Overview
There is more to Michelangelo in Florence than you think! See it now!
Born and raised in Tuscany, Michelangelo has had a long association with Florence. There remains a small be special trove of masterpieces by the artist, most of which the visitor is unaware exists. This tour will begin at the beginning, the Piazza San Marco, where Michelangelo's early training took place. From 1490 to 1492, Michelangelo attended the Humanist Academy which the Medicis had founded. This is the proper start to a tour of his works in Florence.
From this square, you will move to the home of the most famous of Michelangelo's works in the world, the Accademia Gallery, where you will view the statue of David. A few other Michelangelo works reside in the Accademia. They are "The Four Prisoners," a marble group designed for the tomb of Pope Julius II, and a statue of Saint Matthew.
A stroll through the Medici district is next, passing the imposing basilica of San Lorenzo on to the Medici chapels, where the New Sacristy is located, designed by Michelangelo. Though beautiful in itself, if the sacristy is open you will see the beautiful staircase, also designed by him. It is in the Biblioteca Laurenziana and though we cannot promise entrance, we will do our best.
You will continue on to the Piazza del Duomo, to get a first-hand look at the massive dome of the cathedral that inspired Michelangelo's design of the dome of St. Peter's in Rome. And then on to Museo dell'Opera del Duomo to view one of the 3 Pietàs, the one which he sculpted when he was 79 years old.
Your last stop with your guide will be the Church of Santa Croce, where Michelangelo is buried. This is also the burial location for Galileo, Machiavelli, Ghiberti and Rossini and the prominent star of David that Jewish architect Niccolo Matas included in the elegant neo-Gothic façade.
Your guide will leave you a local trattoria so you can have some lunch before your afternoon begins. The afternoon can consist of a drive to San Michele a Torri in Chianti, where you can wrap up your day by touring their cellars and tasting their world-class wines and organic farm produce (must be selected during check out).
If you prefer, you can visit Pisa to see the leaning tower. Or if wine is not your thing. If you’d like to remain in Florence to shop or look around on your own, you will have your freetime until 3:45 pm when you will head back to the pier.
- Admissions are not included. The rates total 53€ though special exhibits may add a few euros depending on the exhibit. They are paid at the sites. You will have pre-reserved tickets at the Accademia.
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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.- You will be met at the pier by your English-speaking driver who will connect you to your guide once in Florence.
- Not offered on Mondays as the Accademia is closed.
- The Laurentian library is not always open on Sundays.
- The Medici chapels are closed on alternating Mondays.
- Dress comfortably for an easy walk.
- 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.
- 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: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 9 hours
- 09:30 AM, duration: 9 hours Only for ships that arrive at 9am.
