Pisa, Florence & A Taste Of Chianti

Pisa, Florence & A Taste Of Chianti Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Private English-speaking driver and transportation for the day.

An unforgettable day in legendary Pisa & Florence starts with a visit to the Leaning Tower, followed by the beauty of the Renaissance city. The day is completed by a drive through the lush Tuscan countryside, stopping, if you wish, at a Chianti winery for a tour and tasting.

Our first stop, beating the crowds, will be in Pisa's "Field of Miracles" where you will find the Duomo (cathedral), Baptistery, Campo Santo (cemetery) and, of course, Campanile, better known as the Torre Pendente — the Leaning Tower. Make sure to bring your camera!

When we arrive in Florence, you'll get a stunning panoramic view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, high on the hill. Then, head to Santa Croce Church, where Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, and Rossini are all buried. After that, you will stop by the Piazza del Duomo to survey the superb Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the second largest church in the world, and the Baptistery with its impressive bronze doors.

You are now in the middle of the pedestrian zone, only five minutes from one of the most sophisticated shopping areas in the world! And of course, we'll stop by Piazza della Signoria, home of Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio, the famous 14th-century bridge -- home of Florence's gold shops. Art lovers will be glad to know we can pre-book tickets for the Accademia gallery, enabling you to jump the line so you'll have time to sit down in a genuine trattoria and sample a bit of Tuscan cuisine!

Remember that our tours are custom; while we're happy to provide a framework based on the most requested highlights, we specialize in tailoring itineraries to include other places of your choosing (time permitting).

On the way back to port, we'll take you on a scenic drive through the rolling Chianti hills, lush with vineyards and olive orchards, and visit a charming Chianti winery for some world famous tastings!

- Your English-speaking driver will not enter sites with you, but will give running commentaries of what you are seeing and make sure you have enough time to visit each site, taking you from point to point throughout the city. To give you an opportunity to explore each area on foot, your driver will orient you in the area, supply you with a map of Florence (with emergency phone numbers and a timetable for the churches and museums) and coordinate your rendezvous.
- The cost for the winery visit with tasting is included in the price of the tour.
- Entrances are not included in the tour cost, but must be reserved in advance if you wish to visit certain museums. We will ask for your selections during check out. Tickets to the Accademia are about 20€ 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.
- If you choose to go inside Santa Croce, the entrance fee for adults (over 18) is 8 Euro and teenagers (ages 11-18) is 6 Euro. Children (under 11) are free.
- Food, beverages, entrance fees, and gratuities are not included in the price of this tour.

- Please note that pre-reserved tickets are non-refundable. If you don't use your reserved tickets, you will still be charged the full cost of the ticket, plus a service fee.
- Please note that on the first Sunday of each month many tourist sites in Italy have free admission. This can often result in long lines. If you are staying at a hotel, it may be beneficial to avoid booking a tour involving inside visits to major attractions on these days. If you have questions, contact ShoreTrips.
- On Mondays, some museums, including the Accademia, are closed. You may instead visit Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.
- Modest dress is required in all Italian churches. If you expect to enter a church during your tour, please do not wear shorts, sleeveless tops, skirts above the knee, or revealing clothing. If preferred, you may wear a shawl to cover your shoulders. This applies to children as well.
- 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 additional costs are as follows: to Cinque Terre add $75; to Florence and Pisa, and Pisa and Lucca the additional charge is $265. We apologize for your difficult day but promise that the sun will shine as soon as you meet your guide.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:00 AM, duration: 9 hours
• 09:30 AM, duration: 9 hours Only for ships that arrive at 9am.