Florence & Time On Your Own

9.5 hours | Florence/Pisa (Livorno) | LI1-180
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Points of Interest

  • Church of Santa Croce
  • Duomo and Baptistery
  • Ponte Vecchio & Piazza Della Signoria
Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous activity

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, and spend the day getting to know the art, architecture, and culture that have influenced generations throughout the world. Once there, you'll be able to enjoy the insight of a local guide as well as time to explore on your own.

You'll start your day with a guided walking tour in the Historic Center of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop- the iconic Duomo, or "The Dome" that graces the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the most famous building of the Florentine skyline. During your free time later in the day, you may choose to visit the Duomo where, upon entering, you can look up to view the dome's interior, adorned with a fresco of the Last Supper and beautiful stained glass. In the Cathedral Museum you'll see The Deposition, a famous pieta, created by Michelangelo at the age of 80. The face of Nicodemus in this pieta is widely considered to be a self-portrait of Michelangelo himself.

Follow your guide to see Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery, the oldest building in the city. Not only does it host fine 13th Century mosaics, but its known for its magnificent bronze doors featuring scenes from the Bible. In fact, 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 a copy of Michelangelo's David. You can see the original sculpture in the Gallery of the Accademia di Belle Arti, a premier Florence art museum that hosts a number of notable Florentine Renaissance and Gothic masterpieces.

Continuing on your adventure, you will stop at the famous medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge for a chance to take a few photos, then continue on to Piazza St. Croce - the final resting place of such notables as Galileo, Machiavelli and Michelangelo. It's here where the guided portion of your tour ends, and your imaginations take over. Your guide will finalize the time and place you'll meet your escort for the return trip before you're free to spend the next three hours on your own.

Take to the streets and absorb the culture. Sample the Florentine cafes. View the stunning art and architecture of other remarkable highlights including the Uffizi Museum and Gallery, one the Western world's oldest and most famous museums, and Pitti Palace. And, of course, shop for the perfect remembrances of your truly remarkable day, before returning to your pick-up point and your scenic ride back to Livorno and your ship.

Special Notes:

This tour does not operate all voyages for the Royal Princess and Pacific Princess voyages.

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 venues visited.

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. Tour groups are not allowed inside the Church of Santa Croce during mass services. Entry will be allowed on an individual basis to view the interior quietly and reverently.

Euros are required for lunch and entrance fees. Plan to exchange currency onboard the ship, or at a local currency exchange

Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Depart from ship for a walking tour of Florence

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
48
Travel time:
01:30
Time at site:
02:30
Inside visit:
No
Restroom available:
Yes

Free time in Florence

Transport type:
Walking
Travel time:
00:15
Time at site:
03:30
Free time at site:
180
Inside visit:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes

Re-board your motorcoach and return to your ship

Transport type:
Air Conditioned Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
48
Travel time:
01:30