That’s right. We got lost in Italy. Not once or twice, but several times. And, the unintentional detours we took led to some funny stories that we are sharing with you.
We are also sharing some tips for preventing these mishaps on your trip to Italy.
GPS is great…when it works
We consider ourselves to be on board with most of today’s technology and often use our phones for directions. This especially applies when we are walking around an unfamiliar city. Well, this may not be the best choice when you are visiting Florence.
On our first night in the city we were trying to navigate our way back to our hotel after dinner. Phones in hands, we were following the walking directions…until it rerouted us…multiple times…on the same road. This happened many times throughout our trip. And, at one point, we both had our phones out with two different apps pulled up in hopes of figuring out why we kept walking in circles. Talk about lookin like a tourist!
Apparently, the old buildings in Florence were very well built (think fortress). Many are made of stone. They were not built to accommodate cell service and does not work in your favor if you are relying on GPS to navigate the area. We highly recommend getting a map. Hotels usually have them if you are in a tourist area.
Most of the time, if a map is not available, the hotel staff will gladly give you directions to the destination you are looking for. Just ask!
Italian Walk Time
Many local maps, or even directions from locals, will give you the estimated time it should take to walk to your destination. Do NOT believe it!
Just kidding. The times are probably accurate for locals who are familiar with the area and are accustomed to walking uphill everywhere they go. However, due to GPS issues and being from Florida where the tallest hills we walk are small sand dunes, these walk times proved to be highly inaccurate.
For example, we were told that the walk to Piazzale Michelangelo was approximately 20-25 minutes. In total, it took us about 45 minutes. That is forty-five minutes on a 40-50 degree incline.
About ten minutes into the hike an Italian lady in her mid to late eighties passed us on the path. Talk about embarrassing! We will now be adding a higher incline on the treadmill.
Piazzale Michelangelo
Our intense trek up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo did offer something other than burning hamstrings, cramping calves, and dirty looks when I realized my husband was keeping a ten foot distance so he could laugh and film my misery. The proof is in this week’s video. Link here.
The hike offered some of the most spectacular views in Florence. From the tower of the Medici Palace to the Duomo, all of this beautiful city lies below you as you stand atop the Piazzale Michelangelo.
Tips for Navigating the Hike to Piazzale Michelangelo
- If you want to take the scenic route, follow the winding trail.
- If you want a more direct route, there are stairs beside the old tower that stands along the Arno.(We found them by accident.)
- Beware of traffic. The roads that surround the area are barely wide enough for a car and are very curvy. As a pedestrian, you will frequently be in the driver’s blind spot.
- Above all, stay hydrated. No matter which path you choose, hydration is important.
- If you have any type of physical limitations consider taking a taxi to the top.
Want to know more about our trip to Florence? Check out our post Florence, Italy – Day 1
And remember, break the monotony, not the bank!
–Marnie
