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poodlewhisperer
June 6th, 2006, 10:14 PM
We will be sailing on the Regatta, from Rome to Barcelona in September. We have never been to Florence before and will be there for two days. We thought we would do one day in Florence and one day going to Siena or Pisa. Would it be do-able to go to Assisi? Any other suggestions? Or, should we spend two days in Florence?

Any tour companies you would recommend?

Thanks in advance for any advice on this as we would like to see as much as possible!
Jancruz
June 6th, 2006, 10:48 PM
Spend at LEAST one full day in Florence..you can take a local bus to Sienna..one of my favorite places in the world!!
Jan
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scdreamer
June 6th, 2006, 10:53 PM
Florence is a wonderful "walking" town. You should plan at least a full day there. You can get walk-about guides, and explore the streets and alley-ways. There is so much to see, and in September you should be able to avoid the long summer lines to the museums and churches. Enjoy!
ClaudiaF
June 7th, 2006, 01:16 PM
We will be sailing on the Regatta, from Rome to Barcelona in September. We have never been to Florence before and will be there for two days. We thought we would do one day in Florence and one day going to Siena or Pisa. Would it be do-able to go to Assisi? Any other suggestions? Or, should we spend two days in Florence?

Any tour companies you would recommend?

Thanks in advance for any advice on this as we would like to see as much as possible!

You could see Pisa and Florence in one day..as there is not a whole lot of time needed to see Pisa.
Don't forget pretty town of Lucca too.
You didn't mention where the ship docks for Florence ( Livorno ?)..in any event..we used and liked this company ( and esp, their driver Max) very much for tour driver .
http://www.papillionservice.com
ClaudiaF
June 7th, 2006, 01:20 PM
http://www.papillonservice.com/index.htm

sorry try this link to Papillion services:D
Bruin Steve
June 7th, 2006, 01:28 PM
As you are a "first-timer", Florence is a must...there is a lot to see and it is simply a sensational city...But, in that you want to squeeze in as much as possible, I'd say try to do it in one day...
As for the second day...
Let me toss in the suggestion of a visit to San Gimignano as well...
This town is spectacular...We visited a part of a shore excursion--San Gimignano and Volterra...One of the highlights was a lunch in the wine cellar of a small local winery--an incredible feast...

Check out the website for San Gimignano here:
http://www.sangimignano.com/sghomei.htm

Have fun...
OceaniaBuffs
June 7th, 2006, 05:11 PM
Florence is a wonderful walking city. Just remember, they all take a siesta in the afternoon and museums close around 12:30 pm. We were literally escorted out of the museum on our first trip at 12:30 thanks to our guide who thought taking us to the shops first, was more what we came to Italy for! Pisa's tower was interesting, but "been there, done that". I'd go back to both Sienna and Assisi, time permitting.
poodlewhisperer
June 7th, 2006, 09:59 PM
Thank you all for your in-put. Florence (with possibly the inclusion of Pisa) for day one for sure. Day two, Siena +? Is Assisi possible also if combined with Siena. What combination would you chose? What about Cinque Terre?

There seem to be so many great possibilities and as my boyfriend hates to travel, I know I won't be back anytime soon. (Opposites do attract! :) )So, I want to make sure I make the best use of our time in each port.

Your suggestions are greatly appreciated!
poodlewhisperer
June 24th, 2006, 09:16 PM
:confused: The Regatta is overnighting in Florence (Livorno) and most tours wind up back in at the ship.

Can one stay in Florence longer than the tours allow? Does it make sense to do so? If you can, any suggestions how to return to the ship? Their tour option of r/t transport to Florence only allows about 6 hours in Florence itself. We had been on a previous Europe tour that provided an option to stay overnight in Paris itself so was curious as to how to make the most of this port.

Thanks - first time on Oceania, not sure how this works. :)
Ernst
June 25th, 2006, 04:06 AM
Hello Poodlewhisperer
There is a regular train connection (every 30 minutes) between Livorno (go by taxi to the station) and Florence (station is quite central). On the way to Florence you will pass Pisa (tower of Pisa is about 30 minutes to walk --> taxi).

If you would like to visit any museums you urgently have to make reservations in advance.

On the second day I would visit Lucca or Siena. But I can't tell you anything about this. Besides, going by train in Italy is quite cheap and it works well. There are also regular train connections to Lucca and Siena. Just check the timetable at Livorno train station. on the first day.

Ernst