not on the bridge itself, there was a sign saying padlocks would be removed) and then throwing the key in the river

Yes indeed. It's a modern 'custom' which has gradually spread throughout Europe over the past decade or so: one sees clusters of padlocks in the oddest settings. They are often regarded as a bit of an eyesore/nuisance. There are lots of padlocks attached to the base of 'Il Porcino' in Florence as well, and at various other places around the city. Strangely, it doesn't seem to have caught on in the UK. Yet.

The idea that you are going for a once in a lifetime view of sunrise from the Piazzale should be enough cover for the surprise you are planning. Most convenient would be scheduling a taxi pickup, but the idea of renting a Vespa does have its romantic Italian appeal. Perhaps it goes without saying, but be sure to take your camera. A picture of you on your knee before her sitting on the Vespa might become a cherished keepsake. And how about a bottle of spumante or chiante in your small backpack? Maybe with some cheese and apple? PS: You need not keep the taxi waiting because buses will be available to leave the Piazzale by the time you celebrated her answer. good luck

Not sure alcohol + Vespa is a good idea. Legal limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood. So if you go for the spumante/chianti/whatever it's best go for the taxi as well, imo. :-)