Does Context have an office in Florence?

No, our only Italian office is based in Rome. Our staff can be contacted there. The phone number is 06.976.25204.

Can I visit Florence as a day trip from Rome?

Absolutely. Though you will be making an early start and getting back to Rome after dinner time, Florence is just close enough to make a pleasant day trip. Taking the high speed Eurostar train will get you to Florence in 1.5 hours and will drop you off at the main Santa Maria Novella train station, a stone’s throw from the historical center.

Visitors spending just one day of Florence will probably want to pair a museum visit (the Uffizi Gallery or Accademia) with time spent enjoying the city ambiance. Though we do not necessarily recommend visiting both the Uffizi and Accademia in one day, it can be done but as bookends to the day but not as back to back visits. With that in mind, here are some suggestions for an 8 hour itinerary:

9AM - 10AM: Orientation stroll through the center of town, to orient yourself to the physical layout of the city 10AM - 1PM: Arte Firenze - our exploration of the rich art collection of the Uffizi Gallery 1PM - 2PM: Lunch and stroll through Piazza Signoria and Piazza Santa Croce, two of the city’s main public spaces. 2PM - 5PM: Choice between: Brunelleschi Seminar (for architecture enthusiasts), Florence Food Experiences (for culinary enthusiasts), Oltrarno Artisans(a behind the scenes look at he city’s historic artisan crafts workshops).

If the group wants to also include the Accademia Gallery, we would decrease the afternoon walk by one hour.

Can I walk to most places in the city? Do I need to rely on buses and taxis?

Florence is a wonderful walking city. Within the historical center, no two spots are ever more than a 20-minute walk from each other. The best way to experience the city is on foot, as it allows you to fully experience the culture and daily workings of Florentine life. If you need to get across town in a hurry, check out our blog post about using public transportation in Florence.

Is there a pass that allows for free or reduced entrance at state museums?

Unfortunately, Florence does not have a fidelity card (like Rome’s Roma Pass) that allows for reduced entrance to a set collection of museums. There is an Amici degli Uffizi membership card (which allows for free entrance to all state museums) but it is valid for an entire year and costs roughly $85.

Where is the best place to purchase leather goods?

Florence’s Santa Croce neighborhood is globally renowned for leather goods. However, mass-produced jackets and purses tend to be stocked more often than locally produced objects. We recommend the Scuola di Cuoio, located behind the cloister of Santa Croce basilica, for hand made bags, luggage, and apparel.

What time do Florentines usually eat and when are restaurants open?

Florentine usually eat lunch anywhere between 12-2PM and dinner between 8-10PM. Most restaurants are open at those times and very few are open throughout the day. Sundays and Mondays are the most common days for restaurant closings.

What is the Florentine etiquette in regard to tipping?

Tipping in the U.S. is mandatory because waiters and waitresses are paid below minimum wage. The first 8-10% of a U.S. tip simply brings the waiter up to living wage. This is not the case in Italy. Waiters make living wage by law. Thus, tips are intended to signal approval. I generally consider what I would tip in the U.S. and subtract 10%. So, if service was good, I give 5% instead of 15%. If it was exceptional, I give 10% instead of 20%. Don’t believe waiters who tell you that service isn’t included. Technically, they may be right: There is no tip specifically in the bill. But you need to think of the wider social picture.

Where can I pick up necessities, like bottled water and toiletries?

Though pharmacies carry toiletries, they tend to be expensive. Try the small supermarkets called “Margherita Conad” for shampoo, soap, razors, batteries, water, and snacks.

What are the best areas for shopping?

The entire city is blanketed with interesting boutiques, world-class emporiums and artisanal workshops. For designer gear, head to Via Tornabuoni and Via della Vigna Nuova. For handmade crafts, bespoke goods, and vintage clothing, head over the river to the Oltrarno and explore Borgo San Jacopo, Via Santo Spirito, and Borgo San Frediano.

Is there a good English bookstore in town?

Yes. Our friends Emily and Maurizio would be glad to see you at the Paperback Exchange, located at Via delle Oche 4 (just behind the Duomo).

How can I learn about events going on in town?

We never miss an issue of The Florentine, the English language bi-weekly that is distributed at select locations around town. Firenze Spettacolo, an exhaustive monthly publication with English listings for eating, shopping, events, exhibitions, etc. is available at any newsstand.

What are some good day trips from Florence?

We recommend Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Prato, and Bologna. If you have a car, we suggest exploring the Carmignano, Mugello, or Garfagnana areas. The Cinque Terre, located in the southern part of the Liguria region, merit an overnight stay and we do not recommend making them a day trip from Florence.

If I am staying in a villa outside of town, where can I park my car for the day?

The most convenient parking lot closest to the historical center is the lot located underneath the Santa Maria Novella train station. Hourly rates are around 1.50 euros and daily rates are around 18 euros. However, we often recommend groups park at the closest local train station and hop on the train to Florence, avoiding the hectic traffic that normally plagues the city during morning and afternoon rush hour.

I am in town for the day with a cruise ship. I would like to book your transfer to Florence – can we make a stop in Pisa on the way?

Yes. Our trusty drivers can make stops on your way into or out of town, time permitting. Please contact us for specific pricing information.

What is your suggested itinerary for people coming to Florence from a cruise?

For Florence clients in town just for the day from a cruise, we have created a Full Day Tour from Cruise Ship. The length of the service is 6 hours, which gives you enough cushion time to do some shopping or strolling in the city before returning the cruise ship port of Livorno. There is a round trip private car transfer associated to this service. We usually pick up around 8AM, allowing for a 9:30AM arrival in the center of the city. If you would like to make a detour and stop by Pisa on your way in, we can arrange that as well. Once you reach Florence, you will have 6 hours with the docent, which can be used as you see fit. Some suggestions for this amount of time include:

9:30AM - 10AM: Quick introductory stroll through the center of town, to orient yourself to the physical layout of the city 10AM - 12PM: Arte Firenze - our exploration of the rich art collection of the Uffizi Gallery. For return visitors to Florence, we also suggest the Daily Life of Renaissance Florentines, which looks at the social, political and artistic changes happening in the city during the Renaissance era. Or The Medici: Portrait of a Family, an in depth look at the Medici family’s influence on Florence- mainly as patrons of the arts but as strong political and economic figures, as well. 12PM - 1PM: Lunch and stroll through Piazza Signoria and Piazza Santa Croce, two of the city’s main public spaces. 1PM - 3PM: Choice between abbreviated versions of our Brunelleschi Seminar (for architecture enthusiasts), Florence Food Experiences (for culinary enthusiasts), Oltrarno Artisans (a behind the scenes look at he city’s historic artisan crafts workshops).

We can arrange to have the return transfer pick you up as late as you want, but please keep in mind that the drive back to the port of Livorno takes about 1.5 hours.

How many hours before my flight should I book my pick up for your departure transfer?

The Florence airport is very close to the city (roughly, a 30 minute ride). You should leave your hotel/apartment 2/2.5 hours before your flight departs. Please note that the airport doesn’t open until 5AM, so do not plan on leaving before 4:30AM.

Where can I store my bags in Florence?

The main train station, Santa Maria Novella, has a luggage storage office, open every day from 6AM to 10PM. Inside the main hall of the station, this office is located to your far right, across from the pharmacy. To accept your bags, they will make a photocopy of a photo ID. Rates are very reasonable.

Can I book train tickets with a Eurorail pass?

If you hold a Eurorail Pass (also Global Pass) you will still need a reservation for Eurostar and Intercity train types. We can place a reservation for you. The cost of this service is 15 euro per person per ticket.