Luca Logi

Jefffooz <> wrote:

    > 1. Are there any companies that offer walking or bus tours of Florence,
    > preferably educational and small-scale?

ATAF (the urban transit system) now offers tours on old converted London
two-deckers, but I don't believe they are educational. BTW, some sights
(for example, Piazza della Signoria) are in zones closed to traffic and
not directly visible by bus. The only way to tour the centre is on foot.


    > 2. What tour companies would you recommend for side trips to Siena, San
    > Gimignano and Assisi? If we are to go to these cities by ourselves, should
    > we rent a car or go on the bus or train? When we are in Venice, is a
    > side-trip to Ravenna possible? I really would like to visit the church of
    > San Vitale.


Siena: better go by bus than by car or train. Parking may be a problem,
the train station is distant from the centre.

Assisi: Car is faster than train, but I don't know about parking. Train
station is distant from the town, you have to take a local bus.

S. Giminiano: train or buses (the buses may be faster) go to Poggibonsi
where you switch to a local bus. Car is much faster, but you have to
park in designated areas that fill up quickly in high season (December
should not be a problem). Probably bus is cheaper, anyway.



    > 3. Can I get advance tickets to the Uffizi and other museums in Florence
    > and Venice to avoid the queues? Would you recommend going to the Peggy
    > Guggenheim museum?

In Florence you can get advance tickets for Uffizi and Accademia (I
don't know about Pitti). December is low season and queues are shorter
(but I would reserve for Uffizi).

    >
    > 4. What restaurants are particularly recommended in both cities,
    > preferably not too expensive (i.e. entrees not exceeding $20.00).

Firenze:
Baldini, in front of the Porta a Prato
Il Tranvai, piazza Tasso (reserve as the place is *very* tiny and
cramped)
For a pizza, Funiculì FuniculÃ*, on il Prato.


    > 5. How is the weather in Italy in early December?

Somewhat cold. It may be rainy or sunny, who knows. Probably damp and
foggy in Venice.


    >
    > 6. Are credit/atm cards widely accepted, or do I need to use traveler's
    > checks for payments? Are you expected to tip, and if so, what is the
    > acceptable rate?

Nobody uses traveler's checks. Credit card are largely accepted, but not
everywhere (have some cash handy). ATM cars should be compatiblewith
Italian Bancomat circuit. Large tips are not usual, except in case of
exceptional services. In restaurants, just round up a bit the bill.
Do not use credit cards on S. Lorenzo market. Even if credit card
companies forbid it, you may get a slightly discount if you pay with
cash, especially in smaller stores.


    > 7. What are the normal business hours in Italy?

Offices, 9am to 1pm and maybe 3pm to 6pm
Stores, 9am to 1pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm (hours may vary according to
cities)
Stores have an half day free, that may be on Monday morning or Saturday
evening - or in the mid of the week. It depends on the type of business
(professional stores like hardware stores are usually closed on
Saturday) and place.
December 8th is a national holiday.
Stores are open in Florence in the four Sundays preceding Christmas (and
also on December 8th).


    > Last, I would appreciate your advise and suggestions on how to make our
    > stay as memorable as possible.

Have the time to take unplanned detours.