Pisa, Guided Florence & A Taste Of Chianti

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

Overview

The best day in and around Florence!

An unforgettable day in legendary Pisa & Florence starts with a 3 hour walking tour with a private guide. The day is completed by a drive through the lush Tuscan countryside, stopping at a Chianti winery for a tour and tasting.

We'll begin at the Accademia, if you've opted for this most popular gallery where the original David by Michelangelo is located (remember that we must book tickets well in advance). The sculpture has been housed here since 1873, when it was moved from its previous outdoor location on Piazza della Signoria.

Then you'll make your way to the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence. This cathedral was the largest in Europe when it was completed in 1436 after 140 years of construction, with room for 30,000 people. It is noted for its high, octagonal-ribbed dome that is Brunelleschi's most famous masterpiece.

On the same piazza, you'll find the baptistery with its famous bronze doors that Michelangelo dubbed "the Gates of Paradise" as well as Giotto's elegant bell tower.

Piazza della Signoria is like an open-air gallery, dominated by Medieval Palazzo Vecchio. In the loggia are many fine sculptures (and it's free!).

After winding our way down to Ponte Vecchio (the Old Bridge), once home to butcher shops and now home to pricey jewelry shops, we'll stop at Porcellino market where you'll hear how the bronze pig can bring you luck. Try it out for yourself! Shoppers will want to note that in the market is a wide selection of scarves and leather goods.

Our last stop is typically Piazza della Repubblica (Republic Square), built on the site of the Old Jewish Ghetto. Today the square is a lively place to pause for a meal or refreshment or to do some shopping at the stylish Rinascente department store.

After the walking tour, your guide will deliver you into the care of your driver for the remainder of the day. We will drive to Pisa and visit the famous "Field of Miracles." This square is the site of Pisa's Baptistery, Campo Santo, Duomo, and, of course, the Campanile, better known as the Leaning Tower. Make sure to bring your camera!

On the way back to Florence, 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 a tour and tasting!

- As this tour begins with a walking tour, you will have to meet your guide in central Florence.
- Your English-speaking driver will not enter sites with you, but will give running commentary while you're in the vehicle.
- 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 ticket per person. You will pay this fee in cash directly to your guide 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 there is time 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. Tasting at Chianti winery is included.
- *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 assure 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 1:45 or 2:00 p.m., around the time you will arrive in Pisa. The tower climb takes 15 minutes.

- 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.
- On Mondays, some museums, including the Accademia, are closed. You may instead visit Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.
- 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.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:45 AM, duration: 8 hours