Discovery Family Best of Florence

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Departing from Livorno, you will take a 90-minute motorcoach ride to Florence, one of Italy's most artistically significant cities and arguably the seat of the Renaissance. Once there, you'll start your guided walking tour within the main pedestrian centre as you head to your first destination, the Piazza Duomo Cathedral.

Duomo, or "The Dome" is notable not only for its beauty, but also its architectural importance. Representing the wealth and power of the era, it took 14 years to build using a revolutionary method that was later copied for St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London. The fourth largest church in the world, the Duomo was consecrated in 1436. Fillipo Brunelleschi, master architect of the Italian Renaissance, designed the cathedral's green and white marble façade and magnificent dome.

Follow your guide to see Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery with its magnificent doors featuring scenes from the Bible sculpted on a series of bronze panels. The doors on the east side of the Baptistery are especially stunning so much so that Michelangelo dubbed them the "Gates of Paradise."

After a short walk, your tour continues to the Piazza Della Signoria, the political heart of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day. The square, which sits in front of the Palazza Vecchio, or the "Old Palace" is in effect an open-air museum. Copies of some of the world's most renowned statues hold court in the Piazza Della Signoria, including Michelangelo's David. The statue came to symbolize the defense of civil liberties embodied in the Florentine Republic. Be sure to note the eyes of David, with a warning glare, are turned towards Rome.

Continuing on your adventure, you will stop at the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and the Piazza St. Croce - the final resting place of such notables as Galileo, Machiavelli and Michelangelo.

One look at the crowd at the Accademia and you'll know there's something extremely special inside. What was once the world's first art school is now the home of one the greatest sculptures of all time - David by Michelangelo. While you'll see a replica of the statue in the Piazza della Signoia, the original is truly breathtaking. Sculpted between 1501 and 1504, it stands over 13 feet tall, and is spectacular in its the detail. You'll get to spend approximately an hour here, admiring the many works of Michelangelo, and other Renaissance masters.

After your busy morning filled with memorable sightseeing activities, it's time to take a break and enjoy lunch at a first class restaurant. You can also take advantage of some free time for shopping in St. Croce Square.

Refreshed, you'll return to your motorcoach for a relaxing ride through the countryside as you head for Pisa and the Leaning Tower.

A short 15-minute walk brings you to the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is dominated by sculptures and monuments, most notably the famous Leaning Tower. The time is yours to enjoy on your own. However, don't let the fame of the Tower distract you from the overall beauty of the other architectural wonders, which were built in the highly original Pisan style. The beautifully decorated cemetery, or Campo Santo, contains 53 cartloads of earth that the Crusaders brought from Jerusalem. And it is said that Galileo, a native of Pisa, used the Cathedral to study the movement of the pendulum, and the Leaning Tower to work out his laws of gravity and acceleration.

Your tour concludes with a walk back to your motorcoach and a scenic return to Livorno and your ship.

Special Notes:

The Accademia is closed on Mondays, May 1st and on some other holidays. A visit to the interior of Santa Croce Church will be substituted. The chapels adjacent to the altar are decorated with Giotto's frescoes of St. Francis and St. John. Santa Croce also possesses Donatello's eloquent "Annunciation." Proper attire that covers shoulders and knees is recommended for both men and women for the Church of Santa Croce. Also, photography is not permitted inside.

The drive between Livorno and Florence is approximately 1 1/2 hours each way, subject to traffic conditions.

All sightseeing will be on foot, as motorcoaches are not allowed in the main center of Florence. Most of the sights are seen from the outside only.

Please be aware that ongoing restoration work is often being carried out at the various sites in the city.

Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.
Please note: This tour is very popular and typically sells out. Alternative tours with similar content may be available, including LI1-605 Discovery Family - Pisa.