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Departing the port of Livorno, drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside to the historic university town of Pisa. A short walk will take you to the Field of Miracles to marvel at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Enjoy the beauty of this architectural wonder as you take in the scenery from the piazza.
Upon reaching Florence, your guide will escort you along the city streets to the Piazza del Duomo, where the Cathedral, Bell Tower and Baptistery share the same square. The cathedral is one of the longest in the world, and took over 140 years to build. Its 14th century bell tower is richly decorated with colored marble and fine sculptures, while the baptistery is festooned with magnificent mosaics and a copy of Ghiberti's "Gates of Paradise" cast in bronze. Stop in the Piazza della Signoria, the heart of Florence and the city's largest square where you will see a copy of Michelangelo's "David" and the Loggia dei Lanzi. Pause for a photo opportunity with your local guide at the nearest point to Ponte Vecchio, famous for its covered design and shopping opportunities.
Lunch (with a flute of Italian champagne and house wine) will be served at a first class restaurant or hotel. Following lunch, you'll reach the Church of Santa Croce, known as Italy's Westminster Abbey for the Italian monarchy buried there. There, after the guide's external explanation, you'll have limited time at leisure to explore or shop.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 3.5 miles over even and cobblestone streets with 10 to 15 steps and extended periods of standing and waiting. The walking distance between the Field of Miracles and the bus parking area is approximately 15 minutes each way. Guests will have approximately 45 minutes in Pisa for photographs. Entrances to the venues/monuments on the Field of Miracles are not included. Please note that you will not have time to visit the interior of the Leaning Tower of Pisa on this tour. Photography is not permitted in the Church of Santa Croce. Tour sequence may be altered to avoid congestion.
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Admire the famous leaning tower of Pisa and relax on a beautiful beach with all the comforts (including a swimming pool) in the charming seaside town of Viareggio. After a 30-minute drive from Livorno, you will arrive in Pisa where you will have approximately 1 hour at your leisure to visit independently the famous Miracles Square which hosts the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the numerous souvenir shops.
Depart from Pisa and proceed to Viareggio where you will be escorted to a local Lido on the beach. Your escort will designate a meeting time and place and then you will be on your own for approximately 4 hours. You can use the changing rooms and will have the opportunity to relax on the beach or by the swimming pool. A complimentary sun-bed and beach umbrella will be provided to you.
During your stay on the beach, you may also want to visit this lovely town, which since last century has been one of the most popular Italian summer resorts. The seaside is pedestrian-only with many elegant shops, fashionable Italian firms, and cafes. Taste the local fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants located at the Marina. After a relaxing day, reboard the coach for the return trip via the old Aurelia road.
Note: Walking in Pisa and Viareggio is at the guest's discretion and over even and cobblestone surfaces with several steps. This tour does not include lunch or entrance fees. The walking distance between the Field of Miracles in Pisa and the parking area is approximately 15 minutes each way. If you wish to visit the Baptistery or Campo Santo, an admission fee is required, so plan to carry local currency with you. You may exchange your money onboard the ship or at a currency exchange. An escort will be on the coach to/from Livorno to answer questions. Items such as hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear and towel should be brought with you from the ship. Please note that the swimming pool facility will be closed from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm for cleaning purposes. If guests should miss the return bus, transportation back to the vessel is their own responsibility and at their own expense. The return drive from Viareggio to Livorno is approximately 45 minutes, dependent upon traffic conditions.
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In Florence, begin your walking tour through the city visiting the Accademia Museum to view one of Michelangelo's most treasured creations, the statue of "David." Having survived the outdoor elements of Signoria Square, the magnificent sculpture was moved inside the museum in 1873, where it remains today. Also on display in the museum are paintings by Botticelli, Daddi, and Raphael. Stop at Cathedral Square to view the Duomo, the Baptistery, and Giotto's Bell Tower, which date back to the 14th century.
Your tour will continue to Signoria Square to view a copy of the statue of "David" before arriving at a local restaurant. An authentic Florentine lunch will be served.
After lunch, pause to view the elegant Ponte Vecchio. Meaning "old bridge," the Ponte Vecchio dates back to 1345. The bridge is visited by many tourists, and is home to gold and jewelry vendors. Visit the Church of Santa Croce, known as Italy's Westminster Abbey for the Italian monarchy buried there.
Its 14th century interior is one of the finest examples of Florentine Gothic decoration. Afterwards, you will have limited time at leisure to explore and shop.
Drive to Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view over the city with the Ponte Vecchio crossing the Arno River.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 2 miles over even and cobblestone streets with 10 to 15 steps and extended periods of standing and waiting. The Church of Santa Croce is closed on Sundays, during special events and mass services. Should this occur during your visit, guides will give an explanation outside and guests will then enter on their own. Should your scheduled port visit fall on a Monday, the Palazzo Vecchio or Museo dell' Opera will be substituted since the Accademia Museum is regularly closed on Mondays. This will impact the tour program of the Summit's call on August 18, 2008 and the Century's calls on September 22, October 13, November 3 and November 24, 2008. Tour sequence may be altered to avoid congestion, but always covering the mentioned sites.
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