Highlights & Florence on Your Own
Strenuous Activity
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. It's here where the guided portion of your tour ends, and your imaginations take over.
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. The statue came to symbolize the defense of civil liberties embodied in the Florentine Republic.
Florence (3-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. Or return 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.
What you will see along the way:
It's a scenic 120-minute drive from La Spezia to Florence.
Lunch:
Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the may splendid dining establishments in Florence. Be sure to follow-up your meal with a refreshing gelato. You'll need Euros to pay for lunch, shopping and entry fees throughout your day. You can exchange currency onboard ship or at a local currency exchange.
Points of interest
Florence Church of Santa Croce
Schedule
Special Notes
The drive between La Spezia and Florence is approximately 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.
Depending on the designated bus parking area for guests drop-off and pick-up, which varies according to daily operational needs and city traffic regulations, a walk of up to 30 minutes each way may be required to reach the Florence historical center.
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.
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Strenuous Activity
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. It's here where the guided portion of your tour ends, and your imaginations take over.
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. The statue came to symbolize the defense of civil liberties embodied in the Florentine Republic.
Florence (3-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. Or return 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.
What you will see along the way:
It's a scenic 120-minute drive from La Spezia to Florence.
Lunch:
Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the may splendid dining establishments in Florence. Be sure to follow-up your meal with a refreshing gelato. You'll need Euros to pay for lunch, shopping and entry fees throughout your day. You can exchange currency onboard ship or at a local currency exchange.
Points of interest
Florence Church of Santa Croce
Schedule
Special Notes
The drive between La Spezia and Florence is approximately 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.
Depending on the designated bus parking area for guests drop-off and pick-up, which varies according to daily operational needs and city traffic regulations, a walk of up to 30 minutes each way may be required to reach the Florence historical center.
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.