Florence & Tuscany 2010

Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:

Best: Volterra
Why: Pleasant Tuscan small town as the book indicated plus Annie Adair was a great guide for a hike

lance Reynolds in alameda, ca USA 09/19/2009

Best: Several in Florence
Why: For a once a lifetime trip, the biggies are essential, but we love Medici-Riccardi palace chapel, San Miniato church, climbing the dome, and the Pietre Dure museum. Also, Grom is great!

Worst: This time, Medici Chapels
Why: The big chapel is 3/4 covered by scaffolding and a temporary exhibit. I understand that some of the marble is unstable and they are repairing it, but there has been some scaffolding at least since 2004. Just finish one section before covering the rest!

Ken and Peggy Williams in Marietta, GA USA 09/19/2009

Best: Palazzo Davanzati
Why: It is easy to imagine a family living here -- I found it much more interesting than it seems from your guide book, you should give it another star

Lori in Minneapolis, MN USA 08/20/2009

Best: All!
Why: I was a student in Florence for a semester, and out of all the travel books I brought this is the only one that always ended up in my bag! I did not go anywhere with first consulting this book! As a student I would have never been able to afford all the tours this book provided me with! This book was irreplaceable! Thank you!

Rachel Santos in Stillwater, NJ USA 07/25/2009

Best: Academia
Why: David, David & David... prisoners awesome Mapplethorpe exibit while we were there--7/09

Trena Rauner in Englewood, NJ USA 07/13/2009

Best: El Duomo, Boboli Gardens, Piazza Michelangelo
Why: Beauty....of each of them, even as different as each one is.

Krista Zajkowski in Appleton, WI USA 07/09/2009

Best: Uffizi Gallery, Duomo Museum & top of Duomo
Why: Rick's podcast very helpful in Uffizi, an absolutely amazing gallery. We spent 3 hrs there. Many rooms not air-conditioned tho, so dress light-and-loose as it can get warm & stuffy when crowded. Duomo Museum also fascinating. Excellent, detailed descriptions accompany exhibits; we spent 3 hrs there also! Did not buy audiotour but there was plenty of incredibly useful, interesting info to read. Climb to top of Duomo now costs 8 euros but well worth it; stunning view of the city, but the close-up of art on dome ceiling was also jaw dropping. No wait at 8:45 on a Wed. morning.

Worst: Nothing was 'worse!' We just ran out of time! Trouble w/Ufizzi tickets
Why: I noticed an update on this on your Web site after I tried repeatedly to purchase tickets at www.b-tickets.com and kept getting Italian msgs that refused the reservation. Finally e-mailed our hotelier, as Rick recommended, who emailed back a reservation number the same day - no charge!

Cecilia in Dallas, Te USA 06/15/2009

Best: Uffizi Gallery, Duomo Museum & top of Duomo
Why: Rick's podcast very helpful in Uffizi, an absolutely amazing gallery. We spent 3 hrs there. Many rooms not air-conditioned tho, so dress light-and-loose as it can get warm & stuffy when crowded. Duomo Museum also fascinating. Excellent, detailed descriptions accompany exhibits; we spent 3 hrs there also! Did not buy audiotour but there was plenty of incredibly useful, interesting info to read. Climb to top of Duomo now costs 8 euros but well worth it; stunning view of the city, but the close-up of art on dome ceiling was also jaw dropping. No wait at 8:45 on a Wed. morning.

Worst: Nothing was 'worse!' We just ran out of time! Trouble w/Ufizzi tickets
Why: I noticed an update on this on your Web site after I tried repeatedly to purchase tickets at www.b-tickets.com and kept getting Italian msgs that refused the reservation. Finally e-mailed our hotelier, as Rick recommended, who emailed back a reservation number the same day - no charge!

Cecilia in Dallas, Te USA 06/15/2009

Best: museum reservations, Il Cassato Viaggi
Why: Museum prebooking maximized our precious touring time Il Cassato Viaggi FANTASTIC articulate fun guide we took the San Gimignano tour and the Chianti tour GREAT value

Maggie F in St Louis, MO USA 06/01/2009

Best: Accomodations
Why: It was my THIRD time going to Florence within 6 months, and again, we didnot have hotel reservations. Luckily, we can always count on Maria and Francesco of KATIE HOUSE, to accommodate us, even when we arrived at 10:30pm without any notices. I cannot tell you how much we appreciated their hospitality and professionalism. They would meet all of our needs, which was to put all 4 of us in the same room, which is rare in Europe at the last minute request. My sisters LOVED the place since it is very convenient and centrally located near every thing, and within walking distant, to and from train station. When you are away from home, it is very comforting to be in the care of Maria and Francesco, knowing that they will do any thing and everything to assist you. TANTE GRAZIE! Maria and Francesco.

Tam Trinh in Santa Barbara, CA USA 05/04/2009

Best: Volterra
Why: quiet, quaint, gracious hosts

Worst: Volterra- the bathrooms at the Etruscan Museum
Why: I had held off looking for a WC, figuring there would be a WC at the museum. However, the WC at this museum is unisex and all the stalls were the type with the hole that you squat over. I'm over 50 and I don't squat! This was a problem that advanced warning would have helped.

Susan in Kansas City, KS USA 04/09/2009

Best: Walking Tours
Why: We did 3 tours-the 3 hour walking tour of Florence, the Uffizi and the Accademia. The guides were informative, helpful and went out of their way to involve my teenage daughter. We also enjoyed the Bargello and Duomo museums

Suzy Pare in Cleveland, Oh USA 04/04/2009

Best: Siena in general
Why: Charming, easy to get around in, great little out-of-the-way restaurants, lots to see & do. Traveling in Jan. may be cool, but no crowds & no lines at Museums make it worthwhile.

Mary Ann Bernauer in Plymouth, WI USA 01/23/2009

Best: Piazzale Michelangelo
Why: The view was terrific and without it, I may not have seen Florence as I've seen it in many photographs before. There's something wonderful about the Arno and the sequence of bridges across it.

Worst: Santa Maria Novella Station's ticket machines
Why: They indicated 'No Availability' on successive trains. It turned out seats were available on all of them, at the Biglietteria.

RK in San Francisco, CA USA 01/14/2009

Best: cinque terre
Why: it is so charming and beautiful and we were in torrential downpours most of the time.

dianne in gallagher, ny USA 11/10/2008

Best: florence
Why: a true walking city with wonderful people, fabulous food, the best wine, history, art, etc.

dianne gallagher in rochester, ny USA 11/10/2008

Best: Brancacci Chapel
Why: This was an unexpected find. We stumbled across it, and were delighted to find a detailed tour and description in the book. Serendipitous!

Diane Russ in Hartsdale, NY USA 11/03/2008

Best: Uffizi Reservations
Why: Got in line Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. Looked to be a couple hour wait. Called the recommended 'magical' make-a-reservation phone number. Got 12:00 Noon. So instead of stewing in line was able to spend valuable tourist time licking a gelato in Palazzo Vecchio courtyard.

Patrick in Cupertino, CA USA 10/31/2008

Best: Cinque Terre
Why: The place is absolutely breathtaking. I enjoyed all five of the quaint little towns, and hiking between all of them made for an adventurous day. I have never seen such amazing scenery as there is in the 'Five Towns of Heaven,'as I now refer to them.

Worst: Florence
Why: It may have just been the time of year that I went, but during June and July, Florence was so hot, crowded, and overwhelming that I felt like I was at Dinseyworld.

Lauren Mackenzie in Atlanta, GA USA 09/26/2008

Best: Volterra
Why: Charming town, not crowded, very interesting sights, friendly people.

Celia Strickler in Palmetto, FL USA 09/24/2008

Best: loved the Cellars at Contucci Cantina -however
Why: We were excited to meet Adamo, asked him to sign our Rick Steve's Florence & Tuscany 2008 book. We asked to take pictures with Adamo.....however with the picture came "a little extra hug and hand movement, above the stomach...I must say Adamo "copped a feel" during our picture moment.....thought we would share!! Thanks Shari

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

Best: Pienza and Volterra
Why: Pienza had mostly day-time tourists, (we were driving to nearby hill towns during the day), it was beautiful, the people were kind, we loved the food and company at La Buca di Enea and Il Giardino Secreto was great to "come home to" We really fell in love with Tuscany because of our experiences in Pienza. Pienza and a lot of Tuscany are a much more fun experience, though, if you practice a little Italian with Rick's phrase book, listen to a few tapes for pronunciation and not be afraid to try it out. People love it and will help you with it. Volterra is not to be missed if you want to picnic in the clouds!!! What a view and great wine!!!

Worst: Florence
Why: We LOVED the art and the Duomo etc. but there were many, many tourists and it just wasn't that relaxing. Rick's downloads of the Renaissance walk, the Uffizi and the Accademia were WONDERFUL and helped us get the most out of our experience in Florence, however.

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

Best: Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
Why: We stayed at Edi's apartment - excellent value. We also found a great little local restaurant at the bottom of the main street called "La Grotta"- faulous local food and very inexpensive.

Sharon Hodgkins in Sheffield, UK 06/04/2008

Best: Bardini Gardens
Why: You can sit in the Bardini Garden Cafe and see all of Florence with out the crowds.

Worst: Hotel Olivedo in Varenna
Why: Only because it's extremely noising day and night, so it's hard for a weary travelor to get sleep; however, Laura, who everyone treats as the pariah, was very nice and her food was to die for.

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

Best: Gelato
Why: There is no bad gelato in Italy!

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

Best: Ufizzi Gallery
Why: Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo.

Julia in San Francisco, CA USA 04/28/2008

Best: Hotel Centrale
Why: Good location, good breakfast, good service, good room. Could not ask for more.

Kelly Krug in Nanaimo, BC Canada 04/20/2008

Best: Boboli Gardens
Why: Tranquil and beautiful- it's a way to "get out of the city" without going far. The gardens have spectacular views and lots of places for sitting and enjoying the sunshine- a perfect place for a relaxing afternoon

Worst: Science Museum, Florence
Why: I was really looking forward to this, but was disappointed due to the fact that most of it was closed when I went. It was only bad because of that, though.

Meredith MA USA 03/22/2008

Best: Grom
Why: I love the gelato here. I live nearby this semester and truly enjoy it. Try the apple (mela) it's my favorite.

Erin in Tampa, FL USA 03/01/2008

Best: Volterra
Why: It was a real town, not geared for the tourist dollar. The sunsets from the west end of town were magical. The Etruscan museum was a joy. And the food was great

Worst: Pitti Palace (Florence)
Why: In a town with so much great art, I wouldn't waste time with this collection. While there are some big names, the works from these artists didn't seem to be their best. See the better Uffizi, Bargello, Duomo Museum, Accademia, Museum of San Marco, or Santa Croce Church (in that order) before the Pitti Palace.

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

Best: Climbing up the Leaning tower
Why: We reserved our time online, and there was no hassles to get the tickets at all. We climbed up during sunset, and it was a great view to see both daytime and nighttime. Thanks for the hints of bags issue. Many people in line has bags has to run back to drop off bags in the last minute.

Amy in Oakland, CA USA 01/02/2008

Best: Uffizi Gallery,Palazzo Vecchio
Why: The paintings in Uffizi. In Palazzo Vecchio, a palace employee guided us throughout the palace. We were a little late for the 'children's activity', so we were asked to wait on a bench near the reception. A few minutes later, an employee came and took our family on a personal tour of the whole palace ending with a meeting with the "Duke". It was wonderful.

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

Best: Lucca
Why: I was interested in the town but would not have done it as a solo day trip if the travel instructions from Florence had not been so precise. I loved Lucca.

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

Best: Original Walking Tours of Florence
Why: Our guide, Stephan, on the "Taste of Tuscany at the Villa" tour was excellent! Knowledgeable and friendly, he made a most enjoyable and memorable day for our small group. Getting out of the hustle-bustle of the city for a day was very refreshing.

jody in seattle, wa USA 11/12/2007

Best: Statue of David at the Accademia. Boboli and Bardini Gardens, Piazzale Michelangelo, and San Miniato Church. Oltrarno walk.
Why: It was spellbinding. Being in its presence cannot be captured in words or in a photograph. Gardens are gorgeous and a great way to get away from the crowds. Piazzale has a great view of the city, and the church has a very nice gift shop. Oltrarno is a great place to see without all the crowds.

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

Best: Leaning tower of Pisa
Why: It is so absurd. I saw photos of it all my life, as we all have, but seeing the thing leaning there -- VERY FUN. It does not seem possible. I didn't climb it or anything. I just looked at it and it made me laugh. Really enjoyed that the area around it was open and grassy and you could sit for a while and just take it in. It's a nice area. Did not stay overnight in Pisa, just passed through on the train. But loved it, for some reason.

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

Best: Chianti
Why: Wine was wonderful, lots of history too.

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

Worst: Florence
Why: Unlike Rome, which though crowded feels vibrant and alive, Florence gives one an overwhelmed and hassled feeling at each turn. Crowds are nearly impenetrable on the walk between the Accademia and the Uffizi. Entrance to the Uffizi is very confusing. We couldn't wait to get out of Florence.

Jim & Megan Taylor in Seattle, WA USA 10/09/2007

Best: Mueso di San Marco in Florence
Why: Rick's description of the frescoes in the monk's cells was excellent. Ditto for Rick's comments on displays in Florence's science mueseum and Bargello's sculptures. The Florence and Tuscany guidebook boosted appreciation of these sights.

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

Best: Uffizzi, Accademia - Florence overflows with amazing ART
Why: Seeing Botecelli's The Birth of Venus was very moving, it took my breath away, as did The David at the Accademia. The Uffizi is worth more than 2 hours if you have it to spare and are interested in art - I could go everyday for a week and still want more. We went to the Accademia in the morning and spent a good deal of time with David and the Four Prisoners - the Prisoners made me believe what Michelangelo believed about sculpting and figures struggling to free themselves from the stone. The art of Florence reminded me at my core that I am alive. Don't miss The Bargello - a lot of work here relates to other significant works in Florence, and the Santa Croce is also a must see - the tombs of Dante, Michelangelo and others are humbling - along with the history of the flood of 1966. As with most of Italy, there is so much to see and absorb, one has to make a determination what is at the top of your list and focus on those, leaving other sights for another trip. Even though we did our best to follow this advice, there are places I'd like to return to if for no other reason that to sit and just "be" there.

Tiphanie in Benoit, MI USA 09/08/2007

Best: Walk inside the Duomo
Why: The advice to go early in the morning eliminated the very long line we saw later in the afternoon. Very good advice. The way this tour shows you how the dome was built and the view at the top makes for a great experience.

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

Best: Uffizi
Why: Skipped the line, Rick Steve's tour was helpful and educational.

Worst: Accademia
Why: Expensive to see only the Prisoners & David!

Kate in Redondo Beach, CA USA 08/11/2007

Best: Pisa climb
Why: the guidebook told you the pertinent information, like go to the "yellow building." this was way better info than the address and open times. really. all these simple tips make the difference.

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

Best: Accademia and the Science Museum
Why: The David, WOW! Breathtaking! The Science Museum was interesting and provided a nice break from the paintings and sculptures. In the summer it was not necessarily "comfortably cool", but not a huge problem.

Devin in Olympia, WA USA 08/06/2007

Best: Original Florence Walk--Artviva Tours
Why: Great historical, cultural, and architectural background. Perfect for our first full day in Florence.

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

Best: Frances' Lodge in Siena
Why: Frances and her husband were very helpful in making recommendations for places to visit and how to get around town during The Palio.

Donna Anderson in Arroyo Grande, CA USA 07/29/2007

Best: Florence
Why: All the sites are great but some deserve special attention - Leonardo Musuem, Duomo Museum, Bargello, Basilica of the Assumption, Medici Chapesl, Pitti Palace comlex

Worst: David/Archeology Museum
Why: The David is a one hit wonder and the archeology museum is just lousy - only a quarter is even open with a so so egyptian dislay

Marc in Jersey City, NJ USA 07/14/2007

Best: View from Fiesole and all Florence art
Why: A thirty minute bus ride to beautiful views of Florence and surrounding hills. Art interpretations are terrific

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

Best: Great Synagogue of Florence (Tempio Maggiore)
Why: Few tourists and it is gorgeous.

[Editor's Note: The synagogue is at Via Luigi Carlo Farini 4, in the NE section of the city center.]

Dan in Boise, ID USA 06/27/2007

Best: Il Bargellino
Why: Il Bargellino was full of beautiful art. Pino is a wonderful painter! Our room was spotlessly clean and graciously decorated. The refrigerator was very helpful and the patio was a luxury! I spent two hours out on the patio with my watercolors, looking at the lemon tree and the terracotta sculpture and listening to Carmel's and Pino's wonderful canary! What an oasis from the crush of tourists! We felt very at home! J&K of Boston

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

Best: How to beat the lines at the major attractions
Why: Just completed a 10 day tour of Paris, Florence and Rome, using Rick's guidebooks all the way. We did many things that were recommended, but the best were: Reserving tickets ahead for the Uffizi and Accademia in Florence, buying the museum pass in Paris (and going to the Lourve in the evening), and hitting the Vatican early on a Wednesday morning (only waited in line for about 30 minutes!!) It was wonderful not to waste precious hours standing in lines!

Linda Woodall in Gainesville, Ga USA 05/12/2007

Best: The view of Siena from the top of the Duomo Museum
Why: We didn't do the bell tower in Siena. We didn't think that you could improve on this view. From here you could see the gorgeous bell tower and everything else as well. The veiw of the city, surrounding areas and all the clay roof tops was outstanding.

Worst: Accademia
Why: It was great to see the actual full-sized David, but there wasn't much else to this museum. No gorgeous ceilings or walls like most of the other musuems in Europe. Besides, there are copies of the David all over Europe.

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

Worst: Civic Museum
Why: This was by far the least interesting site we visted in Florence & Siena and at 7 Euro it is far too expensive for what you get. There are several interesting things inside (Good/Bad Government) but the total value just isn't there. Would have been better off wandering around in town looking at the architecture.

Mike Harry in San Jose, CA USA 04/28/2007

Best: Medici Chapels in Florence
Why: Had never heard of it and therefore was the most amazing surprise.

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

Best: Piazza Michelangelo
Why: After days of in & out of churches & museums, something was needed to break the routine of crowds and historical/artistic overload. The bus ride (#12 from the St.Maria Novella)up to the piazza was relaxing & it was neat to see some of the more upscale residences in Florence. The views are great from the top and the little cafe just below it, although possibly pricey, was a great way to further enjoy the view.

George Easton in Westlake, OH USA 04/04/2007

Best: Cafe Daria, Florence
Why: Good food. Not all tourists. It's on Borgo degli Albizi, about two businesses west of the arch where Via dell'Oriuolo and Borgo Piniti meeat. This is east of the Duomo. Sheri is an American married to the owner. She's warm and friendly. She spend a lot of time in the caffe and if you go, you will probably see here there. The lunch was good. We went back for happy hour. Excellent food was excellent wine recommendations. Florentines use the caffe. This place was a great find and I recommend it to other travelers.

Worst: Cafe Caruso, Florence
Why: This cafe labels itself as specializing in American style of music. The place is dirty. I think the wine was watered down. I felt bad for our server, she was good and offered to make things right. We were there in March of 2007 during the coldest spell of weather all year...no heat. We had a couple of appetizers, drank the bad wine they served, and left fast. Tasty morsels of food. Overall, the worst food value, worst wine, and the worst overall cafe experience during our trip to Italy. An outlier to be sure, and to be avoided. Maybe go for the music and drink a glass of wine or a beer while listening to music.

phil burger in seattle, wa USA 04/01/2007

Best: David, Uffizi, Boboli, Siena tips very helpful!
Why: Seeing David evoked the same awe struck feelings that I had when I went to the Grand Palace in Thailand. Absolutely beyond words- no matter how many pictures you see, or texts you read, nothing prepares the spirit for such a sight. Although the Boboli Gardens don't have a must see rating in your book, we had a blast wandering through, and my husband was fascinated by the fort behind the gardens. Even though the book isn't into the da vinci museum, it really spoke to us (engineer husband)~ bringing the drawings of this master to life was amazing to us~

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

Best: San Miniato sur Monte Church
Why: Take the local bus from the train station for a lovely view of wonderful estates in area. San Miniato is quiet and lovely church with fabulous views. The cemetary is a glimpse in to the real lives of Florentine families.

Deb in Livingston, NJ USA 03/28/2007

Best: Volterra
Why: We were in town on a Saturday morning and the whole town was filled with locals visiting a farmer's market. This is what I think of when I think of Tuscany.

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

Best: Driving trip from Siena to Asciano and Montalcino
Why: Spectacular landscapes--each turn led to another, more beatiful calendar shot. This drive made us want to spend an entire week or more wandering thru the backroads of Tuscany next vacation. Thanks for the tip.

Brad Johnson in Phoenix, AZ USA 03/26/2007

Best: Annie Adair in Volterra
Why: In May 2006, we were staying in Volterra and wanted to go to Pisa, but were VERY hesitant to drive there. I called Annie Adair to see if she would go with us on short notice - she couldn't but helped us get a driver, Paolo, who was fantastic. We hope to go back and, hopefully, try to have a tour with Annie AND use Paolo again.

L.S. in Fredericksburg, VA USA 03/19/2007

Best: The Original Walking Tour of Florence
Why: Everything is prefessional and easy. The office staff is friendly and the guides are very knowledgable and friendly. They answer all questions and make wonderful suggestions.

Maria in Long Valley, NJ USA 03/19/2007

Best: Duomo and Pitti Palace
Why: Duomo - excellent views Pitti Palace - reminiscent of Versailles

Jimmy in Fairhope, AL USA 03/08/2007

Best: Santa Maria Novella perfumery
Why: Such a special place. I bought lots of soaps for gifts. So unique and special and have been in operation since 1612!

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

Best: rural tuscany
Why: it is the nearest place to Heaven on earth.

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

Best: Residenza il Villino FLORENCE
Why: Everything about the experience was great. The location, the setting, the breakfast and coffees and most of all the graciousness and helpfulness of Sergio and his wife. The really made us feel at home.

Ron Thomas in Glencoe, IL USA 01/08/2007