— J. Frias, Toronto
A: I once lived in this wonderful city and know that such a short visit will whet your appetite for more.
Avoid wasting precious time lining up at the Uffizi Gallery (save that for another visit) and instead wander the streets to soak up the atmosphere.
The piazzas are all works of art. Piazza della Signoria in front of Palazzo Vecchio is an open-air museum that includes Giambologna’s monument to Cosimo I, Ammannati’s Neptune Fountain and copies of Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes (the original is inside Palazzo Vecchio) and Michelangelo’s David (the original is in Galleria dell’Accademia).
Be sure to put Santa Maria del Fiore — the famous duomo — on your list as well as the Florence Bapistry with its magnificent bronze doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti.
Santa Croce church is another architectural masterpiece. It’s the burial place for greats such as Galileo, Rossini and Renaissance master Michelangelo. At the Basilica of San Lorenzo you can marvel at the Medici Chapel designed by Michelangelo.
When you’re ready for a snack, Mercato Centrale is packed with food vendors. Try a bowl of zuppa fagioli, a hearty Tuscan bean soup. If there is time for souvenir shopping, Mercato San Lorenzo is a popular outdoor market lined with leather vendors.
Walk the Ponte Vecchio Bridge over the Arno River. Wander up Piazzale Michelangiolo, the home of another David (a bronze replica) and take in a breathtaking view of the city and the Arno Valley before tearing yourself away.
Q: We are planning a trip to Florida for late May or early June. Should we skip Disney World? My husband doesn’t want to go as he is more of a Star Wars fan.
— A. Garrett, Toronto
A: Your husband doesn’t have to travel to a galaxy far far away to enjoy some Star Wars action. A Disney World representative says the park is holding Star Wars Weekends in May and June. Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Queen Amidala and other costumed characters featured in the blockbuster film series will be mingling with guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Star Wars Weekends take place May 21-23 and May 28-30, June 4-6 and June 11-13. For details. see disneyworld.com.
Q: Can you suggest any online forums where people can post comments about their travels? I check out tripadvisor.com but would like to expand my network.
— P. Deluca, Brampton
A: That’s one of my favourites, too. But many other travel companies are also getting into forums, asking guests and travellers to post their comments, video clips or photos.
Here are a few worth checking out:
GAP Adventures has a “watering hole” for travellers who wish to meet, greet and communicate before, during or after their travels. See wateringhole.gapadventures.com.
The Trafalgar Tours forum, trafbb.com/eve/forums, allows you to share comments with fellow travellers. Popular forums include travel advice, meeting friends before you travel and European tours.
Expedia.ca invites readers to comment and rank destinations, hotels, attractions, dining and more. For instance, if you click on Canada on the world map and plug in Banff and select Fairmont Banff Springs, readers rank this prestigious property as a 4.5 out of a possible five. The score is based on service, condition, cleanliness and comfort.
ilona@mycompass.ca
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