Escape the crowded 50 person cruise line tours on this exclusive Best of Florence shore excursion. With an average tour size of only 15 people (and no more than 30) you will enjoy a very personalized experience that differs greatly from the 50 plus person tours offered by the cruise lines.
You will be met at the pier by your driver where you will climb aboard your air conditioned vehicle for the 120 minute drive to Florence. Half way through the drive to Florence, a stop will be made so you can buy refreshments and use the bathroom facilities. During the drive, you will be given interesting and informative commentary about Florence’s past and present in addition to some narrative on the many outstanding sights you will see.
Upon arrival in Florence, you will drive to the city’s historical area which is predominately pedestrian. Your first stop will be Piazza del Duomo. The Florence Duomo is dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore and is typical of Italian Gothic architecture. The present building was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. The Cupola remained unfinished, and in 1421 the polygonal base was erected. Two architects won the competition to design the dome, Lorenzo Ghiberti (1368-1445) and Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446), but it was Brunelleschi who actually built it using remarkable technical knowledge to achieve the uniquely beautiful results we see today. Completed in 1436, the Cupola is the most characteristic feature of the Florentine skyline, symbolizing a great cultural tradition and the city's civic awareness.
You will continue to visit Piazza della Signoria, which has been the political heart of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day. The piazza is named after the most important monument there, Palazzo della Signoria, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1298-99 for the seat of the Republican government and which was later to host the Gonfalonier of Justice and the Priors of the Arts (it was in fact first called Palazzo dei Priori).
Close by to the Piazza della Signoria you will visit the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge which crosses the Arno at its widest point. It dates back to Roman times and has been re-built on several occasions. After the flooding of 1333 it was re-constructed with a double row of shops, passing from a defensive type of architecture to the current public one. In 1565 the east-facing Vasariano Corridor above the shops was built and the back-shops were added in the seventeenth century giving the bridge its modern-day structure.
The last stop will be in the Square of Santa Croce (Holy Cross), one of Florence's largest squares, and traditionally one of the city's main arenas for ceremonials and festivities. The Basilica of Santa Croce, one of the largest churches in the city, is attributed to the genius of Arnolfo di Cambio who seems to have begun work in 1294. The presence of a great many funeral monuments and tombstones (276 can still be seen on the floor alone) has led to the Basilica being thought of as the city Pantheon, the burial place of Florence's most illustrious citizens. You may choose to make an inside visit during your free time. Here lie the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Vittorio Alfieri, and Gioacchino Rossini. Entrance fee is not included in the tour price.
Your local guide will give you advice on additional sightseeing, shopping or where to find a quick lunch, before you will have approximately 45 minutes of free time on your own. At the appointed time, you will meet your driver and depart to Pisa.
Upon arrival in Pisa, you will have approximately 50 minutes to walk from the parking area to the Field of Miracles where you will have free time for photos.
Please Note: If less than 9 people are on your tour you will travel in a small vehicle with excellent access to all sights and your tour will be led by a guide who is also your driver. If more than 9 people are on your tour, you will travel in a van or minibus that will include a separate driver and guide in Florence.
