Or buy the tickets online. you'll pay more but won't wait that long. If you buy them online, go in the late afternoon. Much less crowded as they begin to shut down the rooms
I'd also suggest reading a history of Rome and a history of Florencebefore you go. Trip will be way more enjoyable if you actually understand the context of what you are looking at.
Or buy the tickets online. you'll pay more but won't wait that long. If you buy them online, go in the late afternoon. Much less crowded as they begin to shut down the rooms
I'd also suggest reading a history of Rome and a history of Florencebefore you go. Trip will be way more enjoyable if you actually understand the context of what you are looking at.
Forum, Colosseum, Palantine. Can't remember the the guide, though.
Don't miss the Vatican and its museum. The Bargello in Florence is also interesting. Make an early reservation to see Michelangelo's David, before the tour groups get there.
Tons to see and do in both. I also recommend doing a little reading about Rome - it will make it that much more interested.
In Rome, I always recommend staying near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona. You'll be walking distance to everything and plenty of places near there to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The no-brainers are the Forum, the Capitoline Hill museums, and the Colosseum, plus a day for the Vatican. Depends on how much time you have in each city, but there are tons more places worth seeing.
In Florence, there's a hotel right by the Ponte Vecchio that we enjoy but I can't remember the name. Florence is very small, but make sure in addition to the Duomo, the Uffizi and the Accademia you take a walk over to the Belvedere for the best views of the city. Get the steak!
buying all your museum tickets ahead. It will reduce some spontaneity, but you'll be thrilled when you walk past 4 busloads of people in line for tickets...
buying all your museum tickets ahead. It will reduce some spontaneity, but you'll be thrilled when you walk past 4 busloads of people in line for tickets...
Thanks. Definetly will look to do that. What was the restaurant you went to near Belvedere Fortress that had the good steak?
buying all your museum tickets ahead. It will reduce some spontaneity, but you'll be thrilled when you walk past 4 busloads of people in line for tickets...
Thanks. Definetly will look to do that. What was the restaurant you went to near Belvedere Fortress that had the good steak?
Sorry, I wasn't clear. Most restaurants in Florence will have great steak. I will try to dig up the place we went.
The belvedere didn't have any places to eat - it is just an old fort with gardens and a park. But it has incredible views of the town.
Sounds great. It's interesting to me that Florence has great steak. When one things of florence, my first inclination is to think about the great pasta, wine and cheese that will be there. Why are they known for their steak?
Quote:
buying all your museum tickets ahead. It will reduce some spontaneity, but you'll be thrilled when you walk past 4 busloads of people in line for tickets...
Thanks. Definetly will look to do that. What was the restaurant you went to near Belvedere Fortress that had the good steak?
Sorry, I wasn't clear. Most restaurants in Florence will have great steak. I will try to dig up the place we went.
The belvedere didn't have any places to eat - it is just an old fort with gardens and a park. But it has incredible views of the town.
There will definitely be lots of great pasta and cheeses, but when in Florence:
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Bistecca alla fiorentina, or 'beefsteak Florentine style', consists of a T-bone traditionally sourced from either the Chianina or Maremmana breeds of cattle. A favorite of Tuscan cuisine, the steak is grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, seasoned with salt, sometimes with black pepper, and olive oil, applied immediately after the meat is retired from the heat. Thickly cut and very large, "Bistecca" are often shared between two or more persons, and traditionally served very rare, sometimes garnished with lemon wedges, if not accompanied by red wine, and accompanied by Tuscan beans as a side dish.[5] An early recipe dictates: 1/1,5 kg, 3 fingers thick, 3-5 minutes grilling per side (flipping it only once) and 5-7 minutes vertically standing on its bone so as to make the blood drain out.
There will definitely be lots of great pasta and cheeses, but when in Florence:
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Bistecca alla fiorentina, or 'beefsteak Florentine style', consists of a T-bone traditionally sourced from either the Chianina or Maremmana breeds of cattle. A favorite of Tuscan cuisine, the steak is grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, seasoned with salt, sometimes with black pepper, and olive oil, applied immediately after the meat is retired from the heat. Thickly cut and very large, "Bistecca" are often shared between two or more persons, and traditionally served very rare, sometimes garnished with lemon wedges, if not accompanied by red wine, and accompanied by Tuscan beans as a side dish.[5] An early recipe dictates: 1/1,5 kg, 3 fingers thick, 3-5 minutes grilling per side (flipping it only once) and 5-7 minutes vertically standing on its bone so as to make the blood drain out.
Sounds incredible. I am going to order one of those as soon as we arrive, pronto! Thank you for all the helpful suggestions.
I'd also suggest reading a history of Rome and a history of Florencebefore you go. Trip will be way more enjoyable if you actually understand the context of what you are looking at.
I'd also suggest reading a history of Rome and a history of Florencebefore you go. Trip will be way more enjoyable if you actually understand the context of what you are looking at.
Great suggestion. Thank you, Oipolloi.
Don't miss the Vatican and its museum. The Bargello in Florence is also interesting. Make an early reservation to see Michelangelo's David, before the tour groups get there.
In Rome, I always recommend staying near the Pantheon or Piazza Navona. You'll be walking distance to everything and plenty of places near there to unwind after a day of sightseeing. The no-brainers are the Forum, the Capitoline Hill museums, and the Colosseum, plus a day for the Vatican. Depends on how much time you have in each city, but there are tons more places worth seeing.
In Florence, there's a hotel right by the Ponte Vecchio that we enjoy but I can't remember the name. Florence is very small, but make sure in addition to the Duomo, the Uffizi and the Accademia you take a walk over to the Belvedere for the best views of the city. Get the steak!
How long are you staying?
Both in Florence.
Learned that one the hard way.
Other than that, gelato and pizzettes all day.
Has anyone also heard of the Vespa/Wine Tour in Florence? Sounds like it my be a bit risky but fun nonetheless!
Thanks. Definetly will look to do that. What was the restaurant you went to near Belvedere Fortress that had the good steak?
Quote:
buying all your museum tickets ahead. It will reduce some spontaneity, but you'll be thrilled when you walk past 4 busloads of people in line for tickets...
Thanks. Definetly will look to do that. What was the restaurant you went to near Belvedere Fortress that had the good steak?
Sorry, I wasn't clear. Most restaurants in Florence will have great steak. I will try to dig up the place we went.
The belvedere didn't have any places to eat - it is just an old fort with gardens and a park. But it has incredible views of the town.
Quote:
In comment 11932066 Chris in Philly said:
Sounds great. It's interesting to me that Florence has great steak. When one things of florence, my first inclination is to think about the great pasta, wine and cheese that will be there. Why are they known for their steak?
Quote:
buying all your museum tickets ahead. It will reduce some spontaneity, but you'll be thrilled when you walk past 4 busloads of people in line for tickets...
Thanks. Definetly will look to do that. What was the restaurant you went to near Belvedere Fortress that had the good steak?
Sorry, I wasn't clear. Most restaurants in Florence will have great steak. I will try to dig up the place we went.
The belvedere didn't have any places to eat - it is just an old fort with gardens and a park. But it has incredible views of the town.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Bistecca alla fiorentina, or 'beefsteak Florentine style', consists of a T-bone traditionally sourced from either the Chianina or Maremmana breeds of cattle. A favorite of Tuscan cuisine, the steak is grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, seasoned with salt, sometimes with black pepper, and olive oil, applied immediately after the meat is retired from the heat. Thickly cut and very large, "Bistecca" are often shared between two or more persons, and traditionally served very rare, sometimes garnished with lemon wedges, if not accompanied by red wine, and accompanied by Tuscan beans as a side dish.[5] An early recipe dictates: 1/1,5 kg, 3 fingers thick, 3-5 minutes grilling per side (flipping it only once) and 5-7 minutes vertically standing on its bone so as to make the blood drain out.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Bistecca alla fiorentina, or 'beefsteak Florentine style', consists of a T-bone traditionally sourced from either the Chianina or Maremmana breeds of cattle. A favorite of Tuscan cuisine, the steak is grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, seasoned with salt, sometimes with black pepper, and olive oil, applied immediately after the meat is retired from the heat. Thickly cut and very large, "Bistecca" are often shared between two or more persons, and traditionally served very rare, sometimes garnished with lemon wedges, if not accompanied by red wine, and accompanied by Tuscan beans as a side dish.[5] An early recipe dictates: 1/1,5 kg, 3 fingers thick, 3-5 minutes grilling per side (flipping it only once) and 5-7 minutes vertically standing on its bone so as to make the blood drain out.
Sounds incredible. I am going to order one of those as soon as we arrive, pronto! Thank you for all the helpful suggestions.