Statue of David

[graymadeb]

Just purchased our tickets to see David! The confirmation is all in Italian.:eek: haha but all is good. Google translate gave me the jist of it all. And I will receive the confirmation voucher in a few days. Will be in Firenze on Tuesday October 26th sailing on NCL Jade. Our time will be 12:15. Cost total was 56 euros for four of us.

 

Data transazione: 07/10/2010 20.40.00

Importo biglietti: 40,00 €

Importo prenotazione: 16,00 €

[Atwell]

It was 1999 when I was in that Florence museum and as I re-call, there was NO restrictions against taking still pictures there without a flash. Don't know the current policy. Most of the problems are with those using flashes and/or being disruptive to others trying to see and enjoy these great places. Using flash can be a problem for the historic art pieces and/or creating safety issues for others inside these somewhat congested spaces.

 

This is the website for this museum, but they don't have an English version, right now.

http://www.accademia.firenze.it

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

We were at the Accademia several weeks ago. They do not allow photos with or without a flash and the security guards will rush over to you if they see you starting to use your camera. The Uffizi does not allow photos either. (The Vatican Museum does allow photos except for the Sistine Chapel).

[TLCOhio]

We were at the Accademia several weeks ago. They do not allow photos with or without a flash and the security guards will rush over to you if they see you starting to use your camera. The Uffizi does not allow photos either. (The Vatican Museum does allow photos except for the Sistine Chapel).

 

THANKS for the updated photo info! This website might be good in English for tickets, added info:

http://www.b-ticket.com/b-ticket/uffizi/info_venue.aspx

 

For the Uffizi, they note the hours are:

Open Tuesday through Sunday, 8:15-18:50

Closed: Mondays, Christmas, New Year’s Day, May 1st (Labor Day).

 

Here are a few other highlights/items of interest:

The restaurant café is located on the Gallery floor at the end of the tour. It overlooks a terrace with an extraordinary, cool views of the city.

 

HISTORY FROM THEIR WEBSITE: The Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s leading museums, dates back to 1560, when Cosimo I de' Medici commissioned Giorgio Vasari to build a grand, two-wing palace “along the river and nearly in the air”, which was destined to house the legal and administrative offices (“Uffizi”) of the Florentine government. Vasari is also credited with the construction five years later of an elevated gallery over Ponte Vecchio and the Santa Felicita church, which connected the Uffizi to the new Medici residence in Palazzo Pitti, finishing in the Boboli gardens. The first true heart of the Gallery was created by Francesco I, son of Cosimo, who, after converting the top floor of the Uffizi into a place in which to “walk with paintings, statues, and other precious things”, entrusted Buontalenti with the creation of a gallery to house furnishings and other works of art. The Medici theater was done by the same architect and built in 1586 in the same position as the current first and second floors of the museum’s east wing. In 1589, Ferdinando I, Francesco’s brother, then had the terrace near the gallery converted into a closed environment, which became the loggia of the maps. A hanging garden above the Loggia dell’Orcagna is located at the end of the Gallery’s other wing. The Uffizi Gallery is currently home to an immense artistic heritage, including thousands of paintings ranging from medieval times to the modern era, as well as a vast number of ancient sculptures, miniatures, and tapestries.

 

Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

For lots of interesting details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. Don’t be shy and feel free to ask any questions of interest. This posting is now nearly at 21,000 views. Appreciate those who have “tuned in”.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[ecall]

We will be in Florence for one day in early December. We could use any advice on how to best utilize that day. We need to choose a hotel, need a safe place to store our luggage the following day while we tour the city, and suggestions of how to organize the day, tour tours we should consider that would steer us to through the highlights. Any suggestions on where to eat dinner, lunch, or any other information.

 

This is my first time to Europe, and there is a lot of information out there to try to weigh before making decisions. It is also our first vacation without kids in the 19 years we have been parents. To top it off we will be celebrating my 50th birthday on the cruise.

 

We like adventure, and learning, and it will all be new to us. Not so much an art fanatic but will appreciate learning more.

[ab0si]

We will be in Florence for one day in early December. We could use any advice on how to best utilize that day. We need to choose a hotel, need a safe place to store our luggage the following day while we tour the city, and suggestions of how to organize the day, tour tours we should consider that would steer us to through the highlights. Any suggestions on where to eat dinner, lunch, or any other information.

 

This is my first time to Europe, and there is a lot of information out there to try to weigh before making decisions. It is also our first vacation without kids in the 19 years we have been parents. To top it off we will be celebrating my 50th birthday on the cruise.

 

We like adventure, and learning, and it will all be new to us. Not so much an art fanatic but will appreciate learning more.

 

Easy one first: :) Your hotel will store your luggage for you. Unless your hotel is out of town, this will be the easiest way to do it.

 

Hotels: Impossible to answer without more information. Price range? Do you want to stay in a medieval building or modern?

 

Tour/guides/etc. There is no reason to get a guide or take a tour to get from one site to another. The old city is small and easily walkable as well as being well sign-posted. You can, if you wish, get a guide for some of the specific museums if you are interested in learning a bit about the pieces therein but aren't into in depth research before hand.

 

You DO want to make reservations in advance for the key places (Uffizi and Accademia at least).

 

What to see/do: There is way too much to see in Florence (not to mention the surrounding area) to see in two weeks, let alone one day. IMHO, David (Accademia) is the greatest work of art ever produced, so I'd suggest that. the Uffizi has more masterpieces per unit area than any other place in the world. It is also overwhelming and very crowded. Another option is to cross the Arno and go to the Pitti Palace. This contains a collection of museums (some more interesting than others). The Boboli Gardens there offer a great view of the city and are a good place to kick back and relax. (As much as I like, nay love, the art of Florence, I don't believe in cramming too much into one day -- it all starts to blur.)

[Bufrenee]

There will be posters who would not agree with this, however if I only had one day in Florence, I would first of all skip the statue of David at the Accademia and go to the Medici Chapel instead. There are more sculptures by Michelangelo there than at the Accademia where the statue of David is together with four unfinished sculptures of the Slaves.The Uffizi is a must,provided you are not there on a monday or Christmas day. I would stay at a hotel around Santa Maria Novella where most of the mid range hotels and a lot of restaurants are situated. It is also very close to and walking distance from the train station. You are also close to the Duomo and the Baptistry where you can see the replica Gates of Paradise in the evening if you arrive late.(the original is in the Duomo museum. You can also see the replica David at the Piazza Signoria next to the Uffizi and stroll over Ponte Vecchio.

The old part of Florence is very walkable and you shold be able to see most of the places just walking around and save the next day for the Uffizi which you should prebook and if you have the time visit the Medici Chapel where the Michelangelo sculptures of night and Day, and dawn and dusk are together with the laurentian library designed by him is at St. Lorenzo.

You can see a lot if you plan it right and the hotels should be much cheaper and more available in Dec. If you have your arrival and departure time it would be easier to give you more information.

[ecall]

I would stay at a hotel around Santa Maria Novella where most of the mid range hotels and a lot of restaurants are situated. It is also very close to and walking distance from the train station. You are also close to the Duomo and the Baptistry where you can see the replica Gates of Paradise in the evening if you arrive late. I agree. That is mostly what I have looked for, but really feel overwelmed with information.

 

We are flying from Ohio into Vencie arriving at 9 a.m. Monday December 6th. Will only spend 1/2 day in venice and looking to take mid after-noon train from venice to florence. Still need to figure out train info. As we will be tired is there any safer option for a position on the train if you fall asleep?

 

If you have your arrival and departure time it would be easier to give you more information.

Wish to Plan to arrive around dinner time Monday December 6th, check into hotel, have dinner, short look around and bed earlyish. Get up Tuesday December 7th see as much as we can of Florence, probably hitting popular highlights. At the end of the day we will take the train from Florence to Rome. Plan to wake up in Rome on Wednesday December 8th. Could grab an early dinner in Florence before we move on to Rome

 

Any help would be appreciated. Really all new to me and so many choices. Could use recomendations on where to stay in florence, where to eat dinner, any suggestions for touring next day do we consider any transportation like hop on hop off bus or walking tour guide for historic sites or museums that would impart more information. SO MANY QUESTIONS

 

Thanks for your help

[euro cruiser]

We are flying from Ohio into Vencie arriving at 9 a.m. Monday December 6th. Will only spend 1/2 day in venice and looking to take mid after-noon train from venice to florence. Still need to figure out train info. As we will be tired is there any safer option for a position on the train if you fall asleep?

It sounds like you are trying to cram all of Italy (well, not all, but the Big 3) into three days so you can tell yourself that you've "done" Italy. You'll be exhausted and likely won't remember a thing ... sorry, but to me this plan is fraught with problems.

 

Why are you flying into Venice if you're not staying there? By the time you get through passport control, pick up your luggage and get to Venice proper, it will be 11 AM, and that's assuming your flight is on time. Then you'll need to check your luggage at the train station (you certainly can't be intending to drag it around with you), which will take some time.

 

Trains to Rome leave on the half hour (actually 27 minutes past the hour) and take about two hours, so you'd be leaving at 4:30 to be in Florence by 6:30, or 5:30 to be there by 7:30. Basically that's only enough time for a ride down the Grand Canal and a few pictures at San Marco.

 

 

Plan to wake up in Rome on Wednesday December 8th.

This is an interesting day to be in Rome, as it's the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Late in the afternoon there will be a parade (I'm not sure where it starts) to Piazza di Spagna, where there is a statue of the virgin. The streets in the area were mobbed when we were there a few years ago, but it was a happy crowd.

 

I'd really encourage you to rethink this itinerary.

[Bufrenee]

I would agree with Euro Cruiser that you are cramming a lot into the short time that you have. Can.t comment too much on what you can do in Venice, however if you arrive by rail in Florence at 7.30 and stay at a hotel at the Santa Maria Novella area which is at most a 10 minute walk from the station, you could check in and just stroll from the hotel towards the Duomo about 20 minutes away. There are little restaurants all over that area where you can just have a quick snack al fresco around that square or proceed to Piazza Signoria where the replica David and the Loggia of the Lanzi with a few sculptures are. Again the square is full of restaurants all round where you can snack or have a meal al fresco,Ponte Vecchio is another 5-10 minutes away along the side of the Uffizi.The bridge is lit up at night so it's quite a sight. I woulkd say that you could be back at the Hotel by 10.30.The next day can be spent at the Uffizi, provided you book in advance and dependant on how much time you want to spend there you will have time to get to another place. For the Uffizi like all well known museums and galleries, you will need to do some research before hand and decide what you want to see and just go direct to those.You could spend a week there if you want like the Vatican Museum.

[Bufrenee]

I meant to add that in Florence there is no need for buses or taxis, you could cover most of the places just walking in about an hour.

[euro cruiser]

Bufrenee, I'd agree with your suggestions except for the fact that on the one night they plan to stay in Florence, they will have been up and traveling for approximately 24 hours by the time they get there. I seriously doubt they're going to be up for a stroll, as beautiful as it would be. They'll be lucky if they don't fall face-first into their dinner!

[Bufrenee]

Yes, it can be very tiring dependant on what they will be doing in Venice, but if that is their itinerary they will just have to make the most of it and catch at naps on the train. Fifty should be young and fit enough to cover the sites unless they choose to climb the Duomo or Bell tower. I've just hit the big 70 and will be in Florence on Nov.01 for a day and intend to walk round to all the sites in the 6 hours that we have there.

ECALL. Go into this website and you will be able to get all the information on the museums and all the contents in the different salons of the UFFIZI. Additionally you will be able to do your booking. There are maps to show you the locations of the places.

http://www.uffizi.com

[euro cruiser]

ECALL. Go into this website and you will be able to get all the information on the museums and all the contents in the different salons of the UFFIZI. Additionally you will be able to do your booking. There are maps to show you the locations of the places.

www.uffizi.com

If you do, however, know that this is a for-profit reseller, not the Uffizi Gallery web site you are looking at. The price for a ticket on this web site is more than twice the price at the official site (14 Euro entrance plus 5,45 booking fee = Euro 19,45 on this site, vs. 6,50 Euro entrance plus 3,00 booking fee = Euro 9,50).

 

The official site is here: http://www.firenzemusei.it/00_english/home1_menu.html

[ecall]

We are well aware of the whirlwind tour we will have. This is our first vacation without kids (3 boys 18, 16, and 7) and my first trip to Europe. We are taking 11 day cruise on Costa Pacifica December 9th. Just chose to fly into venice knowing we would only be getting an overview of the canal, but chose we could do that. We know it is not what most people would do.

 

What about the sleep on the train, from what I read it is worrisome to fall asleep on the train. Is there any safer advice on the train if you plan to try to get a nap?

In Florence I am looking at Hotel Perseo. Any feedback on this hotel or other suggestions?

Thank You for the advice. Really feeling overwhelmed with decisions to make.

[euro cruiser]

What about the sleep on the train, from what I read it is worrisome to fall asleep on the train. Is there any safer advice on the train if you plan to try to get a nap?

You are highly unlikely to have a problem on the high speed train between Venice and Florence. However, to be on the safe side, keep your valuables (passport, cash, credit cards) on you, preferably in some kind of under the clothing holder.

[Bufrenee]

As Euro Cruiser said you will on the express train and not the local trains, you should be alright, but obviously you will not be flashing your wallet or purse in the open.

The Perseo is just fine, right smack in the middle of the city and close to the Cathedral or Duomo and the Medici Chapel.Just make sure that you are booked to Florence SMN or Santa Maria Novella. There are two other local stations in Florence.

I can understand your trying to cram in as much as possibleunder the circumstances and frankly, this being your first time in Europe, the atmosphere and adrenalin should carry you through.Additionally the jet lag will not be that severe going to Europe from the East. Just think you will have time to relax once you get on the ship! You may just have to forgo long lunches and dinners and just stop for snacks in any one of the large Piazzas or squares where you can just sit outside and people watch and soak in the atmosphere. Will be happy to assist if you need more info. JUST ENJOY AND MAKE THE MOST OF IT. I AM SURE YOU WILL HAVE FURTHER OPPORTUNIES TO RETURN TO THE MORE INTERESTING SITES. We certainly did as the first time that I was in Florence was on business and all I saw was the Duomo Ponte Veccho, Hotel, Factory and airport.Been back ten times since!

[Bufrenee]

Meant to add that we will be leaving for Rome on the 28th and will be in Florence for 7 hrs. on the 1st. If there is anything specific that you would want us to check out for you let me know.We will be back in town on the 16th.

[Bufrenee]

ECALL! Noticed that you are planning on a private tour to Cairo on your cruise! DO NOT DO IT, IT IS NOT WORTH THE RISK. THAT IS ONE TOUR THAT YOU SHOULD TAKE THE SHIP'S TOUR. WITH THE ARMED CONVOYS FOR ALL TOURS IN EGYPT AND THE HORRIFIC TRAFFIC THAT YOU CAN ENCOUNTER.bEAR IN MIND ALSO THAT THE BUS TRIP IS SOMEWHERE IN THE REGION OF THREE HOURS ONE WAY WITH NUMEROUS CHECKPOINTS TO PASS.

[ecall]

Thank you for all of your help! I just feel so overwelmed, so many decisions and so much unfamiliar territory.

[chipmaster]

Huh, the whole point of the stop is to geting in to Cairo and see the pyramids. Last thing I'd do after my last ship tour is to go on a big bus with a bunch of other cruisers and lose valuable time waiting for others.

 

Select a reputable private guide. As I understand from my resear ch a few years ago the whole tour, private and ship make the run from dock to downtown as a caravan with escorts. You all get the same adventure/security good or bad. The key is do your research. Look at the Africa boards I think there are several very good private guide / car services. Go big bus gurantees you some things among them higher price and less time at attractions.

 

ECALL! Noticed that you are planning on a private tour to Cairo on your cruise! DO NOT DO IT, IT IS NOT WORTH THE RISK. THAT IS ONE TOUR THAT YOU SHOULD TAKE THE SHIP'S TOUR. WITH THE ARMED CONVOYS FOR ALL TOURS IN EGYPT AND THE HORRIFIC TRAFFIC THAT YOU CAN ENCOUNTER.bEAR IN MIND ALSO THAT THE BUS TRIP IS SOMEWHERE IN THE REGION OF THREE HOURS ONE WAY WITH NUMEROUS CHECKPOINTS TO PASS.

[cruisemom42]

ECALL! Noticed that you are planning on a private tour to Cairo on your cruise! DO NOT DO IT, IT IS NOT WORTH THE RISK. THAT IS ONE TOUR THAT YOU SHOULD TAKE THE SHIP'S TOUR. WITH THE ARMED CONVOYS FOR ALL TOURS IN EGYPT AND THE HORRIFIC TRAFFIC THAT YOU CAN ENCOUNTER.bEAR IN MIND ALSO THAT THE BUS TRIP IS SOMEWHERE IN THE REGION OF THREE HOURS ONE WAY WITH NUMEROUS CHECKPOINTS TO PASS.

 

Hundreds of cruisers take private tours in Egypt every year. I have been reading and posting on the Africa/Middle East boards for at least 3 years now and I have YET to read of ANYONE taking a private tour and missing the ship.

 

Private tours usually plan to have you back to the ship well in advance of sailing. They do not cut it as close as ship tours do -- because ship tours know the ship will wait. :rolleyes:

 

There is absolutely no reason not to consider a private tour in Egypt if that is what you want to do!