Florence in August - What to see/do in Tuscany
Discussion
Ade07 said:
Girlfriend and I are staying just outside Florence in August, we have a hire car too, so just wondering if anyone has any advice on what to see, day trips out in the Tuscany area? Anything we shouldn't miss, etc?
Lucca, Siena, Montapulciano all do-able as a day trip. Perugia/Assisi maybe.Don't go anywhere near the coast, as it is Italian holiday season (particularly the middle weeks). If you are there on the 15th August, aim to be somewhere touristy, as all normal towns will be shut for the bank holiday.
Avoid the Autostrada on the 11th and 25/26th August as the entire country will be on the move.
Other most important thing is to carry some cash to be able to use petrol at stations. Credit Cards will not work in the autopay machines.
Avoid the Autostrada on the 11th and 25/26th August as the entire country will be on the move.
Other most important thing is to carry some cash to be able to use petrol at stations. Credit Cards will not work in the autopay machines.
Mugello Circuit has promo racing (bikes and cars) tests and racing in August http://www.promoracing.it/
The circuit is worth a visit in itself, about 30-40 mins from Florence if I remember correctly.
The circuit is worth a visit in itself, about 30-40 mins from Florence if I remember correctly.
If going into Florence (and why wouldn't you) check out the nearest train station to your accommodation. I was able to park free at the out of town station and the fare was about 4euro return. You also get to see the art deco magnificence of Florence Santa Maria Novella station.
Get an off-beat guide to Florence shops and restaurants but above all go to Vestri's cioccolata shop - absolute ice cream and chocolate heaven
Get an off-beat guide to Florence shops and restaurants but above all go to Vestri's cioccolata shop - absolute ice cream and chocolate heaven
Adrian,
This is my copied/pasted post to someone in a similar position to you a couple of weeks ago regarding hire cars in Italy. Can't stress enough to pay attention to the ZTL signs....
Have a great time - it's stunning there.
Jon
(Post here -
If you are hiring a car, then please check out this link and STAY OUT OF THE ZTL ZONES -
http://italyfaves.typepad.com/italy_beyond_the_obv...
Most 'historic' city centres in that area of Italy will have them and they are easy to miss and you will be fined if you don't follow the signs (you are fined each time you pass into the zone - and it's a very expensive fine). There are hundreds of forum posts from people who have received fines up to a year later for their own cars and hire cars. So be warned! Much better to park way outside the city centres and get public transport in.
On a lighter note, try to get to Sienna (A MUST SEE) Arezzo and Orvieto (getting a bit far south, I know - but they are stunning cities.)
Jon)
This is my copied/pasted post to someone in a similar position to you a couple of weeks ago regarding hire cars in Italy. Can't stress enough to pay attention to the ZTL signs....
Have a great time - it's stunning there.
Jon
(Post here -
If you are hiring a car, then please check out this link and STAY OUT OF THE ZTL ZONES -
http://italyfaves.typepad.com/italy_beyond_the_obv...
Most 'historic' city centres in that area of Italy will have them and they are easy to miss and you will be fined if you don't follow the signs (you are fined each time you pass into the zone - and it's a very expensive fine). There are hundreds of forum posts from people who have received fines up to a year later for their own cars and hire cars. So be warned! Much better to park way outside the city centres and get public transport in.
On a lighter note, try to get to Sienna (A MUST SEE) Arezzo and Orvieto (getting a bit far south, I know - but they are stunning cities.)
Jon)
Edited by JONSCZ on Wednesday 25th July 22:01
No one mentioned San Gimignano yet?
And yes to Volterra, Siena, Arezzo, Pienza, Monteriggioni, Cortona, Montepulciano, Montelcini, S Antimo, Lucca, and all those places in the Chianti valley on the Chianti route, Greve this, Rada that, Castellina, San Donato, Impruneta etc.
Although it took us two weeks last year to do all that lot
Firenze was a bit of a let down TBH, especially the Uffizi. If you're going to do just three, I would say Siena, San Gimignano & Lucca. With an honourable mention of Volterra.
Then again, just driving around to places is as much fun as the destination (especially in a Turbo R).
Oh, and as mentioned, don't bother with the coast, there's nowt there anyway, it's like the Vendee coast, mile after mile of resorts and apartments and campings. There's nothing classy or cultural there, unless you're 'fortnight cooking on a beach on a Costa' types.
And yes to Volterra, Siena, Arezzo, Pienza, Monteriggioni, Cortona, Montepulciano, Montelcini, S Antimo, Lucca, and all those places in the Chianti valley on the Chianti route, Greve this, Rada that, Castellina, San Donato, Impruneta etc.
Although it took us two weeks last year to do all that lot
Firenze was a bit of a let down TBH, especially the Uffizi. If you're going to do just three, I would say Siena, San Gimignano & Lucca. With an honourable mention of Volterra.
Then again, just driving around to places is as much fun as the destination (especially in a Turbo R).
Oh, and as mentioned, don't bother with the coast, there's nowt there anyway, it's like the Vendee coast, mile after mile of resorts and apartments and campings. There's nothing classy or cultural there, unless you're 'fortnight cooking on a beach on a Costa' types.
Edited by Balmoral on Thursday 26th July 19:50
I went in August 2008 and stayed in Florence, right by the river. It is a beautiful city and VERY romantic. I hope you have time to explore as there are many things to do and see right in the city. It will be very hot so factor that in to any plans. We climbed the many steps of the Duomo in over 30c. Hard work!
As far as trips are concerned, the surrounding areas in Tuscany have much to offer. We went on an organised tour to a vineyard in the Chianti region and sampled some delicious wines and Italian Tapas. On the way back we stopped off in a small town and visited yet another wine tasting place. I couldn't tell you the name but there will be many similar in the Tuscan hills im sure.
Do your research on Trip Advisor for specific sights, you won't be disappointed im sure.
Enjoy.
As far as trips are concerned, the surrounding areas in Tuscany have much to offer. We went on an organised tour to a vineyard in the Chianti region and sampled some delicious wines and Italian Tapas. On the way back we stopped off in a small town and visited yet another wine tasting place. I couldn't tell you the name but there will be many similar in the Tuscan hills im sure.
Do your research on Trip Advisor for specific sights, you won't be disappointed im sure.
Enjoy.
OP...are you back yet or have you gone yet? Nobody has mentioned the single most important thing...the traffic system around Firenze airport is currently f
ked! The roads are being diverted as some are closed, which most importantly if you are hiring a car means you are fked! In fact its now so bad that I am considering flying into Rome instead of Firenze for my next trip there on business to Pisa and doubling my driving time to get there. If you havent gone yet, the best advice I can give you is find your way back to the airport and then wait for the hire car minibus to leave the airport and follow it! The hire car location isnt at the airport but a km away, you get picked up by a minibus. Exit the airport, walk past the abandoned hire car offices to some random looking layby. If you are lucky they may have put a sign there now saying hire car pick up stop.
ked! The roads are being diverted as some are closed, which most importantly if you are hiring a car means you are fked! In fact its now so bad that I am considering flying into Rome instead of Firenze for my next trip there on business to Pisa and doubling my driving time to get there. If you havent gone yet, the best advice I can give you is find your way back to the airport and then wait for the hire car minibus to leave the airport and follow it! The hire car location isnt at the airport but a km away, you get picked up by a minibus. Exit the airport, walk past the abandoned hire car offices to some random looking layby. If you are lucky they may have put a sign there now saying hire car pick up stop.DJRC said:
OP...are you back yet or have you gone yet? Nobody has mentioned the single most important thing...the traffic system around Firenze airport is currently fked! The roads are being diverted as some are closed, which most importantly if you are hiring a car means you are fked! If you havent gone yet, the best advice I can give you is find your way back to the airport and then wait for the hire car minibus to leave the airport and follow it! The hire car location isnt at the airport but a km away, you get picked up by a minibus. Exit the airport, walk past the abandoned hire car offices to some random looking layby. If you are lucky they may have put a sign there now saying hire car pick up stop.
+ 1 absolute mess. Allow an hour.ked! The roads are being diverted as some are closed, which most importantly if you are hiring a car means you are fked! If you havent gone yet, the best advice I can give you is find your way back to the airport and then wait for the hire car minibus to leave the airport and follow it! The hire car location isnt at the airport but a km away, you get picked up by a minibus. Exit the airport, walk past the abandoned hire car offices to some random looking layby. If you are lucky they may have put a sign there now saying hire car pick up stop.Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff