Florence, Pisa & Santa Croce Church (Guided in Spanish)

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 Baptistery displays magnificent doors 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.

Santa Croce Square and Church
St. Croce Square once held public meetings, and was where Franciscan monks preached to the people. Now, you can browse the many artisans selling their creations, enjoy the street entertainers, and of, course, tour the Cathedral. The Basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world, and legend is St Francis, himself, founded it. This superb 14th-century church is the final resting place of many notable Italians including Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo.

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 Spanish.
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.