24 hours in… Florence

coupole-firenze-fresco_potpis

Yes, I’m dreaming again but I do have able assistance.  Take a look at Paula on Lost in Translation.  The lady has a supreme talent in photography. These are all her images, which I’ve stolen in a good cause.  I hope I’ll be forgiven.

It’s ages since I’ve entered a competition but this one by Accor Hotels is too good to resist, even though I’m pushing the deadline.  24 Hours In…   Just name your city, and off you go.  My initial reaction- ’24 hours in Florence?’ Impossible!!!  But then resourcefulness kicks in.  I’m a huge fan of free walking tours.  Nothing I like better than a good ramble and to just follow my nose, but my nose has a terrible habit of getting me lost.  With time at a premium I’ll opt to follow ‘one who knows’.  And afterwards pick their brains for good places to eat and whatever else I can pack in.

Florence Free Tour has 2 options.  One at 11.00 and one at 14.00, both starting from the Santa Maria Novella church.

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I know I won’t be able to sleep for excitement so I’ll be up at the crack of dawn, grab a coffee and out on the streets to just absorb Florence.  I’ve heard tell there are secret bakeries, open very early, so if I stumble upon a waft of pastry, so much the better.  The other half is always reluctant to be prised from his bed but, if I can persuade him, I’ll have a slot booked at the Uffizi.  They open at 8.15, so not too hard to escape the crowds.

Culture tucked in my back pocket, time to join the morning walking tour, when I can hope to get my bearings. Afterwards I’m going to allow a substantial time for collapse and a leisurely lunch.  Somehow I have to find the energy to climb the 463 steps to get a proper look at Brunelleschi’s Cupola in the Duomo.  I’ve seen Paula’s photo and I know it will be worth it.

I always gravitate to a river, and in Florence there is the biggest incentive of all time, the Ponte Vecchio.  I might have to pinch myself when I get there.  Not since Venice have I been this excited!  A browse through the arcades and a nice little cafe for a restoring coffee. (and I know he’ll want a cake!)  There’s one more must see on my list.  You can’t be married to a garden designer and not visit the Boboli Gardens.  Even if it rains!  It seems the perfect place to watch the sun set over this lovely city.  Maybe there will be an evening concert at the Pitti Palace, but if not it will be a leisurely meal, and then just strolling and sighing until my legs won’t walk any more.

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I haven’t been there yet, but when I do, next February, I very much hope to enjoy this vista, at Twilight.  And when I do I’ll be telling you all about it.

Meantime, do you have any tips on how to spend 24 hours in your favourite city?  Accor Hotels would very much like to hear them, and if you’re awfully quick there are super prizes!  Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin ring any bells?

109 comments

  1. I love your writing because the joy pulls one in – and looking forward to seeing your photos after the Feb trip.
    And I agree about Paula’s photos – so good with her touch.

    And with this post – the part that you really grabbed me with was the early morning walk – crack of dawn and see what is open…
    I think many travelers will agree that getting out to “see” is priority and sometimes that crack of dawn stroll is magical.
    And the enthusiasm gently layered in your words makes me smile in general. Funny how that happens.
    And side note –
    On a trip in Canada a few years back – hubs and I went out at the crack of dawn.
    Hungry for food and culture – but nothing opened til 7 and 8 a.m.
    It was so disappointing – so we made the super log walk back to our hotel – needing java and food- and got some back at the hotel –
    But we were shocked at how late the streets opened up in that tourist town….

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  2. Never been to Florence, Jo, but from what I know about Renaissance art, I’d need at least a week! On the other hand, I could design a one day tour of Prague quite easily – lived there a year, and the city is quite compact.

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  5. What a great trip to look forward to. And I do hope you win with Accor. It’s years since I was in Florence. So long ago, I can barely remember it, except in a dream-like way..

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  6. With Paula’s stunning photos and your well written prose, I think you have a good chance of winning. Even if you don’t, you will still get your opportunity to live what you wrote. 🙂

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    1. The judges pick their favourites on 15th December, Becky, and then it’ll be open to voting. I did wonder how I was going to organise 9 nights away with Paula but decided to leave the decision for now. 🙂

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  10. I visited Florence in February and it was amazing. Low season is the best time to go, there is no queuing and you can see a lot more. I will recommend a visit to the food Market and climb the stairs up to the Dome for an amazing view of Florence. I would love to go again😄

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    1. I’ll definitely be climbing the steps, Gilda. 🙂 Food markets are not so much my thing so it will depend how the time goes. I’m really looking forward to it.
      How are you? Are you busy on a project because you don’t seem to be writing posts at present?

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  12. I will get round to commenting – you’ve sent me off trawling the competition site and then wondering how I’d present Warsaw. I’ll probably tackle this beyond the competition boundaries. I like your Florence better than the ambassadorial accounts of Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam. Too much time spent eating, drinking and shopping! Whereas you amble and stroll and have a varied 24 hours. 8.30 at the Uffizi sounds great – most such things don’t open till 10, by which time I’m ready for an afternoon nap. I’m looking forward to visiting Florence with you. Hugs on a day when both lots of grandparents turned up for pick up! I really hope it wasn’t my wires that got crossed.

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    1. So how did you decide whose turn it was? I will look forward to your 24 hours in Warsaw. In fairness to the ambassadors I couldn’t have written those kind of accounts because I don’t have the knowledge, so mine was more wishful thinking (especially the getting Mick out of bed for an 8.15 start- I suspect I’ll be going without him 🙂 ). I did enjoy my bit of research though. Thank you for being so loyal 🙂

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  14. Twenty four hours is just too little time to spend in this stunning city. Even after a week I didn’t want to leave…wonderful memories came flooding back with your post…you capture the essence of Florence! We went to Uffizi very late in the afternoon and had it almost to ourselves. Surreal!

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  15. What a delightful post! I spent a lovely day in Florence a couple of years ago but I was there with pre-teen kids and a not-so-arty husband. I need to go back. Your plan sounds wonderful 😉

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  16. I did spend 24 hours in Florence… it was 32 years ago, but I remember the rain, the David, the smell of leather in shops, and the micro-mosaic bracelet I brought home… 🙂 I’d love to be there in sunshine!

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  17. This is great, Jo. I wrote a similar post called Florence in a Day, but with a different take which came in the form of a tour guide geared toward children. We saw so much in such a short time window. I love the Biboli Gardens too :).

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    1. I think it really concentrates the mind to have a short time frame, Corey. The reality will probably be very different because I will be so starry eyed. 🙂 (and I’ll have 4 nights!) Thanks, darlin.

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  18. Three years ago we spent a week an hour drive W. from Firenze (that’s how the Italians call Florence), but there was so much to see and painted in Lucca (since Tuscany is almost heaven for painters) , Cinque Terre and Nice (France) that we didn’t get to spend even one day in Florence. Hope there’ll be a next time! Wish you enjoyment in Flprence:)

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