Florence & Tuscany 2012 Guidebook
Best and worst sights, experiences and destinations:
Best: Duomo climb
Why: We love everything in Florence--but this was our kids' favorite (including our 6 year old who climbed it faster than anyone else)
Worst: Galileo Museum
Why: We expected this to be "hands on" and a nice break for our kids from art. However, it was still just look, look, look. They really missed the boat with their recent renovation. Too expensive for what we got at this site.
Carol Losos in Jersey City, NJ USA 01/02/2012
Best: Galleria Accamedia and Galleria Uffizi
Why: Not only for the fantastic art but for the tip in your guide book, called ahead, made reservations for tickets, saved at least one or more hours at each location!!! thank you!!!!
Larry Barstow in Buena Park, Ca USA 11/30/2011
Best: Santa Croce Leather School
Why: Great find!
Rachel in Washington, DC USA 11/08/2011
Best: Michelangelo's "David", Accademia, Florence
Why: We loved this powerful work of art and the rest of the museum as well. One tip: when reserving your visit time online, arrange the very first one at 0815. They let us in about 20 minutes before the first tour groups so we had a wonderful, quiet small-group experience with David. (See Uffizi note below).
Worst: Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Why: This place was a hot, steamy, crowded madhouse!! Even though we were on a guided tour, we really didn't get to see that much. After 2 hours, all we could think of was getting out of there! I think our "mistake" was going at 2 in the afternoon, but that was when the tour started. There is great art here but all we can say is: try to plan your visit to avoid crowds.
Chuck&Merilee Hill in Chehalis, WA USA 10/24/2011
Best: Florence
Why: Katti House was a wonderful place to stay. The restaurant next door has wonderful food at very reasonable prices.
Laura in Oak Park, IL USA 10/20/2011
Best: Katti Trattoria, in Florence
Why: We stayed at the Katti house in Florence and discovered that she has a restaurant called Katti Trattoria two doors down from her hotel. We ate there both nights because it was so good and affordable. Much cheaper than the other restaurants around. The food was delicious and Anna Maria was so gracious.. I highly recommend the restaurant as well as the hotel. I would like to see it in the book.
Pamela Robinson in Chico, Ca USA 10/03/2011
Best: Guided tour of the Duomo in Florence
Why: This was unlike any other church tour that we've ever taken. The guide was wonderful - very friendly and informative. Also, we got to go places that were locked off, and see the church from unbelievable perspectives - like the roof!!!
Roland Klassen in Oakville, ON Canada 09/25/2011
Best: Trattoria Nella, Florence
Why: Absolutely the best gnocchi!!!
Worst: Walking tour in Volterra
Why: Rick recommended guided by Annie Adair. We showed up, along with 11 other people. Annie wasn't there, but a man named Franz led the tour. It was an hour long of political diatribe and personal opinions. He insulted Americans (we're NOT American), most Christians, and did everything but tell about the history of the town. We spoke with some of the others in the group after - they had the same opinions. It was painful and a waste of 10 euros and an hour of our lives.
Roland Klassen in Oakville, ON Canada 09/25/2011
Worst: Trattoria ZaZa
Why: Aggressive hustlers to get you into the place, a way-too-big menu with mediocre food, and really bad service. The interior was cute and quaint but not worth it.
Scott in Austin, TX USA 09/25/2011
Best: Places to stay, sights to see, and podcasts.
Why: Because everything that was recommended was spot on with no negative experiences. Our expectations were exceeded by all of the books recommendations!
The podcasts were an absolute god-send to have in Venice and Florence! They offered such a great experience to help soak up just a fraction of the culture and history that were flooding and overwhelming our senses.
Todd & Mary in Hastings, MN USA 08/14/2011
Best: Katti House in Florence
Why: Again, see above.
Worst: None yet.
Why: N/A
Joe Weilenman in Pago Pago, AS American Samoa 08/11/2011
Best: Katti House in Florence
Why: Again, see above.
Worst: None yet.
Why: N/A
Joe Weilenman in Pago Pago, AS American Samoa 08/11/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: Best restaurant in town
Xochitl in Oseguera, CA USA 08/06/2011
Best: Exterior of the Duomo in Florence & interior of the Basilica San Marco in Venice
Why: Stunningly beautiful
Matt Knopp in Seattle, WA USA 08/05/2011
Best: Katti House
Why: The owner was very hospitable and tried to meet all our needs...especially with holding our luggage beyound the check-out time. Also with the Rick Steves cash discount, the price was unbeatable for these clean and centrally located rooms.
Arlene Brumm in Mukilteo, WA USA 07/26/2011
Best: The upper hiking trails above Corniglia
Why: Spectacular views and trails built with the intelligence of four hundred years of walking.
Peter Showler in Ottawa, ON Canada 07/11/2011
Best: Katti House, Florence
Why: This wonderfully situated hotel from the 1400's is truly a delight. You have easy access to all the highlights in Florence yet can take a break and enjoy the antique environment in the cool of the air conditioning. Katti and Maria are eager to help you with anything they can... orientation, restaurant suggestions (Trattoria Katti is located directly under the hotel), and even some Italian if you are interested. You won't find better accommodations in Florence!!!!
Ann Hansen in Kenmore, WA USA 07/07/2011
Best: Accademia, Uffizi & Museum of San Marco
Why: Accademia (David) Uffizi (Spring and Birth of Venus by Botticelli) San Marco (Fra Angelico and monastery tour)
Caroline Greene in Bicester, England 07/06/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: A very nice and cosy restaurant in the heart of Florence in via Guelfa run by a gentle woman and her family , brand new just open a month ago. with great tipically toscany food and great prices ! some tables outside for the great italian weather in a very calm street.
lefty in new york, ny USA 06/21/2011
Best: Katti's House
Why: Perfect location! Easy to get to Great staff-- Maria, her husband and daughter Katti were all so very helpful in all of my needs.
Worst: -
Why: -
Briana Benson in Los Angeles, CA USA 06/19/2011
Best: Trattoria Katti
Why: A warm and welcoming staff who could not have been kinder and more helpful. Delicious cuisine, comfortable rooms, and the best of Florence
Tim in Crossland, oh USA 06/13/2011
Best: Hotel Il Giardino
Why: Beautiful hotel on the outskirts of town. Immediately adjacent to the Pispini Porta (one of several gates to Siena in the Medival walled city). 100 meters from the gate; 1000 meters from the center of town. Extraordinary service - family run. Gorgeous outdoor pool, jacuzzi, turkish bath. Beautiful views of the Tuscan hills. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommend. We celebrated our 40th anniversary here and went to Da Divo for dinner. What a combination!
Bob Lees in Bettendorf, ia USA 06/12/2011
Best: Florence American Cemetery
Why: I would not have know it was there. Thanks.
Jim Deppen in Louisville, KY USA 05/27/2011
Best: Costume Museum and Argenit Museum, Pitti Palace
Why: These two small museums at the Pitti Palace are really worth the visit, especially if you are a little burned out on art museums. The costumes were really varied and different. The Argenti (Medici Treasures museum) was also very interesting-everything from jewelry to wine making equipment and booty from other cultures. A nice change of pace when you really aren't in the mood for another painting.
Allison Garth in Little Silver, NJ USA 05/24/2011
Best: The Accademia
Why: The real David is breathtaking. The copy outside the Palazzo Vecchio does not compare. It is worth going to see the real thing. I found myself just stopping and trying to soak it all in. I don't understand why they won't allow photos though. I can't imagine that cameras without flash would harm a statue that stood outside for hundreds of years! Still, worth the visit.
Allison Garth in Little Silver, NJ USA 05/24/2011
Worst: Siena Pinacoteca
Why: Siena's Pinacoteca has now instituted a policy which not only bans all photography (somewhat understandable, if short-sighted), but requires visitors to leave their bags in a locker outside the galleries and to deposit at the front desk a piece of photo ID. You are only informed of these requirements after purchasing entrance tickets. I found this so objectionable that I demanded my money back, but was nonetheless obliged to fill out a form explaining my reasons, before a refund was issued.
Stephen Alsford in Ottawa, ON Canada 05/22/2011
Best: Art Viva Walking Tours
Why: We loved to much about Florence/Tuscany, but one thing we found only in Rick Steve's was Art Viva Walk Tours which were wonderful. We opted for the Bike Tour of Tuscany - absolutely Beautiful, Delicious and Fun!
Sarah Menkhus in St. Louis , MO USA 05/13/2011
Best: Festival of Gelato
Why: They had EVERY flavor of gelato I'd ever come across throughout countless gelato visits throughout Italy
Worst: Brancacci Chapel
Why: E4 to see one frescoed alcove? Yea, its beautifully restored but really for only VERY hardcore fresco lovers, which I'm one of but still I was disappointed. Also, long walk there thru a sketchy neighborhood.
Doug in Seattle, USA 05/03/2011
Best: The Oltrarno Walk
Why: It was a simple, low key way for my husband and I to simply be together, get away from the crowds and soak up Florence!
Shannon Fonferko in Schaumburg, IL USA 03/20/2011
Worst: Trying to schedule La Bucaccia Cooking Class - Cortona
Why: I have sent 8 e-mails to Romano at La Bucaccia over 3 months trying to schedule a cooking class for a group of firends in May 2011. I even sent a message on the restaurant website. To date I have had only one very cursory response with none of the information that I requested. Finally, I enlisted the Cortona Tourist Information Office to assist in contacting La Bucaccia. Luca, from the TI Office, very graciously did contact the restaurant and that is when I received the one response back. With still no information with which to make a decision or confirm the booking, I again asked Luca to run interferrence which he said he would do. To date I have had no response back from Romano. I selected La Bucaccia because friends took the cooking class there two years ago and raved about it. I have talked with them and they also reported much difficulty in getting ANY response from Romano. They were able to book the cooking class only because they drove to Cortona on one day and scheduled the class in person for the next day. They drove back to Cortona on the next day and took the class. Frankly, I have given up on La Bucaccia and have scheduled another class in a different town. I do not understand how/why this restaurant is highlighted in Rick's book when the responsiveness is totally inadequate. I also do not understand why the restaurant wants you to e-mail for information about the cooking class and then completely ignores the requests for information. They have permanently lost my business.
Maryann Clark in Palos Verdes, CA USA 02/09/2011
Best: Pitti Palace, Bargello
Why: Not the usual run of Madonna and Child paintings...
Mark Pruett in Dallas, TX USA 12/30/2010
Best: Downloadable podcast tours from iTunes
Why: Fantastic, better than having your nose in the book and since every member of our family has his own iPod, it worked really well for us.
Anne in Washington, DC USA 12/30/2010
Best: Making reservations for Uffizi and Accademia
Why: Virtually walked right in without waiting in lines.
Dotti Cichon in Mountain View, Ca USA 11/22/2010
Best: Uffizi Gallery in Florence, ArtViva tour
Why: We took an ArtViva tour of the Uffizi that was excellent! Thanks to Rick for recommending this company. Our guide was a young Italian woman who did a wonderful tour and helped us understand the progression from medieval to Renaissance. I am a docent for my local art museum and her tour had all the elements of an outstanding tour.
Worst: Finding the bus station in Florence
Why: We stayed at Katti House/Annamaria, close to the Train Station but for some reason had a difficult time finding the bus station for our trip to San Gimignano. It was raining the morning we set out and the bus station was kind of hidden. Maybe more explicit directions (like facing the station to your left, look for the sign that says....., station is inside) would be good. The book says 100 yds. west of the train station on Via Sta. Caterina da Siena. Some of us are N-S-E-W challenged.
Joan Ofteness in Bellingham, WA USA 11/12/2010
Best: (1)museum dell-Opera just behind Duomo; (2) Academia and Uffizi; (3) Davanzata 14th century house on Via Porta Rosa; 4 San Gimignano.
Why: 1.Materials from the Duomo, great materials, small scale and well presented; 2. David breathtaking-not to be missed; Uffizi-great paintings and rooftop coffee shop nice break afterwards with great view; 3. This medieval house fascinating view of 14th century life-not recommended strongly enough and many floors open to tour when we were there. 4.San Gimignano great trip to get out in Tuscan countryside away from city for a day-beautiful old town, nice lunch at Beppone in quiet garden.
Martins in HOPEWELL, VA USA 11/03/2010
Best: 3-Day Tour Itinerary of Florence
Why: We visited all of the top sights at good times during the day.
Worst: Rental Car Pickup south of train station
Why: Hertz rental car agency in Florence was an awful place to pick up a rental car. There was a long line that was for both pick-up and drop-off, and no directions were posted on the office process. A total mess and time waster.
Jim Gray in Novato, CA USA 10/24/2010
Best: We have bought all of your Italy books from Amazon downloaded on our I-Pad and have had a great experience using your guides through the museums and towns of Italy.
Why: We have bought all of your Italy books from Amazon downloaded on our I-Pad and have had a great experience using your guides through the museums and towns of Italy.
Kenyon Morgan in Oklahoma City, Ok USA 10/20/2010
Best: We have bought all of your Italy books from Amazon downloaded on our I-Pad and have had a great experience using your guides through the museums and towns of Italy.
Why: We have bought all of your Italy books from Amazon downloaded on our I-Pad and have had a great experience using your guides through the museums and towns of Italy.
Kenyon Morgan in Oklahoma City, Ok USA 10/20/2010
Best: We especially enjoyed staying in Siena, and driving to the various hill towns in Tuscany.
Why: The food is absolutely the best in Siena and hill towns near Siena, San Gimignano and Montepulciano.
Worst: Mosquitoes
Why: I was eaten alive by mosquitoes, in Vernazza, Florence, Siena, and Rome. Our visit to Italy was between the 13th and the 27th of September.
Gary Erickson in Kirkland, WA USA 10/02/2010
Best: Katti House, Florence
Why: Fantastic location in central Florence. We stayed one night in mid June 2010. Wonderfull owner, speaks little English but does respond to E-mail. Easy walking distance from train station to hotel and from hotel to all major sites. Has a pay Laundry right accross the street! Great rooms, flet like we were home.
Pat Kluckman in Colorado Springs, CO USA 08/18/2010
Best: Katti House, Florence
Why: Fantastic location in central Florence. We stayed one night in mid June 2010. Wonderfull owner, speaks little English but does respond to E-mail. Easy walking distance from train station to hotel and from hotel to all major sites. Has a pay Laundry right accross the street! Great rooms, flet like we were home.
Pat Kluckman in Colorado Springs, CO USA 08/18/2010
Best: Amalfi coast bus tour
Why: We took your advice to ride on right side of bus going south from Sorrento. Our tour group had a large bus and a smaller one. Fortunately we took the smaller one where A/C did not conk out. People on larger bus had no A/C and several sick children all the way back to our hotel.
Donald T. Rodda in 402 Buckingham Circle, Wyckoff, NJ 07481, NJ USA 08/06/2010
Worst: Pisa
Why: Not really bad, but there are so many other places to visit in Tuscany, that I felt like I was wasting my time.
Alicia C. in Tampico, Ta Mexico 07/29/2010
Best: All of the Tuscan towns we visited
Why: There were many beautiful churches and wine makers I sent a recommendation Letter to Rick Steves
Dennis Imwalle in Cincinnati, Oh USA 07/15/2010
Best: Hotel Maxim
Why: About 10 minutes from the station, the hotel is very close to all of the major sights in Florence. The door is about a block past the Duomo, with a clean entryway into the elevator. The hotel is on the 4th floor, with a very clean and nicely decorated lobby just off the elevator. The people at the hotel were very polite and helpful. They made reservations for us at the various museums and e-mailed the list to us within a day after I made the request. They have two computers available in the lobby for guest use. These systems are reasonably modern and were available whenever we needed them. Our room was clean and comfortable and, along with the rest of the hotel, pleasantly decorated. The breakfast room is spacious and has a good variety of food and drinks to start the day. All-in-all, a very good and inexpensive stay that helped make out stay in Forence memorable.
Bill in Dayton, Oh USA 07/13/2010
Worst:
Why: With a name like that it had to be good but ugh.
mekahami in San Jose, Ca USA 07/09/2010
Best: all the museums and churches and Volterra
Why: We used your guidebook in every museum and church and it was truly our "guide". Volterra - the medieval town was such a pleasant surprise and we enjoyed the bus ride there (we did need to switch buses twice) and the artisans at work. a relief to not have many americans around.
Dave and Hillary Hoppock in Orinda, CA USA 07/05/2010
Best: borgo argenina and la spaggia
Why: the borgo argenia is the most beautiful place i have ever visited.Our stay of 3 days was great, the owner and the villa were perfect,we also loved andrea poggi owner of laspaiggia hotel in monteroso, he is the best a real personallity, very helpful, great rooms.
fred webster ma USA 06/23/2010
Best: Uffizi and Academie
Why: Took your advice and got in with no problem per reservation. Also used your descriptions to zero in on what I really wanted to see without need of any audio guide, etc.
Diane Reitmyer in Spring, TX USA, USA 06/21/2010
Best: Montepulciano
Why: Our accomodations, great restaurants, ease of maneuverability in the town, easy base for other Hill Towns, friendly people, not too crowded, beautiful scenery. Just an all-around fabulous experience.
Barbara Jennings in Munds Park, az USA 06/10/2010
Best: Montelcino
Why: Small, human, wonderful food and wine and the views are mind bending. We drove there and that was a blast. We walked through the neighborhoods without hesitation and it was enchanting.
Worst: None
Why: We simply were not disappointed by anything Rick recommended.
Michael Chevalier in New Hope, PA USA 06/02/2010
Best: Taverna il Grappolo Blu - Montalcino
Why: The best food of the trip, superb and friendly service.
Worst: Osteria al Giardino - Montalcino
Why: The food was as advertised but Paolo was missing from the dining room and things took forver. Giovanni is very charming and serious about his food though.
Michael Chevalier in New Hope, PA USA 05/27/2010
Best: Florence: Museum of San Marco, Bargello and San Miniato
Why: To us, these were the best "unexpected" pleasures. Rick covers them well. Don't miss. San Miniato has spectacular views of Florence. We attended the Gregorian chant mass at 5:30pm.
Ron and Natalie Wickham in Foster City, CA USA 05/02/2010
Best: Tours Around Tuscany
Why: This was the second time we have taken a tour with them. They pick you up at your hotel, drive you to gorgeous places that are off the beaten path (we were often the only visitors), treat you to a wonderful lunch and explain everything that you see. Itineraries are customized to what your party wants to see and do. Our guide, Gianni, speaks perfect English and clearly is passionate about his job and Tuscany. It is always a highlight of our trip. http://tat.web.officelive.com/default.aspx
Steve in Tulsa, OK USA 04/05/2010
Best: Church of San Marco
Why: I enjoyed this church so much for its charm and intimacy. The Fra Angelica paintings were wonderful. The monks cells with their frescos so interesting.
Katharine Crosson in Kansas City, MO USA 03/12/2010
Best: Hotel Colomba
Why: This hotel is absolutely a great place to stay. A short walk to everything, great staff, gnummy buffet breakfast and free internet access. We absolutely recommend Hotel Colomba and suggest you to introduce in your great books!!!
Rebecca Reds in Austin, tx USA 02/25/2010
Best: San Miniato Church, Museum of San Marco, Church Santa Maria Novella
Why: because of theirs in situ art. I also loved !!! the Spanish Chapel of the Church of Santa Maria Novella
Worst: Leather School at Santa Croce
Why: For me disappointing about leather work.
Farago Eva in Szombathely, HUngary 02/21/2010
Best: Pisa
Why: Don't be mislead by the comments that it is tacky. Untrue. The tower would be impressie, even if it wren't leaning
Worst: Lucca
Why: After 5 seconds looking at the wall, there is absolutely nothing to see there.
Ogden Smith in Brookline, MA USA 02/06/2010
Best: Uffizi
Why: Spectacular
Worst: santa maria de ricci organ concerts
Why: Pretty mediocre music, it was free.
David Neely in Chicago, IL USA 01/31/2010
Best: Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Why: It turned out to be so much better than expected.
Karen Ferlito in Carmel, CA USA 01/21/2010
Best: Etruscan Museum in Cortona
Why: Wonderful exhibition of Etruscan artifacts
Worst: none
Why: Rick's suggestions were great
Tom Kieselbach in St. Paul, Mn USA 01/16/2010
Best: Visiting Lucca
Why: Lucca is visitor-friendly but not touristy, and is compact for easily exploration. We enjoyed pleasant autumn (late Oct) weather for the evening stroll with locals, who were buying fresh roasted chestnuts on the street. We took a morning walk around the city walls (about two miles)and encountered a foot race underway.
Worst: Fighting the mobs in Florence
Why: Last visited Florence 40 years ago, so was amazed at the teaming crowds on the sidewalks. Luckily, we bought our Uffizi tickets online, skipped the line, and had a very relaxed experience there - (not nearly so packed as Rome's Vatican Museum.)
Chris in Cedar Point, NC USA 12/04/2009
Best: Basilica Santa Croce-
Why: We recommend if you are going to see one church- this is the one. Skip the Leather School- outrageous prices....
Maura in Stamford, CT USA 11/27/2009
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