|
|
 |
| |
|
Your trip will begin at the cruise ship pier, where you will be met by your private, licensed, driver-guide, who will accompany you everywhere during your adventure.
|
| |
|
In your air-conditioned vehicle, you will ride the the hour to Florence in comfort, stopping first for a beautiful view on the hills overlooking the city before driving down town to stop at the Republic square and the old Jewish
ghetto. Then make your way to the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence. This cathedral, the third to be built in Florence, was the largest in Europe when it was completed, with room for 30,000 people. It is noted for its high, octagonal-ribbed dome, that is Brunelleschi's most famous masterpiece.
Next, head to the Battistero with its famous bronze gates, before coming to the Accademia where the original David by Michelangelo is located (if you choose to reserve tickets you will be able to avoid the lines!). The sculpture has been housed here since 1873, when it was moved from its previous outdoor location on Piazza della Signoria.
Your next stop is the Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross), where Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini are all buried. From here you may choose to visit the Uffizi painting gallery or the huge Pitti Palace, a large, mainly Renaissance palace located on the south side of the Arno, a short distance from the Ponte Vecchio.
Your last stop will be the Old Bridge area, with its medieval roads and Renaissance palaces. If you are interested, you will have the opportunity to stop in some of the workshops to visit the craftsmen.
At some point, stop for lunch (on your own) and some shopping. You will have about one hour to shop for leather, gold, Tuscany pottery, shoes, water colors, or other Florentine treasures.
|
|
|
| |
|
You will be tired and happy on your one hour drive back to Livorno and your cruise ship.
Please note that if you have tickets reserved, this is non-refundable.
|
| |
|
Traveler Reviews
|
| 7/13/2007 |
LIVORNO (FLORENCE) - Quinby |
The highlight of the entire trip - Florence. The guides were both absolutely spectacular. Very informed, warm, friendly, flexible, professional, friendly, funny, provided wonderful local color and happy to do whatever we wanted to do
- I could go on and on. We wouldn't change a thing with either one of
them - not a thing. |
|
| 9/12/2006 |
LIVORNO (FLORENCE) S. Lopez - Travel Agent |
| Natalia (our guide) was excellent! He met us with a smile, and left us with big hugs! We were one of the first people at Pisa, so nice to see it without hoards of people. We left as all the tour busses came, priceless! He too, was so knowledgeable everywhere we went! And he told us facts with such passion, it made all the difference. Florence and the surrounding area was beautiful! He took us to a beautiful spot way on top of a gorgeous neighboorhood. Those pictures will be amazing! The whole town, the Arno river, so great! We walked thru many downtown areas, and the main square had the best gelato ever. Then we asked him to take us to a local restaurant away from all the tourists. He made a phone call, drove us there, table waiting, we felt like royalty! We all decided no museum, we wanted to see the Tuscan country! Oh my Gosh! He took us to a beautiful area, we were in awe! The whole trip was perfect! It was interesting, fun, exciting, and such a nice pace. It felt like we were there much longer. Having the private tours made all the difference. We did and saw so much more.. and it was just us! We loved it! Diane (my client) said it was the best vacation she ever took! It was so magical for me... If this was my only one time to visit... I feel truely blessed! WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!!! The best way to show our appreciation will be to share our fantastic trip with all our clients.. and give back to you as much business as possible!! |
|
| 5/3/2006 |
LIVORNO (FLORENCE) T. Payne - Travel Agent |
| I received a e-mail from my client yesterday and he said that everything was great. The driver guide in Florence was wonderful. Thank you for your quick help, I will certainly use your services again. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
