Duration : 9 Hours
Starting From:This private shore
excursion from Livorno will take you through the stunning Tuscan countryside to
places that are truly wonderful but vastly different from each other: Renaissance Florence
and Medieval San Gimignano.
Features of this day trip to Florence, San Gimignano & Tuscan countryside:
After about 90 minutes of driving through the picturesque countryside of Tuscany, you will arrive at San Gimignano, an enchanting medieval village that takes its name after Bishop Gimignano who saved the city from the barbarians.
SAN GIMIGNANO
San Gimignano has been called “the Italian Manhattan” because of its majestic towers, some of which you can even climb for spectacular views of the territory. Besides the towers, San Gimignano will charm you with its beautiful stone buildings and Medieval architecture, stylish boutiques, and local products (including award-winning gelato). You will have time to tour on your own and shop.
Situated on both banks of the Arno river and surrounded by hills, Florence was the home of Dante, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, and the Medici family, as well as the cradle of Renaissance.
Your first look will be from Piazzale Michelangelo, a breathtaking panoramic overview of the city’s tile roofs, bell towers and church domes.
At the Accademia Gallery, Europe's first school of drawing founded in the mid-16th century, you’ll have the option of seeing Michelangelo's magnificent and beloved statue of David.
If you decide to go inside the gallery be sure to request that we book your fast-track ticket.
In Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) you’ll be in the very heart of Florence. Here you’ll be able to appreciate the emblems of the city: the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), the baptistery, and Giotto's bell tower. Prepare yourself; the magnitude and beauty of these structures could very well be overwhelming!
Stroll through the elegant streets to arrive at Piazza della Signoria, the historic center of Florentine life, lined with Renaissance buildings and dominated by the Medieval splendor of Palazzo Vecchio. Pass through the courtyard of the Uffizi gallery to the Arno River, where you’ll be able to take fine photos of Ponte Vecchio, the famous Old Bridge.
Enjoy lunch on a terrace in the piazza or at a traditional trattoria (we can suggest good ones that are not tourist traps).
Shoppers beware! Some of the most exclusive designer shops in the world are located in Florence. The many boutiques and open-air markets will satisfy any shopping fantasy.
At Santa Croce church you’ll see another example of
exquisite architecture, as well as a novel element in the facade. The
church shelters the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo, and is
also known for its frescoes by masters such as Giotto, Gaddi, and Taddeo.
We can add a wine tasting or lunch at a winery if you
like (should be arranged in advance). The wine region around San
Gimignano is acclaimed for Vernaccia (white), and near Siena are many
excellent denominations of world-famous Chianti where not only the traditional
reds are produced but also amazing Super Tuscans.
NOT INCLUDED
1. Is this tour private?
The tour is private, just for your party, however, if you prefer to share your tour with other passengers to alleviate costs, you may find your travel companions to create your small group and divide the costs.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?
No tickets or lunch are included in the rate. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.
5. Does it include a guide?
A guide is not included either. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.
6. Can we do wine tasting and lunch? Are they included in the price?
Wine tasting and lunch are not included in the rate, but on request we can make arrangements for an extra 30-35 euros/person.
7. What is the duration of the tour?
The duration of the tour is 9 hours, including pickup and drop off at the ship.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Is gratuity included in the price?
Tips are never included in our quotes. We think that a tip shouldn’t be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax!!! Once in Italy do not feel as though you have to tip everyone because someone told you to. Tip only if you really liked the service. Tips are generally: 10% not bad 15 % great 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.
There will be a full charge for bookings canceled with less than 72-hour notice for any service required. In this case, a full charge will be made on your credit card. If you miss your flight or if your airline decides to cancel the flight due to bad weather or if your flight is directed to another airport on arrival, please advise us on time (as soon as you know) or a full charge will be made.
Please give us enough time so we can accept other reservations and allocate them to our chauffeurs. If the ship does not make it to the pier for bad weather, you will not be considered responsible so NO CHARGE will be made to your credit card. A full charge will be made for no show-up.
Only pre-purchased skip the line tickets (if requested) are not refundable under the circumstance and will be charged to your card.
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