Journey To Pisa And The Sights Of Florence

Journey To Pisa And The Sights Of Florence Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Stop to see the famous Leaning Tower, followed by all the sights of magical Florence.

Your trip will begin at the cruise ship pier, where you will be met by your private, licensed driver/guide, who will accompany you during your adventure.

This tour includes:
• Round trip transportation from the cruise ship pier in an air-conditioned vehicle
• English-speaking driver/guide
• Time for lunch and shopping
Visit/see:
• Pisa
• Piazza del Duomo ("Cathedral Square"), including the Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistry, and Camposanto
• Florence
• Accademia
• Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore
• Basilica di Santa Croce
• Old Bridge area

Your tour begins with a 40-minute ride to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. Drive along the Arno River to discover the unexpected side of the city, including the University area where Galileo studied. Stop in Cathedral Square to view the Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistry, and Camposanto.

Next, you will drive the hour to Florence, stopping first for a beautiful view on the hills overlooking the city. When you arrive in the city, make your way to the Accademia where the original David by Michelangelo is located (since you have reservations, you will be able to avoid the lines!). The sculpture has been housed here since 1873, when it was moved from its previous outdoor location on Piazza della Signoria.

Next, make your way to the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence. This cathedral, the third to be built in Florence, was the largest in Europe when it was completed, with room for 30,000 people. It is noted for its high, octagonal-ribbed dome and is Brunelleschi's most famous masterpiece. Then head to the baptistry with its famous bronze gates, before coming to the Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross), where Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini are all buried. You will also visit the Old Bridge area, with its medieval roads and Renaissance palaces. If you are interested, you will have the opportunity to stop in some of the workshops to visit the craftsmen.

At some point, you will want to stop for lunch (on your own) and do a little shopping. You will have about one hour to shop for leather, gold, Tuscany pottery, shoes, water colors, or other Florentine treasures.

If you wish to climb the Leaning Tower, please log on to www.opapisa.it to purchase tickets. Tickets should be purchased 45 days in advance to ensure space. You will need your ID with you to exchange the voucher for the tickets, and your guide can help you with that. Please book the tour for around 9:00am, which is about the time you will arrive in Pisa.

Tickets to the Accademia are about 15€ per person. You will pay this fee in cash directly to the driver at the time of the tour. Please note that if you are making a last-minute booking, especially during the high season, we cannot guarantee that you will have tickets reserved. Pre-reserved tickets are non-refundable. Please note that due to time limitations, we are unable to offer the Uffizi Gallery on this tour. If you want to visit the Uffizi Gallery, please choose the Classic Florence tour.

Lunch and entrance fees are not included in the price of this tour.

Please wear long pants or dresses to the knees and shoulders covered, otherwise you cannot enter the Duomo of Santa Croce.

Please note that pre-reserved tickets are non-refundable.

On Mondays, the Accademia is closed and will be substituted with other stops.

We have found that there may be a rare occurrence of a port change from Livorno to La Spezia. La Spezia is accessible to the same sightseeing as Livorno, but is a slightly longer ride. This port requires an increase in cost as the distance from these highlights is further. Your guide will be waiting for you as you disembark. You may have an adjustment to your tour itinerary depending on your exit time, but be assured that your knowledgeable driver/escort will direct you to a satisfying day. This change is an exception to our policy that ship changes will result in a refund. People have been too disappointed sitting on the ship after this itinerary change and we feel this is in the best interest of the traveler. The total additional cost is $215. We apologize for your difficult day, but promise that the sun will shine as soon as you meet your driver.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:00 AM, duration: 9 hours