Florence / Pisa

Rising above the heart of the city is the richly decorated Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo). Standing in its shadow, you won’t be surprised to learn that this is the fourth largest church in the world.

See the most striking square in Florence, Signoria Square. The massive Palazzo Vecchio with its high fortress-like walls dominates the Piazza. Here, you can see a copy of Michelangelo’s famous statue ‘David’.

Santa Croce Square is one of Florence’s most pleasant squares. See the lovely church, surrounded by numerous shops and quaint cafés. (church exterior only).

Photograph the famous 14thcentury bridge over the River Arno, the serene Ponte Vecchio.

Enjoy a quick spot of lunch before heading off for a brief visit to Pisa. Once in the famous and surprisingly small town of Pisa, view the ‘Field of Miracles’, site of the Cathedral and, of course, the Leaning Tower.

The Piazza del Duomo holds 3 beautiful buildings, which complement one another perfectly. The Campanile and the Baptistry are set aside the truly stunning Cathedral (exterior visit only).

Admire the Fountain of Neptune, Donatello's ‘Judith and Holophernes’, and a copy of Michelangelo's ‘David’ amongst other fine works in Signoria Square.

Renowned as one of the most pleasant of Florence’s squares, you’ll have time in Santa Croce Square to enjoy the gems of this charming area.

During your walk through Florence, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the famous 14th century Ponte Vecchio Bridge over the River Arno.

You’ll have the afternoon free to sightsee at leisure. Discover the sights, relax in an open-air café, or simply stroll around soaking up the atmosphere of this magical city.

During your scenic drive you’ll pass medieval hill towns surrounded by beautiful valleys en route to central Tuscany. The landscape is adorned with cypresses, olive groves and vineyards.

The ‘Manhattan of Tuscany’, San Gimignano is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the region. The striking skyline bristles with 13th century noble towers giving the town its skyscraper look. Dramatic walls surround the small town, and medieval charm can be found around every corner.

You’ll have free time to explore the quaint cobbled streets, admire the medieval architecture, browse the shops or simply relax in a nearby café. Even for first time visitors the surroundings may look familiar, as this was the location for the film ‘Tea with Mussolini’.

Tuscan specialities are on the menu for a rustic style lunch at a delightful farmhouse. Enjoy fabulous views over the rolling hills and the simplicity of Tuscan cuisine.

Set on a high plateau, the Etruscan town of Volterra offers views over the countryside and roadways winding into the distance like ribbons. Volterra is renowned for its Etruscan artefacts and for the beautiful, locally mined alabaster statues. You’ll have free time to explore independently.

On arrival in Florence, you’ll take a walk to Santa Croce Square with your Escort. Sightsee at leisure or enjoy ‘people-watching’ from a ringside seat at one of the cafés in the Piazza della Signoria. Re-visit some of the wonderful monuments missed on a previous occasion or browse in the elegant boutiques in the city or at the goldsmiths on the famous Ponte Vecchio.

This is the perfect tour option for those who want to take in some of the many museums Florence has to offer, such as the Accademia, Uffizi, the Medici chapels and many more.

Alternatively, you may want to take your place in the queue to visit the spectacular interior of the Duomo or climb the heights of its impressive dome for incomparable views of the city.

The day is yours to do as you please. Your Escort will arrange to meet at a specified time and place for the return drive to Livorno.

You’ll have approximately 1 hour to explore the famed Field of Miracles, site of the Cathedral and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Plenty of time to capture the famous tower photos and pick up a souvenir of your visit.

Upon arrival in Viareggio Beach, you’ll be shown to a local ‘Lido’ directly on the beach. Here you’ll find changing rooms, and a complimentary sun-chair and beach-umbrella is included so you can relax on the beach or perhaps take a dip in the pool.

During your time here, you may visit the lively town of Viareggio, which since last century has been one of the most popular Italian summer seaside resorts. The pedestrianised seafront is lined with a variety of elegant shops. Viareggio is also home to many fishermen, so perhaps take the time to sample some of the wonderful local seafood from one of the numerous restaurants.

On arrival at the Pisa coach parking area, you’ll be met by your very own Trolley Train. Take a guided tour of the Pisa Medicea. See the interesting buildings along the River Arno, and pass through the lovely little Piazza dei Cavalieri, where the University and Conte Ugolino Tower are located.

The Trolley Train then takes you to the famous Field of Miracles. Here, your guide will introduce you to the delights of the Cathedral and the Baptistery.

You’ll have around 30 minutes of free time to enjoy Miracle Square. Take some photos of the incredible Leaning Tower, do a spot of souvenir shopping, enjoy an ice cream or relax in a nearby café.

Take note of the meeting point for your Trolley Train transfer back to the parking area, where you’ll rejoin the coach for the return drive.

Before arriving into one of Europe’s most captivating cities, you’ll make a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo, a perfectly situated terrace offering fabulous views over Florence.

Take a trip up to the typically Florentine church of San Miniato perched on the highest point in Florence, offering a wonderful panorama. Your guide will show you inside this charming church built in 1013. Continue to Palazzo Davanzanti Museum, a fine example of a noble Florentine house built in the 14th Century. Within Florence, you’ll have an opportunity to visit one of the most famous galleries in the world, the Uffizi. This incredible museum contains one of the greatest collections of paintings in existence. Feast your eyes on works by da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rubens, and many more.

The venue for lunch will be an enchanting rooftop restaurant, where you’ll have a spectacular view over the Cathedral Dome (weather permitting).

Following lunch, you’ll take a guided walk to Piazza Signoria to see the remarkable Renaissance sculptures and architecture. You’ll also have some free time for shopping or independent exploration before returning to the ship.

Upon arrival into Florence, you’ll enjoy a stop at Michelangelo Square and capture a breathtaking view across the city of Florence. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing drink before rejoining your coach.

You’ll enjoy a short panoramic drive to the heart of Florence, passing some of the smartest residential areas of the city, surrounded by the Boboli Gardens and Arno River.

Afterwards, you’ll be taken to Tornabuoni, the real centre of Florence, located nearby the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and Signoria Square. Some limited free time will be given for you to browse the local shops or simply enjoy the pleasant surroundings before the return drive to Livorno.

Discover Italy’s most iconic landmark at your own leisure. Upon arrival, take the short walk to Field of Miracles and enjoy around 1 hour to explore Pisa and to browse the many souvenir stalls.

Florence is a delightful city to discover. Upon arrival you’ll head to Santa Croce Square, where you’ll have around 4 hours to explore independently. Sightsee at leisure or relax at one of the cafés in the Piazza della Signoria. See some of the many wonderful monuments, browse in the elegant boutiques or head to the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge over the River Arno.

Your Escort will arrange specified meeting times and places in both Pisa and Florence.

This tour option is ideal for those who wish to see the Field of Miracles and make an inside visit to the Leaning Tower.

The foundations of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began to subside when the builders reached the fourth storey, and each year it was said to lean a little more. A band around the tower prevented further lean, and the tower is now in the same condition as it was in 1810. Your visit will take you up the 300 steps that lead to the top of the tower.

The setting that surrounds the famous Leaning Tower is the Field of Miracles. Here you’ll also find the Cathedral and Campo Santo. The Cathedral has the finest Pisan-Romanesque buildings in Tuscany; it’s wonderful four-tiered façade is a medley of colonnades and intricate arcades.

During your tour your guide will provide a brief explanation of the area, followed by some free time for you to explore at leisure and browse Pisa’s many souvenir stalls.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. These are selected tour itineraries.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

Minibuses will take up to 7 passengers.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. These are selected tour itineraries.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

Minibuses will take up to 7 passengers.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. These are selected tour itineraries.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

Cars will take up to 3 passengers.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide and local driver are offered on tours shown below. No deviations to duration, venues if included, departure or return time can be made. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. These are selected tour itineraries.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that person’s onboard account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour.

Entrance fees, meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.

Cars will take up to 3 passengers.

Upon arrival in Lucca, your guide will introduce you to the popular sites, such as the Renaissance Walls. The walls are Lucca’s most significant monument, surrounding the city with almost 2 miles of ancient ramparts.

You’ll see the Romanesque-style Duomo with its asymmetrical façade. Through the maze of shadowed streets, you’ll find yourself in one of Lucca’s hidden treasures. The oval shaped Amphitheatre Piazza was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman amphitheatre and offers 360 degrees of Italian architectural charm.

Free time will be given to explore independently or do a spot of shopping. Lucca has many wonderful little shops and is an ideal place to pick up some of the local wine, oils and other specialities of the region.

The Tuscan hills are home to some of the finest wines in the world, including Chianti, and you’ll enjoy a scenic ride through the Italian wine country to visit a typical wine producer, tour the winery, and learn how Tuscan wines are created. Enjoy a generous wine tasting with local products in this privileged setting, ending with a taste of Vin Santo – a sweet dessert wine.

After a day filled with the aromas and tastes of Tuscany, take in more beautiful scenery during the return drive to Livorno.

Board your boat for a scenic ride along the Arno River, which will allow you to see the principal sights of Pisa’s historical centre while your guide gives commentaries on the monuments and the city’s history.

Following your boat ride you will be transferred by trolley train to the main square of Pisa, the Field of Miracles. You guided tour of the square will include an exterior visit of the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery.

You’ll have around 45 minutes of free time to enjoy Miracle Square. Take some photos of the incredible Leaning Tower, do a spot of souvenir shopping, enjoy an ice cream or relax in a nearby café.

Take note of the meeting point for your trolley train transfer back to the parking area, where you’ll rejoin the coach for the return drive to Livorno.

Originally an Etruscan trading post, Pisa grew to be one of the greatest commercial and seafaring towns in the Mediterranean. Today, Pisa offers Renaissance splendour intermingled with modern shops and lively cafés.

On arrival in Pisa, you’ll have approximately 1¾ hours to discover the famous setting of the famous Leaning Tower and splendid Cathedral, the finest Pisan-Romanesque buildings in Tuscany or enjoy a spot of shopping and browse Pisa’s many souvenir stalls.

At a time specified by your escort, you’ll meet up and walk back to the coach park for the return drive to Livorno.

Board your boat for a scenic ride along the Arno River, which will allow you to see the principal sights of Pisa’s historical centre while your guide gives commentaries on the monuments and the city’s history.

Following your boat ride you will be transferred by trolley train to the main square of Pisa, the Field of Miracles. You guided tour of the square will include an exterior visit of the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and Baptistery.

You’ll have around 45 minutes of free time to enjoy Miracle Square. Take some photos of the incredible Leaning Tower, do a spot of souvenir shopping, enjoy an ice cream or relax in a nearby café.

Take note of the meeting point for your trolley train transfer back to the parking area, where you’ll rejoin the coach for the return drive to Livorno.

Take a scenic drive northeast from Livorno, passing through medieval towns in the rolling Tuscan Hills, famed for their premium olive oil and the acclaimed wines of Chianti. These slopes are dotted with vineyards and silvery green olive groves providing plenty of wonderful photo opportunities.

Sangiovese is the principal grape used in the production of Chianti. Enjoy a visit to a renowned Estate where you’ll have a tour of the winery, and learn how Tuscan wines are produced.

Relax on a scenic horse carriage ride around the Estate where you can enjoy magnificent views over the fertile valley of olive groves and fields covered with the vines which produce this wine.

Sample a variety of house wines accompanied by bread, olive oil, cheese and salami. You will also have the opportunity to sample Vin Santo - a sweet dessert wine.

Afterwards you’ll have an opportunity to purchase some of the fine local wine.

Take a scenic drive northeast from Livorno, passing through medieval towns in the rolling Tuscan Hills, famed for their premium olive oil and the acclaimed wines of Chianti. These slopes are dotted with vineyards and silvery green olive groves providing plenty of wonderful photo opportunities.

Sangiovese is the principal grape used in the production of Chianti. Enjoy a visit to a renowned Estate where you’ll have a tour of the winery, and learn how Tuscan wines are produced.

Relax on a scenic horse carriage ride around the Estate where you can enjoy magnificent views over the fertile valley of olive groves and fields covered with the vines which produce this wine.

Sample a variety of house wines accompanied by bread, olive oil, cheese and salami. You will also have the opportunity to sample Vin Santo - a sweet dessert wine.

Afterwards you’ll have an opportunity to purchase some of the fine local wine.

Your guide will introduce you to the popular sites of Lucca, such as the Renaissance walls. The walls are Lucca’s most significant monument, surrounding the city with almost 2 miles of ancient ramparts.

As you come to the heart of Lucca, you’ll see the Romanesque-style Duomo with its asymmetrical façade. Founded in the 6th century, the Duomo is home to the ‘Volto Santo’, an image of Christ supposedly carved by a witness of the crucifixion.

Through the maze of shadowed streets, you’ll find yourself in one of Lucca’s hidden treasures. The oval shaped Amphitheatre Piazza was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman amphitheatre and offers 360 degrees of Italian architectural charm. Beautiful buildings, such as the Baptistery of Saints Giovanni and 5th century Reparata, along with typical pastel-washed houses, will encircle you.

Before returning to Livorno, you’ll have some free time to explore independently or do a spot of shopping. Lucca has many wonderful little shops and is an ideal place to pick up some of the local wine, oils and other specialities of the region. Those wishing to discover Lucca independently are welcome to do so, as you might like to spend longer shopping and exploring.