Firenze

So, you're staying in Florence for just one day? TOTALLY a smart move! Not that I have that much Florence disdain, but the rest of Tuscany is just far more charming (and peaceful)!!!

If you're using your own transportation, you should be able to park somewhere designated by your hotel. However, I prefer to use public transportation (again, direct your expenses towards food and wine, not traveling!), which is perfectly comfortable. In fact, if you can use busses, they're the best option - you're still gambling for A/C if you take a train.

Museums and churches have really figured it out by offering the ability to make reservations, and, for ease, I'd recommend that you get reservations for the places where you absolutely MUST visit - the Uffizi and the Academia (to see Il Davide). I'd suggest that you plan to spend two hours in the Uffizi - but you could spend DAYS in there - and at least an hour in the Academia (there are many other great works in there besides the statue), and it takes about 20-30 minutes to get between the two in a comfortable stride. Once you've done those must-dos, there are some amazing churches to visit in this Art-breathing town. (Based on the Duomo, which is more beautiful outside than inside, but totally check out the Bapistery next door) To the east is Santa Croce, a beautiful church and piazza, where you can see the graves of several famous people. Just near the train/bus stations is Santa Maria Novella, which possesses amazing frescoes inside, and, if you go around behind the church, you'll find their Pharmacia, which has amazing perfumes, soaps, etc. Great gifts to take home.

Looking for a great view? Piazzale Michaelangelo, to the south of the river, is AMAZING, and has some really nice restaurants in the area. The Palazzo Pitti is beautiful, and worthy of its own time, but if you're in town for only a day, I'd take on the above mentioned museums instead.

Just like in any big city (like Rome), look out for pickpocketing - more caused by the visiting student population than the locals. You'll find recommendations for restaurants everywhere, but, again, often the best restaurant you'll find is the one you see when you're wanting the rest and snacks! I always recommend wandering off the path to find a good spot, to take some time away from the rush of covering such an amazing city in such a few hours.

I forgot to mention this in the Rome passage - be sure to take time every day to enjoy some peace. There's a reason why Italians have their rest time in the middle of the day, and there's nothing wrong with you doing the same thing. Savor the time to renew yourself after a morning of hard touring, and you'll enjoy your late nights out so much more!!!

You're heading to Chianti after this - have you booked a hotel in a city yet? If you're headed to Siena, there is a cheap and comfortable bus (departing often - almost every hour in the middle of the day and evenings) for 6-7E per person which will take you directly to the train station or Piazza Gramsci, the central bus station of town. Check out the SENA bus line website. There are many trains going out of Florence to the Chianti countryside, too - if you check out the schedule on the Trenitalia website, you might just find the perfect train to get you out of Florence, too!

On to Chianti!!!
L :)