Florence Travel Answers

1. Better, imo, to do Florence>Lucca>Pisa. Reason: the florence train to Pisa stops art Pisa Centrale, which is a bus ride/25 mins walk from the Campo dei Miracoli. Go to Lucca, enjoy a few hours in that lovely city then get the train to Pisa San Rossore station...about 10 mins walk from the Campo. After you've 'done' the Tower (expect crowds whenever you go, but do not miss the Baptistry or Campo santo) walk back through Pisa (which has *much8 more to offer than just the Tower), have a gelato or three and then catch the train back to Florence from Pisa Centrale. If you decide to catch the bus from/to P Centrale here's the timetables: cpt.pisa.it/orari/pisa/linea... Clicking on the stop will give you the times, clicking 'mappa' will show you the route. 2. Presumably you are visiting the San Lorenzo market stalls (the 'leather market') on Wednesday morning? 3. Thursday seems a bit overloaded (it may be hot). I'd put San Miniato (unmissable at 5pm,imo, but out of the way) on your Weds schedule and save Oltrano for your evening wander. Or put it onto Friday. 4. Go to Fiesole on Friday. It's a lovely, green place to wander and has excellent views of the city. I'd rather go there for sunset than P Michaelangelo, to be honest (latter is just a square with cars/buses parked and often lots of people). Bus 7 here: ataf.net/en/timetables-and-r... My tip about where to catch it (it doesn't go from SMN any more): "To Fiesole from Florence" - By Bus Tip by leics 5. Alternatively, go to Fiesole for the sunset and use your free day to explore lovely, historical Siena. Very, very easy and quick by express bus: sitabus.it/sita-toscana/Fire... (ignore the 2010, it's the right timetable). The Sita bus station is tucked away opposite and to the left of SMN railway station as you stand with your back to the station. The TI office opposite will mark it on the map for you if you ask. Allow enough time to queue at the ticket office to buy your ticket.

Just a few comments, based on our recent trip. We tend to love the art museums and went to both the Uffizi and Accademia. They were over-rated and disappointing, in our opinion. If you are getting "churched out"; the Pita Palace and it's gardens were one of the highlights of of our stay in Florence. It's on the other side of the Arno River from the main tourist spots. The leather market was a bit of a tourist trap, but we really enjoyed wandering through the nearby central market. The Ponte Vecchio is not on your list; definitely worth seeing; this was our prime sunset target (seeing it while the setting sun lit it up so beautifully.

We combined Pisa and Lucca and it was a big highlight of our trip to Italy. Lucca I loved and could've spent an entire day there! Catching sunset atop the wall which is a park and looking down on the ancient rooftops as the colors changed is something I'll never forget. We gave the leather market a quick stop but it was so touristy - even in winter. The rest of your trip looks perfectly fine except don't be surprised if things change. Florence/Italy is all about relaxing and taking it in. Sights, sounds and smells just suddenly pop up and your plans may go haywire! Homer

The San Lorenzo market *is* for visitors, year-round. Has been for decades. Don't expect to find real bargains. The food market is good, though even it very much caters to the visitor trade (with special flight-acceptable packaging available for meats & cheese etc). If you want a 'proper' market (fruit, veg, meats, cheeses, clothes etc) then try Sant'Ambrogio: "Find Sant'Ambrogio market....." - Florence Things to Do Tip by leics Not much leather though.

You should look into purchase of a "Friends of the Uffizi" membership. It covers more than just the Uffizi entrance, allows you to avoid some awful lines and allows multiple entry. I consider this last feature of great value for the Uffizi museum proper. Instead of trying to see it all in one day or in your case one morning, you can pop in for an hour or two whenever it fits your mood. My understanding is that you also do not need a reservation.

Another suggestion: In Pisa, the Duomo Museum directly behind the leaning tower is a marvel. We enjoyed the museum as much as anything else in Pisa. There are great views of the tower from the Museum; some of the rooms have amazing ceilings and the collection is very interesting. The Camp Santo beside the Duomo / Leaning Tower was also lovely. The excellent suggestion above of the Pitti Palace should include the Boboli Gardens surrounding it. This was our favorite place in Florence and the views from the top are amazing. Great views of Florence and the surrounding countryside. Also, there is a Duomo Museum behind the Duomo in Florence that is magnificent. The original panels of the Ghiberti Doors to the Baptistry are located in this museum and also you will see a magical "Pieta" by Michelangelo and the Donatello "Mary Magdalene," a heart-rending statue are both in the Duomo Museum. Enjoy a beautiful city.

Thank You, All, for your informative and helpful replies! God Bless!