New Yoga getaway in Tuscany for holiday this May

To accommodate travelers at the museums in Florence there are alternate opening and closing days so that not all museums are closed on the same day. (read full article on www.visitflorence.com/florence-museums/)

Reserve tickets in advance to avoid lines for museums and arrive early.

Uffizi Gallery Opening Times:  Tuesday - Sunday: 8.15 am - 6.50 pm

 "The highlights are the famous “Madonna enthroned” by Giotto, the “Battle of San Romano” by Paolo Uccello, the double portrait by Piero della Francesca, “Federico da Montefeltro”, the “Birth of Venus” by Botticelli , in addition to three works by Leonardo, one by Michelangelo, a few by Raffaello and many by Tiziano. All paintings have been displayed chronologically, so it is possible to fully appreciated all the innovations in art throughout the centuries."

A list of popular museums in Florence to visit.

Uffizi Gallery: Piazzale degli Uffizi - Firenze
Accademia Gallery: Via Ricasoli, 60 - Firenze
Palatina, Gallery & Modern Art Gallery: c/o Palazzo Pitti, Piazza Pitti, 1 - Firenze
Medici Chapels: Piazza Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6 - Firenze
Bargello Museum: Via del Proconsolo, 4 - Firenze
San Marco Museum: Piazza San Marco, 1 - Firenze
Archaeological Museum: Piazza Santissima Annuziata - Firenze
Boboli Gardens: Piazza de' Pitti, 1 - Firenze
Palazzo Strozzi: Piazza Strozzi - Firenze
Palazzo Vecchio Piazza della Signoria - Firenze
Ponte Vecchio Ponte Vecchio - Firenze
Santa Maria del Fiore: Piazza Duomo - Firenze

European vacation packing tips

Italian lemons!

Vacation packing tips for Europe

• Compare airfare on several sites for a while before purchasing tickets e.g. on cheaptickets.com

• Fly into one city and out of another to save yourself a train ride at the end of the trip   

• Make copies of all travel documents and store copies in at least two different places

• Buy local currency before departing or upon arrival for transportation, gratuities, meals, transfers

• Consider getting short term travel insurance

• Buy train tickets 2-3 days in advance of holiday weekends

• Pack extra camera memory cards and charger

• Upload complete itinerary in case baggage is lost

• Only pack comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing that will dry easily overnight

• Check local weather conditions and travel alerts for your destination(s)

• Purchase an international phone card before departing, store information/number in travel pouch

• Keep a journal of travel memories, favorite places visited and new friend contacts

• Buy postcards at grocery or discount stores instead of street vendors

• Bring a list of addresses and pre printed address labels for sending postcards

• Pack light, roll up clothes to take up less space, and prepare a carry on bag one week ahead (this size fits overhead bin  9" × 22" × 14")

• Bring an extra travel pouch or day pack for walking tours, hiking, outdoor activities

• Once you arrive locate a laundry mat or ask hotel about in house laundry service

• Hotels will usually store luggage and documents for you

• Other items to pack: insect repellent, small flashlight, toiletries, dry shampoo, laundry detergent,   luggage lock, earplugs, eye mask, stain remover wipes, hand sanitizer, first aid kit, medicines, vitamins, plastic bags, travel pillow, sewing kit, mini pack of tissues, glasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, travel alarm clock, day pack, note paper and pens, travel size air freshener for linens/pillows, jacket, scarf, hat, sun visor, sunscreen, flip flops, small towel/washcloth, poncho or small umbrella

• If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen while you are overseas, report it immediately to the local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A consul can issue a replacement passport, often within 24 hours. Links to contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates may be found at http://usembassy.state.gov.  More information is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1197.html.  

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