Florence & Tuscany

Favorite discoveries or tips:

We had two great meals at Osteria de' Pazzi, just North of Sta Croce at the corner of via dei lavatoi and via giuseppe verdi

bill catlin in st. paul, MN USA 07/12/2008

parking in Montepulcino by the tourist office was easy. We found parking right away. Great winery Poliziano right outside of Montepulcino head out towards Montepulicino Stazione...Marqarite gave us a great tasting of many of their wines...no charge. they were small and very friendly. Also they serve lunch (reservations required) Loved them!!

Shari in Sherman Oaks, Ca USA 07/07/2008

Castel di Fiori is a tiny, but beautiful village that we stumbled upon just driving around looking for scenic out-of-the way places. By chance we met Kip Keenan, the unofficial mayor who unlocked the door to the tower so that we could climb up and get an amazing 360 degree view. The village is putting on an outdoor opera as a fundraiser for restorations. From there we drove to beautiful Montegabbione and enjoyed that untouristy town as well.

Charlotte Whitney in Ann Arbor, Michigan, MI USA 06/25/2008

We like touring the Pitti Palace and gardens. We also enjoyed the hop on hop off bus that took us to Fiesole. The area was beautiful. Other major attractions were very beautiful.

Michael de la Pena in Shingle Springs, CA USA 06/22/2008

Please include Antonio and Gabriella's little bottega, La Buca di Enea next street over from Il Giardino Secreto. Via della Buca, 10- 53026 Pienza Tel. and fax:0578-748653. This is a 6 table , small, family run restaurant which serves Bruschette e Crostoni, Crepes, Insalate e Primi piatti, Caffe, Cappuccino... and lots of wonderful attention. Antontio and Gabriella do not speak much English, but they are warm, willing to help you with any little bit of Italian you know and provided us with many fun nights, reasonably priced Tuscan zuppas and pasta, crepes better than the ones we had in Paris...lovely vin santo and lots of fun exchanges in pigeon Italian, minimal English, some German and lots of sign languge. Do try it out and also check Il Giardino Secreto again when you or one of your reps is in Pienza. You'll love it!!! This was our best stay in our month long trip.

Barbara Prickett in Tucson, Az USA 06/16/2008

Go to Mercato Centrale! Eat there, buy picnic supplies. Experience the local culture. This should not be missed.

Nancy Casey in Olean, NY USA 06/04/2008

Sharon Hodgkins shodgkins_uk@yahoo.com

Sharon Hodgkins in Sheffield, UK 06/04/2008

I stayed four lovely days in Florence at a place called Florence Dream Domus, which was in your guidebook in 2007 and not in 2008. This place was charming and very centrally located to everything necessary to visit in Florence. Perla, the owner, was wonderful and would do anything you want and her concierge Jeffery and his sister were at your beckon call. Breakfast was light and tasty, perfect for weary travelors who just need a little something. I recommend you revisit this B&B, it needs to be put back in the book. As a side note, Perla has revisiting patron whom we met and it was delightful.

Ana Miner in Novato, CZ USA 06/04/2008

Just reiterating a tip from the book. If certain museums are important to you book or get a reservation in advance.

We breezed into the Academia and Ufizzi past hundreds of hot miserable tourists with a 2 hour wait in line. Also don't overlook the smaller museums, San Marco and Ospedal degli Innocenti in particular.

There are also some free concerts in the evening in various churches. Stop by the tourist office near Santa Maria Novella and you'll find posters for local events plus maps and other info.

Maggie Flynn in Florissant, MO USA 05/29/2008

500 Touring Club - 23R Via Vinegia, Firenze 50122 Tel: 055 286 886. Tours of Florence in a self-drive "convoy" of vintage Fiat 500's.

Alex in LA, CA USA 05/11/2008

Hotel (Soggiorno) Magliani

Linda in McAllen, TX USA 04/18/2008

Hi...Just wonder why you haven't mentioned the Friends of the Uffizi membership. It's an annual card, giving unlimited access to the national museums... for anyone here for more than a few days, it's a great investment... gets you to the head of the line, even ahead of those with reservations! http://www.florenceforfun.org/index.php?lng=1&id=31

Gloria Harman in Oakville, ON Canada 04/14/2008

The free podcasts for Rome and Florence were brilliant. We traveled with a 10 year old and a 15 year old and both remained engaged throughout all the museums with the help of your podcasts! Thank you

Lisa Drage in Rochester, MN USA 04/09/2008

The Boboli Gardens are the best spot in Florence- you should include it in your guidebook as a tour.

Meredith MA USA 03/22/2008

Two tips: first, in Florence you really need to get reservations for the museums, especially the Uffizi. I was there in late January, a very slow time, and the line for the Uffizi on a Saturday morning was well over 100 people long (I skipped the line thankfully). Second tip is to get away from Florence and Siena. Volterra and Montalcino are both excellent hilltowns, and there are many more both in the book and not. Even by bus, just go.

Brian Gulledge in Woodbridge, VA USA 02/11/2008

Hi

I promised Marcella that I would write you a long time ago and I just have not had the chance until now. I just wanted to take the time to fully back up everything that you wrote in your guide to Florence about Hotel Casa Rabatti. After my study abroad program ended, me and my mother had an amazing 10 day stay with Ms. Rabatti and my Italian did nothing but improve through the many conversations that I was able to have with her. There were a lot of mishaps with my flight going home and to make a long story short I was stranded in Italy for a few days with no money and Ms. Rabatti allowed me to stay at her place AND use her phone and was nothing but comfort in what were some of the worst days I have had yet. So I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for mentioning here in your book and also to back up the name and institution that Ms. Rabatti is running.

April West

p.s. On the day that I was leaving Marcella was very excited to receive your latest family Christmas card :)

April West in Ithaca, NY USA 01/26/2008

Lucca

Ian Turner in Oakes Denver, CO USA 01/16/2008

The Siena chapter didn't include the lovely little Synagogue in Siena. It's worth checking out, but it's only open for a few hours on Sunday.

Andy Garlikov in Los Angeles, CA USA 01/02/2008

We stayed at Una Hotel Vittoria. We loved the place where it's hip and yet in the locals area. Approx. 20 mins walk to central. It may cost more in the high season, but we got a bargain traveling in winter time.

Amy in Oakland, CA USA 01/02/2008

"Tasty Tuscany", fabulous Tuscan Villa/Cooking School run by a super nice couple, Patrizia and Paolo. www.tastytuscany.com

Paul Mazur in Spring Lake, NJ USA 12/28/2007

Hotel Colomba, Via Cavour 21, 50129 , Florence, web site www.hotelcolomba.com, tel. 0039055289139, fax 0039055284323. This family run hotel was perfect for our stay in Florence. great breakfast,very helpful staff, great location a short walk from the Duomo, rooms are quiet and clean. We felt like home, receiving a perfect 3 star service .

Michael Baker in Austin , Te USA 12/15/2007

No

Kakoli Dutta in Sterling, VA USA 12/08/2007

The airport in Florence does not open until 5 AM. We ended up outside a locked airport at 4:40 AM with a huge crowd of tourists (many elderly and suffering in the freezing wind)in 8 degree Celsius weather in mid-November of this year. Eventually at 5 AM, the staff showed up and opened the airport. Had we known, we would have not arrived at the airport until after 5 AM for our flight. I suggest that you warn travellers about this.

Tracey Mantrone in Queens, NYC, NY USA 11/28/2007

I suggest you add Discover Tuscany to your list of tours. They have wonderful extremely knowledgeable guides for guided walking tours of Florence, as well as wine tours, hiking, skiing, biking, abd cooking lessons. They will pick you up at your accomnmodations and take you into Florence if you are staying in the countryside. Contact Donna Scharnagl Discover Tuscany srl www.discovertuscany.biz Italian Cell: +39 346 78 92 693 Italy Office & Fax: +39 055 65 80 862 USA Office: +1 305 517 7992 UK Office: +44 020 8 133 64 71

I also recommend adding Vinci as a destination. The Leonardo museum has models of many of the drawings Leonardo has in his Codex. It's a nice destination for when you're tired of looking at art and Duomos.

We rented a villa in the area near Montaione, and your guidebook has very little listed in that area. We discovered a great restaurant, Casa Masi, Mura, 50050 Montaione. Tel 39.0571.677170. www.sanbenedettovacanze.it. It is family owned and has superb food, ambiance, and the owner speaks excellent English.

Margaret Volpe in Clifton, , VA USA 11/13/2007

Hotel: Il Guelfo Bianco Via Cavour 29-50129 Firenze tel.0039 055288330 fax 0039055295203 e-mail: info@ilguelfobianco.it This lovely hotel is a welcome respite in downtown Florence. It has several courtyards for guests use. Each room is unique and well appointed. The breakfast room is large, and welcoming, with excellent offerings. We paid 110Euros/night for this delightful hotel. The staff is helpful and friendly.

jody in seattle, wa USA 11/12/2007

We spent one day with the Accidental Tourist in Florence wine tasting, olive oil tasting and learning to make pasta. We ended the day with a huge meal in a Tuscan farmhouse. What a great day, great price and great people. It truly was one of my best experiences in Europe. Cheryl Huff, Germany

Cheryl Huff in Ansbach Germany, WA APO, AE 11/08/2007

Tanti saluti da firenze a Rick and all at ETBD!

I just discovered and wanted to let all your future Florence traveller's know that the State Museums in Florence are now selling tickets on line! Tickets are payable by visa or mastercard at the same cash rate as with calling directly--no whopping service fees as with some of the private sites. A very good thing! The new website is http://www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/uffizi/

Ciao! Kelly Soggiorno Battistero Firenze

Kelly Raye in Florence, Italy 11/02/2007

The maps our hotel gave out had the McDonald's locations. We learned real quick to use the free toilet.

Michael Sherwood in Prescott Valley, AZ USA 10/29/2007

[1] Hotel Europa: About 1.5 blocks north of the Duomo. Seems like a hotel that one would find in your book. Very friendly, family-run, and a good value. [2] I would suggest adding the information that at the Accademia Gallery one needs to pay in cash. At least that is what the sign says. Not sure what happens if one doesn't have the exact amount. The Uffizi Gallery may be the same. Not sure since I made sure we had the exact amount for that museum. [3] Suggest stating that with a reservation at both Accademia Gallery and Uffizi Gallery it is 13 euros.

Maureen in Alexandria, VA USA 10/27/2007

My biggest discovery on Tuscany trip 10/10/07 to 10/20/07: For hotels, going direct via email or phone and paying cash in Italy saves a lot of money. I know the book says this , but being used to making reservations in the U.S. where the "online deal" is always better than what they will give you if you call. It took a while for this concept to sink in -- I spent a weekend online and reading books trying to figure out why the guidebook lists such lower prices than what I found on www.venere.com, expedia, etc. Duh! Maybe it would help to specify this very clearly -- that it's the opposite of the U.S. in this way.

I still have my 1986 copy of Europe Through the Back Door, which convinced me I could travel Europe by myself at age 26 and it was the BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE. Thank you. These days, it seems less adventurous, with so much English spoken and so many Americans, and being so old! but I still go to your guidebooks when I travel there and they are still the most useful and helpful.

Barbara Powell in Lakewood, CO USA 10/21/2007

The Hotel Il Bargellino was a great find. Carmel and Pino welcoming hosts and made our reservations for the the museums which saved us time and energy. Carmel really know the Florence (Firenze)and we would highly recommend you check it out. Thanks Rick for the information. Our trip to Itlay and France did not have one negative experience. Everything you said in the guide book down to directions to restaurants was exactly as you described. We are very grateful for all your edpertise. This was our first trip to Europe and we will "keep traveling". The Cherek's White Bear Lake, MN

Linda Cherek in White Bear Lake, MN USA 10/19/2007

I had an excellent guided tour with a company called All Tuscany Tours. www.alltuscany.com Owner/operator is Euan and originally from UK, fluent in Italian too. He seemed to know all the best spots and was very helpful in suggesting the best places to dine. He also introduced us to a brilliant little shop in Florence called Teresa Cambi where they have wonderful leather goods and clothes.

Sonia Ottosen in Vancouver, BC Canada 10/18/2007

We recommend Artviva's Florence tours: Original Florence Walk, Masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery and The Original David Tour. The guides are native English speakers, easy to understand, enthusiasic and knowledgeable. We enjoyed learning about Florence’s history, art, architecture and major monuments on these tours. Entrance to the Uffizi Gallery via the tour group reservation entrance took less than a half hour, a big time saver. Uffizi and David tours discussed the artistic transformation of important figures (Mary, baby Jesus, Venus)in paintings from the medieval period through the Renassiance. Insights into artists and their patrons were valuable.

Victoria Watkins in NEW YORK, NY USA 09/15/2007

Osteria Nonna Gina Piano dei Mantellini, 2 53100 Siena (Toscana), Italy +39 0577 287247

This restaurant was the best of any that we ate at on our two week trip. The two pasta dishes, named after the mom and pop of the place, were both delicious. I am certain that if we had stayed in Siena longer than one night we would have eaten there again!

Allison Hardin in Atlanta, GA USA 09/13/2007

Favorite tips - making reservations for the Uffizi and Accademia. Simply a MUST! It felt a little like cheating, seeing all those people in line for tickets when we had our place in a much, much short and much, much faster line with others smart enough to make reservations and show up with their vouchers. We made reservations as soon as we finalized our trip (about 3 months in advance).

Tiphanie in Benoit, MI USA 09/08/2007

The Relais Uffizi was very clean, conveniently located right off the Piazza Signoria with a great view from the breakfast room onto the Piazza. Prices for a family suite was reasonable at 200 EUR. Contact info is : http://www.relaisuffizi.it/

Doyle Johnson in Medfield, MA USA 08/27/2007

We highly recommend "Pensione Bencista' at via Benedetto da Maiano 4-50014, in Fiesole outside of Florence. This place was heaven. It overlooked the Tuscan hills and Florence. It is run by a family with great history in the area and they are all involved with the daily management. The family has dogs roaming the grounds that are so friendly and loving. My kids just loved the fact it was like being home, but just on a larger level. While we stayed there we met so many great and fantastic people like professors, families with small children touring Europe, a senior group and a culinary club, just to name a few. It was a 5 to 10 minute trip on a bus to downtown Florence, and less than a 5 minute walk to see the small town of Fiesole. While it is not a cheap place to stay, we had the VERY BEST meals and wines during our whole trip at this place. Our stay included two meals daily (breakfast and family style dinners) and our room for 4. The rooms were HUGE, clean and had very comfortable beds. We had a whole yard to park our rental car in and that was well worth the extra cost to stay there.

Christine Morrissey in Campbell, CA USA 08/23/2007

Restaurant Taverna Il Grappolo in Montalcino. Excellent cuisine, warm ambiance, magnificent Brunello de Montalcino 2000. Recommended to us by our waiter, Gennaro, at the restaurant La Torre at the Abbazio (Abbey) Monte Olivetto Maggiore near Asciano. Gennaro even took the time to let the restaurant in Montalcino know that we might be dropping in; hence the extra special reception.

Maureen in Victoriaville, QC Canada 08/14/2007

I found a great "Drive through the Chianti Countryside" map with sights from the National Geographic Italy tourbook. I changed it to a "Scoot through the Chianti Countryside". It was hard to find journals/info about renting scooters, so I am determined to share the experience after my trip.

We rented 2 scooters for 80 euro from Perozzi Rental (Via del Gazzani 16, www.perozzi.it, tel 0577 288387, near main bus stop in Siena). We reserved the scoots the evening before and they simply asked for the drivers license and if we had scooted before.

We took off into the Chianti Region from Siena. We took route SS408 (continued on in a loop to SS222) and made stops in: 1. San Gusme (the cutest walled town you ever did see) 2. Castello di Brolio (owned by the Ricasoli family since the 12th C) 3. lunched in Badia a Coltibuono (11th C abbey now a restaurant/wine cellar) 4. scooted through Radda in Chianti 5. stopped in Castellina in Chianti. A great wine tasting at Mazzei winery wwww.mazzei.it proved to be fantastic and I brought two bottles of wine and olive oil home. My sister was my passenger, so she tasted all 8 wines! We didn't drink and scoot!

The countryside was fantastic. The roads were well maintained with many curves and many cyclists were present as well. It was a beautiful scoot that lasted all day, about 50 miles. We went in mid May, and wore jeans and tees. I think being a tuesday was great and there was hardly any traffic and no crazy drivers. I owned a scoot before this trip so I had recent scoot time under my belt. Take an international drivers license and a credit card to rent, and a back pack to carry back your wine!

i felt this day really caputured a lot of what the tuscan countryside has to offer.

Paige Woodman in los altos, CA USA 08/11/2007

If you want a view, climb Giotto's tower instead of the Duomo's dome. The line was much shorter and we had an amazing view, including a view of the Duomo. The book says you can't get very good pictures because of the cage like top, but you can put your hand with your camera through the wire and get unobstructed pictures. Also, I suggest walking around Florence rather than using other transportation. Everything is a lot closer than it seems on the map. And stop often to eat lots of gelato.

Devin in Olympia, WA USA 08/06/2007

The Oil Shoppe was a great sandwich place. Very fresh ingredients. Wonderful bread. Great price. 4 euro for a large sandwich with Parma ham and cheese and a cold bottle of water. Via S.Egidio, 22R 50122 +39 055 2001092 In the area behind the Duomo.

Kathy Arcangeli in Oak Ridge, TN USA 08/05/2007

Franco Fadda's Wine Tour francofadda@hotmail.com The full-day tour of the Tuscan countryside by Franco was the highlight of our trip. It included a bit of everything - old villages, wine tasting, gourmet lunch, shopping. I highly recommend.

Marie in Oak Park, CA USA 07/27/2007

I would recommend a Pitti Palace gallery tour. The Pitti Palace is wonderfully uncrowded compared to the Uffizi, no reservations needed and is filled with Titians, Raphaels, Van Dycks and Rembrandts.

kath in los angeles, ca USA 07/16/2007

Consider staying in Fiesole. Wonderful and views and cool breeze There are more hotels and restaurants than the one restaurant and one hotel mentioned in the guidebook. Hotel Bonelli, Hotel Aurora, two b&b's and 12 trattorias, restaurants, cafes and a quiet wine garden and restaurant on the path to the view areas.

Craig in Salt Lake City, Ut USA 07/11/2007

We stayed at the Hotel Brunelleschi, on Pza Elizabetha and it was marvelous.

Dan in Boise, ID USA 06/27/2007

In Florence, to book a guided tour of Vasari's Corridor contact Context Florence on 064820911. Costs approx E28 per person and tours are only at certain times in the year.

Debbie NZ 06/08/2007

My husband and I loved Rick Steves's prose-style, his attention to detail, and his charming humor. This book really made our trip special. I want to say also that the people we met along the way who had this book were really wonderful people!

Kathrine Douthit and John M. Anderson in Boston, MA USA 06/07/2007

For beautifully handcrafted,inexpensive journals see Dimitri at Via degli Alfani 129/r near Academia. These arebooks for people to use unlike the others I saw in Florence.He has some with leather covers and some with his beautiful handmade marble paper. He makes to order as well no extra charge. This was the only real bargin I found in Florence

Joseph Hilton in Los Angeles, CA USA 05/28/2007

For Florence you need to add going to the Piazzale Michelangiolo on the hill for the beautiful lookout of the city. Bus lines 12 and 13 circle around the city and go there following basically the same course, 13 clockwise and 12 counter-clockwise. Bus line A also goes there and is more accessible from the other sites, but it stops earlier around 18:00 while the other two go until about 21:00.

Craig Caldwell in Kaysville, UT USA 05/09/2007

I was able to get into the Uffizi very quickly and without a reservation merely by showing up at 5:20 last Sunday evening. The next evening the line at the Accademia (David) was very short at about that same time. There was still more than an hour left for the museums at that time.

Shana Woodfield in Calistoga, CA USA 04/30/2007

Villa Vistarenni www.vistarenni.com

I have been there with some friends, in the main apartment of the Villa. The place is in the middle of the Chianti area, really wonderful and unique throughout the Tuscany, very peaceful and with great views (most of all from the swimming pool). We also played tennis and made great jogging in the hills around. Ms Elisabetta (the owner) was really very kind.

marco in rasponi, italy 04/27/2007

Katti House Via Faenza,21 Florence Tel./Fax 055 21.34.10 This is a very clean & spacious place to stay with extremely nice & helpful hosts. Excellent value.

Rachele Hemphill in Napa, Ca USA 04/12/2007

We watched the PBS shows before we left, which were great help. We found that if the bread was bad, so was everything else. We wish we would have stayed in a place recommended by the book- Instead, we used our travel agent and the place smelled like raw sewage (hotel fenice palace) luckily, we really weren't at the hotel very much. We were so pleased with the guide and the information in it~ it was an excellent companion and a wealth of solid information. Next time we will be "A" students and read the entire guide before our journey is planned. My husband and I both found the book invaluable and we kept inadvertently swiping it from each other! Getting reservations for the sights was key in saving time-

Catherine Harper in Littleton, CO USA 04/01/2007

A small restaurant called VYNO located on Via Paolo Lilla 41 Livono Tel. 0586 444249 This was one of the best meals that I have every eaten. The owner has a passion for pairing Italian regional wines with great food. Although Livorno is not an area frequented by tourists, I would definitely go out of my way for another meal at this restaurant.

Jeff Lucas in Goose Creek, SC USA 03/27/2007

There is a weekly English language mass held at the Duomo on Saturdays at 1700. Enter from the south side entrance (bell tower side)

Mark Derrick in Chattanooga, TN USA 03/27/2007

Greve in Chianti was a great side trip from Florence

Jimmy in Fairhope, AL USA 03/08/2007

Hotel Pendini in Florence was nice and the staff was friendly, but even with a courtyard room, it was noisy at night. Could not beat the location, however, as it was in the center of everything.

Tom in St. Louis, MO USA 02/28/2007

My friends and I asked our Chianti wine tour guide (a Siena resident), to recommend her favorite restaurant. She suggested, Osteria Sotto le Fonti, which is about 300 meters from Piazza del Campo. This is definately a back door restaurant - it was off the beaten path where we normally wouldn't stroll in Siena, and there appeared to be only locals dining here. It was a quiet night so we enjoyed some conversation with the hostess and owner, Britta. The food was excellent - they offered homemade pasta, wild boar, and goose breast which was outstanding. The owner's 2 year old son gave us the pleasure of his company during part of dinner, and Britta and her husband even joined us for a glass of wine later in the evening. This is a true back-door tuscan restaurant, just what we were looking for! I recommend it to all travelers to beautiful Siena. You can find location info at their website, www.sottolefonti.it.

Jason Calcitrai in Cincinnati, OH USA 02/07/2007

Although we took Rick's advice about making reservations at the museums (Academy and Uffizi), they were not needed. We traveled in January and there were virtually no lines. Our hotel made the bookings for us but before we left for the museum, we were told if you arrive and don't see any lines, don't go through the reservation door. Go through the regular ticket door. If you go through the reservation door, they will still charge you an extra 3.50 per ticket for "using" the reservation even though there are no lines anywhere. We ended up both times bypassing the reservation and went in the regular ticket door.

Kathy Mooney in Ashland, OR USA 02/07/2007

While aimlessly ‘strolling’ through a number of web sites looking for something different to do in Florence, I came across ‘Jewish Florence Tours’ (www.jewish-florence.com) This was definitely different.

I checked the site and then got in touch with Giovanna Bossi Rosenfeld. After a few e-mails we arranged to meet her at Ruth’s Kosher restaurant for a four-hour private guided walking tour.

We realize that such a tour is a splurge, but we highly recommend it. She gave us the most interesting, informative, and enjoyable tour we have had in the seventeen trips we have made to Florence. She even managed to present the David in a new and refreshing light.

Giovanna was born in Florence and is an architect and historian. Her delightful personality blends her background and education into a unique mix ideally suited to being a private tour guide.

We are most eagerly looking forward to our next visit to Florence and our time with Giovanna.

S. A. Zalk USA 02/07/2007

great discovery in Pieve di Chio, Casa portagioia at www,tuscanbreaks.com

Dr. Michael Banks in New York, NY USA 01/24/2007

Acquacotta, trattoria toscana: via dei Pilastri 51r. (Fi) tel. 055-242907 Great Tuscan food, steak, risotto, pork, creme brulee. Recommended by our hotel (Residenza il Villino. Make reservations, 2 sittings per night.

Susan Hall in West Vancouver, BC Canada 12/23/2006

Earlier this year, I took my family to Florence for a week vacation. Our family of seven ranged from my wife and me to our four adult children and a one year-old grandchild. Florence is one of our favorite cities in the world and we wanted to share this with our children. We needed a special tour guide to meet a wide range of interests and ability to physically tour the city and other areas. We found that guide in Paola Migliorini. We spoke several times on the phone and by email before arriving to set up several tours including an all day minibus tour of the wine country and Siena. We were very pleased with our tours, as Paola and her husband were very knowledgeable and got us from place to place quickly. They both were able to make and plan specific itineraries for us to make just right for our family.

All in all Paola made our trip memorable and fun. I would strongly recommend anyone wanting a personal guide that knows art and history to call Paula.

bob agnew in Arlington, VA USA 12/13/2006

The Hotel River in Florence, a few short blocks from the center of town (2 blocks from Santa Croce) is a wonderful 3 star hotel with 5-star accomodations and service. Consider adding this on to the book! For 100 Euro per night (November-December), we were treated to first class service by Salvatore, who was more than willing to map out everything we wanted to see. Don't miss the 4th floor balcony overlooking the River and a waterfall that you won't even hear from street level! Also, the garden in the center of the hotel is a quiet, relaxing area to enjoy a glass of Averna after a huge meal at one of the incredible restaurants in the area. I can't believe HOtel River is not already in the Florence and Tuscany book, as I have travelled quite a lot throughout the US and Europe, and found this hotel to be one of the best I have ever experienced. It has the feel of a small local hotel, but with the amenities of a large chain. It is clean, the breakfast is wonderful (the breads are some of the best I had on my stay), and updated with electronic keys (not the old ones you find in most other hotels in the city!), and absolutely relaxing at the end of the day.

Kiersten in Elia, PA USA 12/07/2006

We highly recommend that you add La Falconara, an Agriturismo near Montepulciano. Following three nights in Florence (Hotel Silla) and two in Siena (Palazzo Bruchi)--thanks for your recommendations for these accommodations which were pleasant and very well located--we had a wonderful seven night stay (5/31-6/6/06) at La Falconara, an Agriturismo with an olive grove, located in the Central Southern Tuscan countryside, 1.5 miles from Montepulciano, and a stone’s throw from the Val d’Orcia.

Our apartment, one of three, was very comfortable and nicely furnished, with an open living room/dining area/kitchen, and a large separate bedroom with bathroom, all with high ceilings and beautiful countryside views from all windows. We were able to secure a Wednesday to Wednesday reservation, unusual for many Agriturismos, which usually rent Saturday to Saturday. At €555 for the week, we considered this a real find.

But it was the exceptional hospitality of the owner, Alex Palenzona, that made this even more of a special place. Alex, who lives on the property with his wife Ingrid, is a renaissance man of sorts, fluent in four languages, and equally comfortable discussing art, philosophy, history, politics, farming, cooking, wine, olives, and even pharmacology. His enthusiasm and expansive knowledge of the area informed our planning with directions, rewarding sights and their cultural historical context, and restaurants (all winners) with reservations when needed. Ingrid was away at the time, so Alex had to do it all that week, but managed quality time with the three couples staying there, even preparing and joining all three couples for a wonderful dinner with wine pairings our last night.

The property is so peaceful and beautiful, it tested our determination to leave for the day. Aside from it’s proximity to Montepulciano (you can walk there through the countryside), La Falconara affords easy access by car to Pienza, Monticchiello, Montalcino, San Quirico d’Orcia, Chiusi, Cortona, Orvieto, Perugia, and Assisi. The drive to La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, our final destination, was about 2.5 hours (stop in Lucca for a bike ride along the ramparts).

The contact info is La Falconara, via delle Badelle 3, 53045 Montepulciano, Telefax: 0578 757230, only line with answering machine, cell phone: 0333/581-2196 , www.lafalconara.it.

Fred in Schwartz, CA USA 10/29/2006

Festival del Gelato at Via Corso 75 red- -delicious, made on premises, liquer flavors.

Fred & Gwen Fukumoto in Las Vegas, NV USA 10/26/2006

We found Rick's pocket compass to be a necessity on our recent trip to Florence. Don't try to navigate the little side streets in Italy without it!

Karen IN USA 10/26/2006

We have just returned from Florence. It is definitely worth it to reserve the Museums ahead od time. But I have to say, it is much to reserve on the phone than it is to reserve online; and cheaper. The English speaking operator had me booked in minutes without charging an online fee or a booking fee. We just ended up paying 1 euro more per ticket. Trying to book online was very confusing, especially as we were traveling with young children. The online service wanted to charge us 12 euros in fees to get their free tickets! By reserving our times by phone we just got our confirmation number and picked up our tickets at the entrance to the museums.

Allison in Suffolk, England, UK 10/23/2006

We returned from our second visit the Florence and Tuscany a few weeks ago and want to let you know about La Penisola, the Peninsula, in the Volpaia Valley on the outskirts of Radda in Chianti. And the remarkable woman who owns it, Dr. Nora Desmond Kravis. Dr. Nora is an American, born on Long Island, who studied textile design at the Tyler School in Rome and returned to Itally in her youth to take a second degree in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pisa.

Her 300-year old farmhouse and barns have been transformed into the charming La Penisola. She has also created the internationally-known Chianti Cashmere Company (www.chianticashmeregoatfarm.com), having single-handedly introduced Cashmere goats to Italy and developed the science and care standards on this agritourism designated farm.

Here is her contact info: Dr. Nora Desmond Kravis, Azienda Agricola La Penisola, 5301 Radda in Chianti (Siena), Tel/Fax +39 O577 738.080

I am an Architect and Susie is a Wedding Planner. We have gotten to know Nora and feel others would enjoy the postcard views from La Penisola and meeting Dr. Nora and visiting her shop of hand-made cashmere products.

We hope you will find Nora Kravis and her goat farm as charming and authentic as we have and add her as one of your recommended stops in Chianti.

We also made it to Civita di Bagnoregio this trip and Franco Sala says hello!

Brooks & Susie Weiss in Winter Park, FL USA 10/20/2006

I took an incredible hot air balloon ride over the Crete Senesi, about an hour outside of Siena. I was travelling in Italy via their rail system, so I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to make my balloon ride because Montisi didn't have a train station. I contacted the balloon pilot, Robert Etherington (the company is www.ballooningintuscany.com) and he was more than helpful in giving me options for places to stay near the launch site and for the nearest train station. He and his wife are both English and they fell in love with Tuscany and decided to make it their home.

I stayed in a small village called Montisi. It was beautiful: some incredible views and just a beautiful quaint little village. Besides a restaurant at the village entrance, there isn't much to do here, but it was a perfect rest point for my 18 day stay in this wonderfully hectic country!

I stayed at La Locanda di Montisi (www.lalocandadimontisi.it), probably the NICEST hotel I have ever stayed in, ever! The rooms were huge, the view was great, and Roberto (the owner) was so welcoming and such a perfect gentleman! He offered to pick me up at the train station, gave me a tour of the village, and introduced me to some ex-pat Americans who were willing to show me around and share a meal. It was brilliant..walking around the village in the evening, it was so charming. The old men sat at the front of the village outside a little store playing cards, while the old women sat at the other end of the village and gossiped thru the early morning. They were all so friendly and like most Italians, were willing to show me good places to take photos (even though I didn't understand all of their Italian). I think that Montepulciano is not too far, but Montisi was a perfect spot because it was just a short walk to the balloon launch site.

My balloon ride was fantastic! Seeing Tuscany from a hot air balloon is not an experience that I can easily describe. I took my ride on the morning of July 4, 2005. Aside from myself and Robert, there were two other Brits. At first, I was a little nervous in a hot air balloon with 3 brits (with the war and it being July 4!) but they were so pleasant, so funny and the balloon ride was very smooth - they even wished me a Happy Independence Day! I'd never been in a hot air balloon before and was somewhat nervous, but there was no reason to be. Robert didn't just have us in the air the entire time. He took us up, and down in the valleys and nooks and crannies, then we'd rise again. The scenery was so beautiful. He said that in the spring, it is best because you see all the different greens and various colors from the crops. I thought it was absolutely perfect then. Robert really knows the area. He told us different stories about the farmhouses and villas that we passed, about various Sicillian parties and weddings that have taken place. He was very entertaining! We passed over a field of sunflowers and again, he dipped down in them and told us a story of 2 sons that brought their mom on one of his balloon rides. He said that the wind sent them towards the same field of sunflowers and one son held his brother by the ankles as he reached down and plucked a sunflower for their mom! Robert looked up and saw the farmers looking at them..he just waved! I got some great shots, some of the best from my trip. At least, these are the ones that people ooh and ahh over the most.

The flight lasted for about two hours, and after the flight, Liz met us for a champagne breakfast at our touch down site. Champagne, red wine, orange juice, pizza, cookies and the best canteloupe I've ever had. It was wonderful. They then took us to a small village called, Buonconvento and shared some of its history about their Moor leader. It was here that I had my first, yes first, Italian cappuccino. We then went around with them for a bit as Liz had to drop off some fliers, so I got to see more of the Tuscan country side which I would not have been able to do because I was traveling via Trenitalia. When we got back to their villa, were were presented with our flight certificates and we were told that we were always welcome back at any time for a visit or to see their updates to the villa. This was the best day of my trip to Italy.

That afternoon, Roberto from La Locanda di Montisi drove me to the train station (the right one this time) and I headed for Siena. He made sure I purchased the right ticket and saw me off. Though Montisi is small and not as flashy as some other spots in Tuscany, it is the place that I remember and cherish most above Venice, Florence, and Rome. The people made it great and the scenery made it greater. The cost for the balloon ride was 200 euros, this was my splurge, as my room was only 50 euros! This is an exciting way to see this beautiful Tuscan country side and I highly recommend it..from the village people, the cozy and relaxed setting, the tremendous scenery from a birds eye view. Montisi is an Italian must for me.

Kristen Mitchem in Morrisville, NC USA 10/14/2006

Upon driving back to Montalcino from Siena, we stopped at the "IL PARADISO DI FRASSINA" vineyard. As we got out of the car we heard classical music and what seemed like the biggest wind chimes in the world. We were right on the music, but the "wind chimes" were a hillside of over 100 sheep that were all wearing bells. Combine that with the music, the sunshine and the vines bursting with grapes, it was unforgetable. The owner, Carlo, said he didn't have a lot of time, but allowed us to look around and taste a few wines. We purchased a bottle of "DO 12 VUE" and loved it.

Jennifer Detzel in Wyoming, MN USA 10/02/2006

This September I had the pleasure of visiting the Chianti region of Tuscany from the saddle of a road bicycle. After some research online I was overjoyed to find I Bike Tuscany, a company that leads bicycle excursions throughout Tuscany. This particular ride took us through the stunningly beautiful Chianti wine region. The ride centered on wine tasting, meeting people, and tasting the wonderful regional cuisine. This ride WAS the highlight of my two week trip to Italy, as it included the excitement of being active and experiencing Italian culture in a unique way. My guide, Marco, was extremely knowledgeable about the region and cycling. He was also very professional, accommodating, and extremely fun and easy-going. I recommend this ride any person looking for an exciting, unique way to experience Tuscany. I Bike Tuscany has several different rides for all fitness levels. I urge your writers to please check out this company and feature them in your guidebook! They are certainly worth it!! I think this should be of particular interest to the Rick Steves guidebook because he loves to find new and unique ways to experience other countries.

http://www.ibiketuscany.com/

Katie Johnson in Fresno , CA USA 09/28/2006

We used the phone number listed in the book to make reservations for Florence's top tourist sites. We called around 10am on a weekday (central time) and there was very little wait. The representative spoke excellent English. The process could not have been easier. What a relief to know that before we even left our living room that we had our reservations in hand. Way to go Rick for providing such a time saving measure in your guidebook!

Amanda in Woodbury, MN USA 09/06/2006

Good morning, we were informed that the Parco Sculture del Chianti (www.chiantisculpturepark.it) will be included in your 2007 Tuscany guide and we were very pleased about that. The reason for writing is the following: we have been mentioned in several Guides like Dumont, Rough Guide, Michelin etc and there seem to be two major criticisms from the visitors to the Park: 1) the Park is in the Province of Siena (just 10 km north) and the easiest way to get here is from Siena. Too many guides put us under Castellina or Gaiole or Castelnuovo Berardenga and this confuses the tourists a lot, especially Americans who don't particularly enjoy driving on dirt back roads. 2) Most Guides forget to mention that in front of the Park there is probably the largest Italian art gallery specialised in contemporary sculptures. This is a very nice surprise to the tourists, but we know that many would have liked to know beforehand. That's all. We hope you can take care of these two little coments.

Thanks and kind regards dr. Piero Giadrossi (curator)

ps we also hope to see you here in Chianti..

Piero Giadrossi in Siena, Italy 09/05/2006

A bicycle tour of Tuscany run by Keith at http://www.tuscany-biketours.com was the best experience in a month long back packing trip across Europe. The tour takes you to a castle that makes incredible Chianti. You ride through the beautiful Tuscan country side including fields of sun flowers. Most importantly, you finally eat the italian meal you have been looking for but havent been able to find in the city. Be careful with the wine, they keep bringing it but you still have to ride back after lunch.

Eric Greenberg in west bloomfield, mi USA 09/01/2006

A great restaurant in Orvietto. "L'Antica Rupe" located at via San Antonio 2/a, in the square just past Hotel Valentino - off of via Roma (phone 0763343063, cell 3386373945. Great service, great food, great prices, ample seating. The best pasta dish around- "Cappellacci with Truffles"

Oh yeah - add Bologna to your book. City museums are extensive - most open til 15:30 on weekdays, and til 18:00+ on weekends - the best are the Museum of Medieval civilization, the Museo Civico Archeologico museum with a great Egyptian collection, the city museum Communali d'Arte. A worthy art museum is the Pinacoteca Nazionale, but is located off the beaten path through the gromy university district. The huge Friday-Saturday market in the Piazza Otto Agusto is a must but watch out for gypsy pickpockets on the main street, via dell Indepenza near the train station; climb the 2nd tallest tower in Italy -costs about 6 Euro, and last entry at 1745 - with a very steep last 30 of 498 steps(an accompanying leaning tower next to it); See Piazza Nettuno and the enormous San Petrono with its incredible murals (many currently under rennovation) and huge sundail - no short shorts or spaghetti strap shirts allowed, ladies; Santa Maria della Vita has an incredibly emotional life-sized terracotta statue scene dating to the 1400s. San Stefano with its 6 chapels dating as far back as the 9th century.

Add Hotel Leon Bianco to your list of San Gimignano hotels - affordable luxury with the best views in town - located in Piazza del Cisterna, with unique medieval cielings and a great breakfast.

Pete in Bartos, VA USA 08/18/2006

Two recommendations: 1. We stayed at the Residenza Johlea on S. Gallo which turned out to be a great location. It's very small, but nicely furnished and we (me, husband, & 12 year old) had a large and lovely room. It did occupy the sw corner of the building, which got the full brunt of the July sun, but we kept the huge wooden shutters and two sets of windows closed to make the a/c as efficient as possible.

2. Just north of the B&B was a restaurant called Tratoria Tito which we loved so much we went a 2nd time. The service was friendly, prices slightly lower than closer to the Duomo, and the food was excellent!

Please consider including both these finds in the guidebook.

Julia Bristor in Dallas, TX USA 08/17/2006

We got bumped to Hotel Collodi in Florence. Giovanni, who runs the hotel by day, is SO nice and helpful. We really enjoyed getting to know him. The hotel is fine and in a convenient location right near the Central Market. I don't think it's in Rick Steves' book, but would be a good option.

Julie in Santa Barbara, CA USA 08/08/2006

Guide, Franco Fadda. His tours of the Chianti region are outstanding! He can be contacted at www.francowinetourexperience.com

Henry Beckmeyer in Grand Blanc, Mi USA 07/29/2006

Before visiting the Duomo Museum and climbing the dome, read Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King. It will add so much to the experience.

T. Koons in Forest, VA USA 07/22/2006

In Florence, the tip about getting into the Duomo (Santa Maria del fiore) was worth the cost of the book, several times over. Our hot, tired children were grateful that just for checking the backpack, we were able to skirt the line in the hot sun and walk right in. Thanks, Steve! "You da bomb!" as the kids say.

eeyann in San Francisco, Ca USA 07/17/2006

If you begin to feel yourself sinking into a state of art history overload while in Florence, I strongly recommend renting a motorbike for the day and heading south out of the city into the Chianti region. Take a map from the bike rental shop (your hotel should be able to recommend several shops) and just follow the smaller, local roads from village to village. Enjoy the breeze and the enchanting fairy-tale hills of "vino e olio" country en route, and leave ample time to stop for lunch. My boyfriend and I left Florence at 11:00 am one Sunday in June, and were able to get to San Gimignano and back by 7:00 pm (lunch break included). It was possibly the favorite part of our long weekend in Florence.

Carol Breen in Newton, MA USA 07/12/2006

Osteria Tavern La sosta de Violante. Via de Panteaneto 115, Siena, 53100 Italy. Great food, just steps away from Palazzo Bruchi. Also, Residenza Vespucci, Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci 2, 50123, Florence, 055 28 02 965, Francesco is the owner of the apartments--most helpful.

Karen and Jim in Memphis, TN USA 07/09/2006

We stayed at B&B Inpiazzadellasignoria in Florence and loved it. As wonderful as ALL the rooms are, it is worth a slight upgrade to get a room overlooking the square.

Ellen Walters in Jacksonville, Fl USA 07/08/2006

Museum Entrance Fees!

Unless you are a citizen of the European Union, you will be paying full fare for entry into museums for all members of your party to include children. I've been raising my children in Europe for 9 years and have never had this experience before. My young children ages 10 and under have always been free in European museums. Yesterday at the Uffizzi gallery, we needed pay full price for our children. We elected to return at another time with my older children only. (traveling with another family who didn't want to do it at that price etc...) Otherwise, I wouldn't have dragged my kids in there reading the book along the way!

We went on the Boboli gardens and my young children were given free entry there, even though the SAME rules apply and they SHOULD have paid the full fare! You win some, you loose some I guess!

Kellie Coombs in Vicenza Italy, USA 07/01/2006

This book was perfect from museum reservations to the Europa calling card. I arrvied in Florence three days before my OAT group and used the book to see every part of Florence. During the tour, fellow travelers asked how I knew sites, directions and tips. They must have gotten tired of hearing me say, "I read it in Rick's book." After a while, they'd come up and say, "What does Rick say about this town?"

Bonnie Lurie in Jensen Beach, FL USA 06/24/2006

Poggio Salvi was fantastic, thank you so much. Also, your information about the towns in Tuscany was great. I now plan on only going to locations in Europe that have a Rick Steves Book available.

Karen A. Riccio in Columbus, OH USA 06/22/2006

Stayed in Cortona at Casa Benita. It was great. there is another convent across the street which is about the same. Also, the hostel inside the city wall is a possible.

Pam Worden in Glendale, CA USA 06/17/2006

We attended the St. James Church, Via Bernardo Rucellai, 9, Florence. Very friendly people. It is an American Episcopal/Anglican church. The worship is in English. Sept - May 11:00 a.m. Eucharist with music, sermon, child care, etc. June - August 10:00 a.m. service. They have an elegant, 3-bedroom, 3 bath apartment on 2nd and 3rd floor of rectory. Furnished with antiques and modern comforts. It is rented on weekly or monthly basis. Seewww.stjames.it or email info@stjames.it for rates and availability.

Donna & Bill Sade in Kingsport, TN USA 06/16/2006

La Lumiere di Piazza di Spagna Via Belsiana 72 Rome 00187 Phone 39 0669380806 This was an exceptional 10 room hotel near Via Condotti. Sparkling clean, gorgeous rooms with painted ceilings, and a super nice staff. Breakfast on the roof was a treat every day.It gets a gold star plus plus.

Susan Willis in Lakeland, FL USA 06/06/2006

We arrived in Firenze on a Monday afternoon. Although some sights were closed, the ones that were open, as well as the general vicinity (market, piazze, etc.) were drastically less crowded compared to the following day. I highly recommend seeing the open sites on a Monday with the smaller crowds. I will be returning in about a month on a Thursday and already am dreading the anticipated crowds.

One area I was slightly dissappointed in was the lack of educational/historical information for many of the sights and artwork. I am used to the vast amount of information you can get in the states (mini movies on how things are built, the historic significance, etc). It seems that what information is available or posted at the statues, towers, duomi, etc is very superficial.

Stephanie in Aviano, Italy 05/23/2006

Found a nice wine bar in Florence, Italy: Bar Degustazione da I' Paci at 37 Via del Neri. Inexpensive & tasty wines with loads of free bar snacks after 5pm. Serve dinner as well. Owner very nice to us.

Bill & Frankie Wolma in Marietta, GA USA 05/16/2006

Consider La Badia for an Orvieto hotel splurge. Incredible website at www.labadiahotel.it, and well rated by Michellin and recent guests. It's located just 3k outside of town, so it's close enough for a taxi if you're not driving.

Stephen in Boise, ID USA 05/14/2006

Panella's Residence Via della Pergola n 42 50121 Firenze

My husband and I stayed at Panella's Residence for three nights in April 2006. It was perfect - the room was lovely, clean and comfortable, the bathroom very large and the atmosphere had the flavor of old Florence. Panella's is situated in the middle of the historic section of Florence and we walked everywhere. Since the historic district is a working neighborhood as well, there is a market, a laundromat and even a $1.00 store within a couple block radius of the Residence. When I think back though, I smile to think of Grazielle and Giusseppe. They were the warmest, most pleasant hosts. Giusseppe introduced me to espresso which turned out to be the best I had in Italy. We would love to go again someday and maybe we will!

Mary McGeehan in Philadelphia, PA USA 05/13/2006

My husband and I decided to spend a week in Florence and were thrilled that we brought with us Rick Steve's Florence and Tuscany travel book. It was a great help and very accurate with the information it contained. We utilized the book in deciding the places we were going to visit and where to dine. A great find was Michaelangelo's house/museum. We loved it. We also enjoyed having dinner at Trattoria Nella. The Gnocchi dish was absolutely fabulous as you noted in your book!

Susan and Tony Recce in Lawrenceville, NJ USA 04/30/2006

Florence - Locanda Gallo Guesthouse, the location is really good, the staff is really helpfull. You have really good value for your money. The rooms are nice and clean. Should be in the guide. If you need to contact them call Francesco on 0030 328 4839255 or write to locandagallo@locandagallo.com or visit the web site www.locandagallo.com . I had a really nice stay that's why I promote Francesco's Guesthouse. Ciao Jude L. Ottawa . 04/26/2006

Jude L. in Ottawa, Canada 04/26/2006

Siena - Loved Hotel Duomo, even thought the driving directions were "interesting". We called on a Friday evening for a Friday evening stay, and they had a room and were wonderful! Dinner that night at Osteria Nonna Gina was just right. Our concierge suggested a different tratoria, but they were full and snooty. Nonna Gina was friendly, English proficient, and we had conversation with Siena locals who were out for an evening. A lovely night.

Go to Siena.

Jill CH in Ontario, CA USA 04/19/2006

We went on a wine tour in Tuscany - we were picked up in Florence - driven to two wineries, had a great lunch that was included in the price. It was a small group (8 people I think) and our guide was an American - it was a GREAT tour and completely reasonably priced. His name is Todd Bolton and its called Tuscan Trails. His email address is: Todd Bolton [info@tuscantrails.com] The website is www.tuscantrails.com. We highly recommend it!

Jennifer Hinckley in Brooklyn, NY USA 04/17/2006

My husband and I went to Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Cinque Terre March 10-20, 2006. During that time apparently every school in the European Union had off for 2 weeks and took their classes on different trips to other parts of Europe. EVERYWHERE we went (museums and hotels especially) we were surrounded by large groups of loud, obnoxious middle-high school students. We are freshly out of college and still these mobs of young kids tried out patience. Even though it was off season, things were as crowded, and sometimes more crowded, than during summer months locals told us. I'm guessing the date of the school break changes a little each year, but I think, with the crowds of annoying pre-pubescents, it's an important thing to mention somewhere in the European books to alert travelers (the "holidays" or calendars, etc.)

Also worth mentioning, we had reservations at the Accedemia and still had to wait an HOUR in the "reservations line" to get in. It was a rainy day, which probably didn’t help. An important tidbit to mention for people on a schedule.

Discovery: The restaurant Acqua2 behind the Bargello (V. d. Acqua and V. d. Vigna Vecchia) was excellent. They have very tasty and unique steaks (blueberry and balsamic) as well as sampler platters.

Leigh Thomas Hamann in Minneapolis, MN USA 04/14/2006

I know Rick generally lists only centrally-located hotels and this one is a bit off the beaten path, but I HIGHLY recommend the Hotel David at Viale Michelangelo 1 in Florence, just east of Piazza Michelangelo. It was a (beautiful) 15-minute walk from the Ponte Vecchio and an easy 1 Euro bus ride from the Duomo and train station. This place was SO lovely and quiet--by far, the best sleep we have ever gotten in Rome or Florence. And the staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. I think your readers would appreciate a few more options away from the "zoo" that central Florence can be. Web site: http://www.davidhotel.it

Pizzeria Trancchi in the Oltrarno (just off the Ponte alle Grazie on Via dei Renai-about halfway between Ponte Vecchio and Pza. Michelangelo) was the best (and cheapest) pizza we had in Italy (high praise indeed)--and we were the only tourists there.

Steve Heinen in Tulsa, OK USA 04/11/2006

Florence - The Orsanmichele church was open both days we were there. We just walked in both days. I couldn't see any posted hours but it's worth pushing on the doors to check. The tabernacle is spectacular.

Florence -Pitti Palace Palatine Gallery - floor to ceiling art in room after room but not one place to sit. Make sure you are well rested before you go there. My husband and I had to leave halfway through because we couldn't stand any longer - and we're in decent shape!

Florence - Pergola Theater - beautiful old theater in Florence built in 1656. My husband and I saw two concerts there and just bought the tickets the day of the performance.

J in HONOLULU, HI USA 03/30/2006

Hotel Burchianti, Via del Giglio 8. Telephone 055-212-796. Fax 055-272-9727. Web site www.hotelburchianti.com.

This is a spectacular, small hotel about 50 yards away from the Medici church of San Lorenzo, which is stuffed with all those wonderful things by Michelangelo, Donatello, della Robbia, etc., etc. It is about 100 yards from the beginning of the Via dei Tornabuoni, which is stuffed with all those wonderful things by Gucci, Pucci, Ferregamo, etc., etc.

The Burchianti is on the second floor (“Piano Nobile”) of the 15th century Palazzo Castilgioni..(There is an elevator.) While the hotel has been in business for almost 100 years, it moved to its current location – just down the block from its previous one – only about five years ago.

When they were rehabilitating this part of the Palace for the hotel, they discovered white-washed frescoes on the walls and ceilings, which have been lovingly restored. Virtually every bedroom has a superb 17th century fresco on walls, ceilings, or both.

Everything in the guest rooms is brand-new – the beds, the bathrooms (with heated towel racks), the heating and air conditioning – except for the antique desks, chairs, and other choice pieces here and there. And the size of the rooms runs from very large to enormous.

The hotel is impeccably managed. The place is spotless, and rooms are promptly and carefully made up.

All of this in a superb location, just a few steps from the Duomo, from the railroad station, from all the shopping in the heart of Florence, and at unbelievable bargain rates – double rooms run from 130 euros per night to 170 euros, depending on the season, breakfast included.

I have had the good fortune to stay there twice in the past two years. I have also had the opportunity to stay in some of the more celebrated hotels in New York, London, Paris, St. Petersburg, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Sidney, and umpty ump other places. The Burchianti ranks with the very best, and at a fraction of the cost.

George H. Lesser in Washington, DC USA 02/27/2006

We loved the book, the recommendations were spot on. Especially helpful were the eating recommendations, especially Tratoria Nella.

Scott Shapiro in Pleasanton, Ca USA 02/20/2006

It is difficult to cover everything without producing a book a thousand pages long! But the information on Santa Croce could have been more detailed. It's a 5* sight.

Nick Shorthouse in Stoke On Trent, UK 02/15/2006

A great find was the little gift shop/book shop inside the Santa Maria Novella. Having been to the Uffizi and their huge shop and feeling both overwhelmed by the amount of material, plus not enough time to spend an hour in the shop, it was a stroke of luck to find this near the back(front) of the church (across from the alter). I found both a nice collection of the paintings in Santa Maria Novella but also one on the Uffizi. When you see that much history and beauty and can't take pictures of it, to take home the catalouges to see over again and remember your visit, is something I treasure. Everything there was very reasonably priced and most were paperback or soft covers so easily portable.

Susie Sherman in Pleasant Ridge , Mi USA 02/04/2006