LIV 01 HIGHLIGHTS OF FLORENCE

A 90-minute drive through the picturesque Tuscan country side along the expressway takes you to the fascinating city of Florence. Situated on both banks of the Arno river and surrounded by beautiful hills, this town was the cradle of Renaissance, home of Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo and the Medici Family.
Florence is overwhelming in its wealth of art , culture and history. As you approach it, you will stop in Piazzale Michelangelo for an overview of the town's tile roofs, steeples and domes. Re-board the minibus and drive to the Accademia Gallery, Europe's first school of drawing founded in mid 16th century and visit several masterpieces including Michelangelo's statue of David.
Afterwards, proceed to the very heart of Florence and stop in the Cathedral square to view the Duomo, the Baptistry and Giotto's Bell Tower.The impact and magnitude of the Cathedral are overwhelming. This splendid building is adorned with green, red and white marble.The interior houses priceless works of art including Michelangelo's Deposition.
Proceed through some of Florence's most elegant streets to the city's largest square Piazza della Signoria.This was the old center of Florentine life. View the Uffizi Gallery building in the form of a horseshoe extending from Piazza della Signoria to the Arno river. The Uffizi consists of 44 rooms housing paintings of Cimabue, Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the piazza, then visit the most elegant Ponte Vecchio meaning old bridge.It is home to gold and jewerly vendors. If time permits you may go shopping before visiting Santa Croce church. It shelters the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo and it is also known for its frescoes by masters such as Giotto, Gaddi and Taddeo.

Highlights:

- Accademia Gallery
- Duomo, Baptistry and Giotto's Bell Tower
- Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio

Notice:

Complete information including our phone numbers, meeting time and place are included in your confirmation voucher.
Please give your voucher to the driver at the end of the tour. We hand select our drivers and tour guides in order to give you the ultimate experience.
We would love to hear from you after your tour is completed. Your feedback is very important to us so please Send email

Important information

- This tour includes a professional informative English-speaking driver. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our drivers cannot walk with you into any site but can answer any question you have from the vehicle. A Professional licensed guide, where needed, can be hired on request at an extra cost.
- Please dress respectfully when visiting religious monuments; local custom requires covering knees and shoulder.
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- The tour sequence may be altered to avoid congestions but always covering mentioned sights.
- Keep an eye on your wallet and purses at all time. Do not wear jewelry or carry large amount of cash.

Inclusions

- Professional informative English-speaking driver
- Private air conditioned vehicle for the day
- Pick up and drop off at the port
- Guaranteed return to the pier on time
- Flexible itinerary

Exclusions

- Lunch
- Admission fees if not mentioned
- Tips to driver and guide ( please read below for more information)

Gratuities

Tips are never included in our quotes.
I think that a tip shouldn't be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax.
Tip only if you really liked the service.
Tips are a personal gesture and are given whenever the client feels it is necessary.
Tips are generally: 10% not bad - 15 % great - 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.

Is this a Private tour ?

The tour is private , just for your party, however if you wish to join a tour and alleviate costs,please check our small group tours section

Is the driver also a guide?

Our English speaking drivers are NOT licensed guides. In order to provide you with the best-in-class service, our English speaking driving guides have been trained to offer our clients a nice overview with information regarding the major highlights avoiding the expensive charges of hiring a private guide. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our driving guides can comment and explain the sights only from inside the vehicle, but are not allowed to do so once they are outside the vehicle. They are regularly licensed instead to chauffeur the public. We highly recommend that you never book with any touring company that does not make this clear.

Does the driver go with us inside the monuments?

No, only a licensed guide is authorized to accompany you during the visit of sights. Our driver will drop you off close to the sights but will stay with the vehicle for the duration of your visit.

Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?

Lunch and admission fees are not included in the rate. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.

Does the tour include a guide?

A walking guide is not included unless otherwise mentioned. If you choose to hire a private guide please contact our office for pricing and reservations.

Is the itinerary flexible?

Our itineraries are completely flexible, and we will be happy to operate any changes to the original itinerary (within reason). Please contact our office with all the requests you may have so that we can better organize your day.

Do you guarantee the return to the ship on time?

In almost 30 years of business, we have never missed the ship that is why we have organized all itineraries to guarantee your return on time.

Where do we meet the driver?

The driver pulls up to the ship if you are travelling in a small group.Please read your voucher confirmation for the exact details.