Best of Florence & Pisa (Guided in Japanese)

Description

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

What you will visit:

Florence, Italy (walking tour)
Florence is one of Italy's most artistically significant cities and arguably the seat of the Renaissance. A walking tour includes all the major landmarks including Piazza Duomo Cathedral and Piazza Della Signoria as well the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and the Santa Croce Church - the final resting place of such notables as Galileo, Machiavelli and Michelangelo.

Piazza Duomo Cathedral
Representing the wealth and power of the era, the Duomo, or "The Dome" 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. The doors on the east side were dubbed by Michelangelo as the "Gates of Paradise."

Piazza Della Signoria
The political heart of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day, this 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.

Galleria dell'Accademia (Academy of Fine Arts)
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. Admiring the many works of Michelangelo, and other Renaissance masters.

Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) is home of the famed Leaning Tower, which is actually the cathedral's bell tower, as well the duomo, the baptistery, the monumental cemetery and museums. Many people ask why it leans and what its original purpose was. The tower was meant to be the bell tower for the cathedral, but due to its faulty design and loose soil beneath it, it never fulfilled its purpose. The Leaning Tower of Pisa really is leaning! On the side where the tower is higher, it stands at 187.27 feet, and on the low side it stands at 186 feet.

What you will see along the way:
It's a scenic 90-minute drive from Livorno to Florence. Later, a relaxing ride through the countryside brings you to Pisa, one of Tuscany's most beautiful cities and the Leaning Tower.

Lunch:
Enjoy lunch at a first-class restaurant. A sample menu includes: A three-course meal of Vegetarian Lasagna, braised beef with seasonal vegetables, dessert, water, wine and coffee.

Shopping:
A little time will be allotted for shopping in St. Croce Square.

Special Notes:

Guided in Japanese.
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.

Child Price:

1