Florence on your Own (LRN-003)

[mattyboy]

Hello all. Looking for some input on this tour (although it really isn't). We are trying to spend as much time in Florence as possible on our own and this seems the easiest and give the most time to explore vs. going by train, etc.

 

If anyone has done this can you tell me how early they left the port and how long it really took to get into Florence and what time you left Florence to return to port.

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[RJB]

Hello all. Looking for some input on this tour (although it really isn't). We are trying to spend as much time in Florence as possible on our own and this seems the easiest and give the most time to explore vs. going by train, etc.

 

If anyone has done this can you tell me how early they left the port and how long it really took to get into Florence and what time you left Florence to return to port.

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

A few years ago we did it with Oceania transportation (Bus) They took us into Florence and then we were on our own for about 7 hours. Then back to ship. We could walk to all the places we wanted to see and did not need a private guide. A map is all that it took.

[ShopperfiendTO]

When does the ship dock and leave? If it is an early dock and late departure or even overnight, you will maximize your time taking the train but that will involve some planning.

 

If it is the typical 8am to 5-7pm port day, your best bet is to look at the excursion offering on the website and see what the meeting time for the tour is compared to when you dock. If it's shortly after, then it would be a good relatively care-free option IMHO. Coming back should be a wash with probably the tour having the edge because it's timed to the ship's departure versus the scheduling needs of the region.

 

You do lose a bit of time walking to and from the bus park to the main square/meeting point but it is only about 15-30 minutes used up.

 

We did Florence on your own once on O a few years back (because the tour we wanted to take at this port was cancelled for not enough interest) and you're correct that it was basically a guided shuttle to Florence with a very quick orientation of the historical centre.

[mattyboy]

Thank you both for your quick replies.

 

This is a 7 AM-8 PM port stop and unfortunateIy can't find anywhere on the web - referencing the meeting time.

[ShopperfiendTO]

When is your cruise? If it is this year, you can sign into your Oceania account and shop for excursions. The excursions should have start times and duration.

 

Leaving at 8 p.m. is on the edge of having more time going on your own because you can comfortably stay in Florence until 5:00-5:30 p.m.. On O's general excursions website, the description indicates it is a 10 hour "tour" but I'm not sure if that is what it will be for your specific cruise.

[Marseydotes]

We took this bus ride two years ago. It was an efficient way to get to Florence and allowed us to plan out our own sights. We left at 9, and had to meet by 4 for the return, but our ship left around 5:30.

[potterhill]

When we were there we were going to take the train. Two couples. Taxi driver offered us a deal for the day. It was great. He took us first to the hill overlooking Florence. There is a cathedral there and lots of craftspeople selling art and jewelry. Fantastic views of the city. Then we went to Florence and toured around on our own. Had lunch. Finished with a stop in Pisa on our way back to the ship. A great day.

 

Mo

 

 

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