Private Tour of the Accademia & Uffizi

This special highlights tour gives a whirlwind introduction to the arts of Florence's two foremost galleries. We begin at the Galleria dell'Accademia, where Michelangelo's 15-foot tall David still amazes visitors with its masterly carving technique and its potent aesthetic presence. Nearby are Michelangelo's Slaves, studies in the raw power of sculptural creation. A short walk through Florence's historical center brings us next to the Galleria degli Uffizi, a veritable pantheon of Western master painters. With the expert knowledge of your guide, you can exult in the coloristic flourishes of such Italian Renaissance geniuses as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Other illustrious artists in the collection include Durer, Titian, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and several ancient Roman sculptors, whose works were the very inspiration for their Renaissance successors. This special, 2-museum tour provides invaluable assistance in navigating the vast collections of the museums, guiding you to the most important works and enriching your experience with critical artistic insights. Don't miss this opportunity for an expert look at the masterpieces in two of Italy's most famous art museums. Interested in a behind the scenes look at the Uffizi Gallery and the famed Vasari passageway? See our Exclusive Uffizi: Vasari Corridor Private Visit.

Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery - Group Guided Visit with Guaranteed Departure

Join the most exclusive cultural experience in Florence on this shared tour of the celebrated Vasari Corridor! This aerial walkway dates back to 1564 when the Grand Duke of Florence, Cosimo I de' Medici, ordered his favorite architect, Giorgio Vasari, to build a path that would allow him and the royal family to move freely from their residence (Palazzo Pitti) to the government palace (Palazzo della Signoria) on the other side of the Arno river.Hidden between houses and other buildings, and passing right through a church, the Vasari Corridor is one of the most astounding architectural innovations of the Renaissance. The Corridor is rarely open to the public so take advantage of this opportunity to view Florence and its artistic treasures on this exclusive shared tour. Your visit to the Corridor is preceded by a 1 1/2 hour introduction to the Uffizi Gallery and, an added plus, you skip the usual long lines to get into the museum! The following privately guided service is also available at Select Italy: Exclusive Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery - Private Visit

Florence Shared Walking Tour

This shared walking tour reveals the innermost secrets of Florence, from the city's most beautiful monuments to the places where the locals go for the best espresso and gelato. An expert tour guide will share with you entertaining facts and anecdotes about this beautiful city's history and art from Roman times through the Middle Ages and Renaissance up until today. Michelangelo, Leonardo and the fascinating inventions and projects they came up with will be covered. A break during which you will taste typical Florentine flavors and wines is also a part of this tour! During this pleasant walk you will see the Duomo, Giotto's renowned belltower and Brunelleschi's imposing dome, among other fascinating sights. You will also walk alongside Vasari's Corridor from the Ponte Vecchio to Piazza della Signoria and the crenellated Palazzo Vecchio, still today Florence's City Hall. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to explore the city in the company of a knowledgeable guide who will share with you its most fascinating and intriguing stories!

Florence Small Group Bike Tour

This 2.5 hour shared bike tour is the best way to get an introduction to the splendor of Florence's centro storico with its flat city area. An expert and entertaining guide will accompany you and explain the great stories behind magnificent buildings, facades and monuments. Stops along the way include the classics Piazza del Duomo, with its gaily colored marble-clad cathedral, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Croce - a veritable Pantheon of famous Florentine citizens - and other small sites not overcrowded by other tourists. The tour also includes a stop for gelato in the Oltrarno district. Satisfaction guaranteed: With this tour you will discover more of Florence while having extra fun in the process! Please note: The level of difficulty may vary from easy to medium.

Towers, Lions, and Gelato: Florence for Children

See Florence through the eyes of a child by focusing on the animals - both ferocious and friendly - found throughout the historic center. This entertaining and informative tour is a great way to learn more about this marvelous city in a lighthearted, playful manner. Begin by meeting the golden lion that stands guard over Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria. This crenellated fortress-palace still serves as Florence's City Hall, 800 years after it was built. Then you'll make your way to Orsanmichele to see the rearing horse being shod by a medieval blacksmith. In the colorfully frescoed Oratory of San Martino dei Buonomini, you'll learn the story of the knight in shining armor that shares his cloak with a poor beggar. Be sure to pet the nose of the wild pig that crouches outside the Straw Market. Legend has it that by doing so, you are sure to return to Florence. Along the way, on the Borgo SS. Apostoli right by the Ponte Vecchio, you will climb an actual tower dating from the Middle Ages; the view from the top is incredible! The tour also includes a stop for gelato at one of Florence's oldest ice cream parlors where you'll get an insider look at how handmade gelato is prepared.

Touring Tuscany on a Vespa!

This shared, full day excursion is an easy and fun way to discover the Tuscan countryside. Roll through Tuscany on a Vespa and soak up the sights, smells and sounds: warm winds on your face, earthy colors, the scent of thyme and rosemary... this is an unforgettable experience that you won't want to miss! A comfortable minivan will bring you to Chianti country, far away from the busy and bustling city. Astride your Vespa, you will ride through a picture-perfect landscape of tidy vineyards, medieval castles, magnificent villas and silent monasteries. You will stop for lunch at a typical Tuscan castle where an array of Italian delicacies, along with a little tasting of the famous Chianti wine, will be served.

VIP Morning at the Uffizi & Vasari Corridor with Guaranteed Departure

An EXCLUSIVE opportunity to avoid much of the crowd by being among the first visitors to the Uffizi Gallery. Enjoy the services of an English-speaking guide and discover the astonishing silence of history as you enter the Vasari Corridor, the secret passageway of the Medici family. First, enjoy a 2-hour guided highlights tour of the main rooms of the Uffizi Gallery, skipping the usual long lines, entering from a reserved entrance. You will be able to view the main masterpieces by artists like Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, enjoying the personalized attention that only an exclusive small-group tour can provide. A delicious Italian breakfast will then be served at the Uffizi Cafe, offering you fascinating views from the cafe terrace. Then walk down the staircase into the magic atmosphere of one of the best-kept secrets of Florence: the Vasari Corridor. Hidden between city houses and passing over the Ponte Vecchio, the Vasari Corridor has evolved as one of the most astounding architectural masterpieces of the Renaissance. It served as a passageway dating back to 1564, when the Grand Duke of Florence, Cosimo I de' Medici, ordered his favorite architect, Giorgio Vasari, to build a path that would allow the Medici family to move freely from their residence (Palazzo Pitti) to the government palace (Palazzo della Signoria) on the other side of the Arno River. Today, the Corridor houses one of the greatest collections of portraits and self-portraits in the world. The corridor is not always open to the public, so take advantage of this unique opportunity to view Florence and its artistic pleasures on this exclusive small-group guided walking tour.

Two Tuscan Towns: Pisa and Lucca

Two of Tuscany's most characteristic towns are explored in this full day private tour of Lucca and Pisa, departing from and returning to your Florence hotel. First stop is Lucca. The city of "a hundred churches" has preserved the ancient mystery of its streets, squares, Renaissance palaces and medieval towers. Rich in history, the charming old-town center is completely enclosed by imposing, 16th century brick walls that are wide enough for tall trees to grow on top. After a walking tour of Lucca, your guide will accompany you to the Fattoria Villa Maionchi, a wine and olive oil producing estate located in the hills outside Lucca. Here you'll taste some of the most prestigious Tuscan wines and olive oils; a tasty lunch of typical Tuscan dishes follows. After lunch you'll head to Pisa, one of Italy's most popular destinations. The celebrated Leaning Tower - Torre pendente - is just one of the splendid monuments that rise from the emerald green lawns of the Piazza dei Miracoli, or "Field of Miracles." You'll learn that all the buildings in the piazza lean because their shallow foundations were built on sandy subsoil. Pisa's impressive Romanesque Cathedral, with its glittering apse mosaic and precious marble pulpit by Giovanni Pisano, is meant to inspire awe. After a tour of the Cathedral's interior, you'll visit the Camposanto (Monumental Cemetery). Tradition holds that in 1146 the Archbishop Ubaldo De' Lanfranchi ordered that some earth from the site of Christ's Crucifixion be carried from the Holy Land and placed inside this four-sided cloister.

Cinque Terre: Day Trip from Florence - Guided Group Tour

A cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value, the Cinque Terre is an UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its incredible beauty. This small group excursion departs from and returns to a pre-arranged meeting point in the Florence city center. It offers a convenient way to discover the colors and flavors of this fascinating area in just one day. First stop is Riomaggiore. From here you will follow the Via dell'Amore (Road of Love), a scenic path that overhangs the rocky coastline far below. It leads to Manarola, second smallest of the villages and probably the oldest; the cornerstone of Manarola's church of San Lorenzo was laid in 1338. A 10-minute train ride takes you to Monterosso al Mare. The town is divided into two distinct parts - the Old Town and the modern resort of Fegina - that are connected by a tunnel. It is known for its lemons, wide sandy beach and important Van Dyck painting in the church of San Francesco. After a tour of the town, you will stop for lunch and get the chance to sample the local trofie pasta with pesto. Cinque Terre's unique landscape is best viewed from the sea. The half-hour ferry ride from Monterosso provides ample time to take pictures as you cruise slowly past Corniglia, perched on top of a promontory and the only one of the five villages without direct access to the sea, and picture-perfect Vernazza, considered to be one of the most authentic fishing villages on the Italian Riviera. Disembark in Riomaggiore where a refreshing gelato awaits you before the drive back to Florence. During this full-day tour you will enjoy the most astonishing views from both land and sea as you traverse the spectacularly scenic Cinque Terre National Park by boat, train and on foot. Included in the tour price is a tasty 3-course lunch in a typical restaurant, a stop for gelato and the opportunity to take a dip in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. PLEASE NOTE that Via dell'Amore is temporarily closed for restoration and instead of walking from Riomaggiore to Manarola, you will either be taking the train or the ferry.

Shared Boat Tour on Arno River

Experience Florence from a different perspective as you cruise down the Arno River, soaking up the views while enjoying your ride in a vintage gondola-style boat -- the Barchetto -- rowed by traditional renaioli. This shared boat tour is the perfect way to view Florence in a different light, admiring the beautiful palaces and the people dining in nice restaurants along the river. The guide will make sure you are entertained by telling you many tales about the city and its famous inhabitants. The riverside palazzi you will pass are silent witnesses of the past and guardians of many secrets. A different perspective of the Uffizi Gallery and the celebrated Vasari Corridor is seen, and you will float by the Santa Trinita' Bridge and Palazzo Corsini, too. The boat tour will be preceded by a small walking tour of Florence leading to the point of embarkation, while to finish off this spectacular excursion, you will get a taste of the famous Prosecco in the shadows of Ponte Vecchio. Not to mention how fascinating it is to pass under the Ponte Vecchio; this is an exhilarating experience that you will remember for many years to come!

Horseback Riding in Hills of Florentine Chianti

This shared tour by horseback is a unique opportunity to explore the Tuscan landscape and enjoy the extraordinary views while engaging in some a physical activity in a natural setting of great beauty less than half an hour from Florence. The added bonus is a delicious Tuscan meal at the end of your ride! The horseback riding part of the tour lasts for about an hour, during which you will pass by medieval villages, villas, Chianti vineyards and picturesque farms in the countryside outside San Casciano Val di Pesa. Afterwards, you will be welcomed to a privately owned, 14th century villa surrounded by vineyards. Here you will be introduced to the production process for making olive oil and Chianti wine. A traditional Tuscan lunch of bruschetta and pasta will then be served, accompanied by characteristic Chianti wines.

Bike Tour of the Tuscan Countryside

This shared bike tour is a unique opportunity to explore the Tuscan landscape and enjoy the extraordinary views while engaging in some a physical activity in a natural setting of great beauty only a few miles south of Florence. A full day's cycling takes you through small towns and past beautiful vineyards and silvery-green olive trees. There are frequent rest stops and a lovely Tuscan lunch with Chianti wine will be served. On the way back to your starting point, you will have many opportunities to take photos that record your carefree moments on the road. Two itineraries are available: Meet in central Florence and start biking from Certosa You will meet your group in central Florence and the shuttle will take you just below the imposing monastery of the Certosa where you will be given a helmet and a 24-gear bike; total distance covered is 18 miles. (Click on title to read more...) You will explore Tuscany's gorgeous natural setting, filled with olive trees, cypresses and Chianti vineyards. The tour includes stops to enjoy the panorama and to photos, plus a longer break for lunch. The home-cooked lunch will be served in a 17th century private villa, where you will also visit the wine cellar and taste some of their wines at the same time you learn about the traditional production techniques. Start biking from Florence city center You will meet the group at a bike shop in central Florence where you'll be supplied with a helmet and a 21-gear hybrid bike. Cycling along safe roads, your guide will lead you for 10 miles to the lovely village of Impruneta where you'll pause for a quick visit. (Click on title to read more...) Next stop is lunch where you will dine on local specialties along with a guided tasting of Chianti wines. Depending on availability, lunch will be served at either a farmhouse or a private villa. You'll return to Florence by a different route, stopping at Piazzale Michelangelo for a photo opportunity and then near Piazza Santa Croce for another wine tasting. Total mileage for this cycling tour is about 22 miles.

Exclusive Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery - Private Visit

High above the streets of Florence and its famous bridge, the Ponte Vecchio sits the Vasari Corridor. It was built in 1564 by Cosimo I, Grand Duke of Tuscany, to serve as a private walkway between his old dwelling in the Palazzo Vecchio, his offices in the Uffizi and his new home on the opposite side of the river, the Palazzo Pitti. Over the centuries the passageway has survived floods and nearby bombings to become a restricted area under the care of the Galleria degli Uffizi. The Corridor is only accessible by advance reservation and entrance to the space is extremely limited. Most people can only gaze up at the passageway from the streets below or the bridges that cross the Arno, but now you can reserve a guided tour through this exclusive aerial walkway. Not only will you experience Florence in a way that only the Medici could, but you can also view the Uffizi's vast collection of artist's self-portraits (the largest in the world) with works by Guido Reni, the Carracci, Delacroix, Rubens and Marc Chagall, among others.

Medieval Florence & Its Urban Design

Ideal as an introduction to the splendors of Florence, this half-day tour is perfect for those who want a basic understanding of the culture and historical events that shaped this magnificent city. The tour begins in the Piazza della Repubblica, site of the Forum in ancient times; from here you will explore the many picturesque corners of the centro storico. Marvel at the Piazza del Duomo, with its gaily colored, marble-clad cathedral and baptistery. You will then make your way to the poet Dante's house, and the little chapel where he first saw his beloved Beatrice. Discover the drama behind the Piazza della Signoria, the shape of which is the result of a 13th century family feud. Nearby is Orsanmichele, once a grain market, the exterior of which is adorned with masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture in marble and bronze. The tour ends in the majestic spaces of the Franciscan Basilica of Santa Croce, a veritable Pantheon of famous Florentines, housing the tombs of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli. The depth of understanding you gain from this tour will follow you as you explore the rest of the city.

Siena-San Gimignano Full Day

Departing from and returning to Florence, this full day excursion begins with a visit to the picturesque village of San Gimignano, famous for the 13th century towers that stand as a testament to its medieval prosperity and the wealth of its merchants. Afterwards, you will drive through the gorgeous Tuscan countryside to Siena. In this cradle of the Italian Gothic style, your expert, private guide will introduce you to the artistic marvels of the historic center. See the spectacular Duomo and baptistery, both of which beautifully symbolize the devout religious nature of the Sienese. The city's heart is the gracious, shell-shaped main piazza, or Campo, site of the celebrated Palio - this thrilling horserace is run twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th. Looming over it is the Palazzo Pubblico (City Hall), a crenellated, medieval building that represents the independence and economic might of the Sienese oligarchy. Time permitting, the driver will take a slight detour to Monteriggioni, a tiny village surrounded by high walls and 14 square towers. It is one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in existence.

Cinque Terre: Day Trip from Florence - Private Tour

A cultural landscape of great scenic and cultural value, the Cinque Terre is an UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its incredible beauty. This full-day excursion departs from and returns to your Florence hotel, and offers a convenient way to discover the colors and flavors of this fascinating area. You will meet your guide in Riomaggiore, the southern-most of the "Five Lands." From here you'll follow the Via dell'Amore (Road of Love), a scenic path that overhangs the rocky coastline far below. It leads to Manarola, second smallest of the villages and probably the oldest; the cornerstone of Manarola's church of San Lorenzo was laid in 1338. Corniglia is next. Perched on top of a promontory, Corniglia is the only one of the five villages without direct access to the sea. It is enclosed on three sides by picturesque, terraced vineyards while the fourth side descends steeply to the blue waters of the Mediterranean. After a guided visit of the village and its park, you'll stop for a tasty lunch of local dishes and wines at the Cantina de Mananan (included in the price). Last but certainly not least is Vernazza, the most picture-perfect of the five and considered to be one of the most authentic fishing villages on the Italian Riviera. You'll not soon forget the feeling of being embraced by Vernazza's fine, natural harbor. Please note that due to rock slides, the Via dell'Amore is closed until further notice. Therefore you will go from Manarola to Riomaggiore by train.

Segway Tour: Historic Florence with a Modern Twist

The Segway Tour is a unique and entertaining way to explore the birthplace of Renaissance, a city that has been an important cultural center for countless centuries. You will have the time of your life as you discover all the wonders of art and architecture that Florence has to offer. Your tour begins with a 30-minute orientation session and once you feel comfortable riding the Segway, you will start your tour of the historic center. Palazzo Strozzi, Piazza della Repubblica, the Piazza del Duomo with its cathedral and belltower covered in colorful marble inlay are just some of the famous sites that you'll see on this tour. An expert guide will accompany you and explain the historical and artistic significance of the monuments through a wireless headset: no straining to listen to the guide over the hubbub of the city. Last stop on the tour is the Straw Market with its bronze statue of a wild boar, designed by Pietro Tacca in 1612. Rub the porcellino's nose so you will be sure to return to Florence some day!

David: A Jewish Hero in Renaissance Florence

The Old Testament figure of David, the young giant-killer who saved the Hebrew people from tyranny, had special meaning for Renaissance Florentines who saw their city under constant threat from envious rival states. The tour starts in the Piazza della Repubblica, site of Florence's former Jewish Ghetto; it was dismantled in the late 19th century when the city center was modernized. We will then explore the political and artistic symbolism of David as portrayed in five masterworks of Renaissance sculpture: Ghiberti's dazzling, gilt-bronze relief of "David Slaying Goliath" for the Baptistery doors; Donatello's two versions of the young hero in marble and bronze and Verrocchio's bronze statue in the Bargello Museum and Michelangelo's monumental marble "David" for the Piazza Signoria, now housed in the Accademia Museum. A tour of the Great Synagogue and its Jewish Museum can also be arranged, as well as lunch at the community’s Kosher restaurant.

Masterpieces of the Uffizi Gallery

This tour focuses on select masterpieces from the outstanding Uffizi Gallery collection. With an illustrious history as the oldest public art museum in the world, the Uffizi is a veritable pantheon of Western master painters. Following a carefully selected itinerary, we will explore the rich artistic layers of these world-famous works, as well as the complex interplay of culture, patronage, and artistic inspiration that gave rise to them. The Uffizi includes canvases by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Raphael, Michelangelo, Durer, Titian, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and others, as well as a superb collection of Roman sculpture and medieval altarpieces. An excellent introduction to the museum, the tour also offers an intriguing second glance for seasoned Uffizi visitors, with an in-depth exploration of the themes that have made these works so enduring. After the tour, you will be free to remain in the museum for as long as you wish.

The Genius of Michelangelo

A prodigious genius and the world's most celebrated Western artist, Michelangelo's 75-year long career produced many seminal works of art that are found in Florence. Discover what distinguishes him as a master as you make your way through the museums and monuments of this splendid city to focus on one man's brilliance. The tour begins in Piazza della Repubblica, Florence's Forum in ancient Roman times. Leaving the piazza you will walk the same streets as Michelangelo did, passing the Duomo where it was first planned that the statue of "David" would go, high up on the cathedral's exterior. First stop is the Medici Chapel behind the nearby church of San Lorenzo. Here Michelangelo carved the Medici tombs with their enigmatic, reclining figures of Dawn, Dusk, Night and Day. In their unfinished state, they tell us more about the tormented psychology of the sculptor himself than they do about the family they were meant to commemorate. After passing the great Medici Palace, where Michelangelo lived for a time when he was 15-years old, you arrive at the Accademia Gallery. Here, the 15-foot tall marble "David" dominates the specifically created, light-filled apse where he has stood since the late 19th century. You will explore the symbolism and carving technique that characterizes this supreme masterpiece and his attendant "Slaves." Looking for a highlights tour that includes the Accademia and the Uffizi? See our Masterpieces of the Accademia and Uffizi half-day tour.

Science and Art in the Age of Galileo

During the infamous reign of the Medici family, an enormous proliferation of the arts and sciences took place in Florence. Find yourself guided directly to these works in the Uffizi Gallery and Science Museum with this unique tour of Medici-sponsored science and art. Begin in the Uffizi Gallery, the world's first public art museum, where the Medici family's own collection of art and scientific instruments are the main focus. Among this incredible collection are the likes of artistic geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Caravaggio. Make your way next door to the medieval Palazzo Castellani, now the home of the Science Museum. Here, in addition to Galileo's own telescope, see a fascinating array of antique globes, compasses, maps, microscopes, armillary spheres and surgeon's instruments. Don't miss the opportunity to put these revolutionary artworks and discoveries in their correct historical perspective. Your tour guide will illuminate your understanding of the world's most seminal works.

Art and Excess at the Court of the Medici Grand Dukes

Step back in time and enter the fascinating world of the Medici Grand Dukes with a guided tour of the grandiose 35,000 square foot Pitti palace, set among acres of formal gardens on the left bank of the Arno River. This palatial residence, with its separate apartments for summer and winter living, was renovated in 1549 by Eleonora di Toledo for her own use and is now home to several museums. The visit will include the Palatine Gallery, the silk-covered walls on which are hung with masterpieces by Raphael, Titian and Van Dyck, as well as the sumptuously-decorated Royal Apartments and the Silver Museum where precious gems and curious objects in ivory and gold are displayed. The tour concludes in the newly-installed Costume Galleries for an entertaining look at three centuries of Florentine fashion.

Renaissance Craftsmen of the 21st Century

Florentine artisans are some of the most skilled in the world and this walking tour introduces you to them: goldsmiths, fine leather craftsmen, wood carvers, perfumers or makers of handmade Florentine paper are just some of the choices. Select which workshops you wish to visit based on your own personal preferences. In the narrow cobblestone streets around the Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza Santo Spirito, skilled craftsmen still practice age-old techniques. On this fascinating tour you can watch the artisans at work and gain new insight into the creative process.

Florence & Pisa Shore Excursion: Livorno Port-of-Call

When your cruise ship stops at the port of Livorno, why not disembark and take a private excursion to the splendid cities of Florence and Pisa? Visiting Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is like strolling through an open-air museum, while Pisa is home to the world-famous Leaning Tower – you can't return home without a photo of that! Miles of gorgeous Tuscan countryside separate Florence from Pisa, and you'll get to enjoy them as you drive between the two. This excursion features a three-hour, guided walking tour of Florence, including the many picturesque corners of the centro storico: Piazza del Duomo, with its brightly colored, marble-clad cathedral and baptistery; Orsanmichele, once a grain market, the exterior of which is adorned with masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture; and the Piazza della Signoria, whose form is the result of a 13th century family feud. A stop at Piazzale Michelangelo offers you an astounding panorama of the city. During your visit to Pisa, you'll see the breathtaking Piazza dei Miracoli with the famous Leaning Tower. Independently explore the beautiful, medieval cathedral, baptistery and the monumental churchyard; if tickets are available, you may even have the chance to climb the bell tower. You'll arrive back in Livorno with plenty of time before the ship sails.

Florence Shore Excursion: Livorno Port-of-Call

When your cruise ship stops at the port of Livorno, why not disembark and take a private excursion to the splendid, historic city of Florence? Rich in masterpieces of Renaissance art, walking the city's streets is like strolling through an open-air museum. Your private guide will illuminate and entertain you on a three-hour walking tour of the highlights of Florence, including the many picturesque corners of the centro storico. Among these are the Piazza del Duomo, with its brightly colored, marble-clad cathedral and baptistery; Orsanmichele, once a grain market, the exterior of which is adorned with masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture; and the Piazza della Signoria, whose form is the result of a 13th century family feud. Perched high above the city center is Piazzale Michelangelo, offering an unparalleled, picture-perfect view of Florence - you'll stop there to take in the breathtaking vista. There's free time for shopping, too, and your guide or driver will be happy to suggest a typical trattoria for lunch. Then it's Arrivederci, Firenze! You'll return to Livorno with plenty of time before the ship departs.

The Leaning Tower & Pisa Exclusive Shared Excursion

The splendid city of Pisa is world famous for its architectural monuments, especially those on the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of the Miracles): the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and the Duomo. Pisa makes the perfect day trip from Florence since it lies only 62 miles to the west of town. You will climb to the top of the Tower accompanied by an expert tour guide who will explain its building history and most recent restoration, completed in 2011. The art treasures inside the medieval Duomo and the Baptistery (exterior only) will also be viewed. At the end of the guided visit you will have free time for taking pictures and shopping before returning to Florence.