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This tour is designed for the independent guest who would enjoy free time in Florence, yet also requires a limited guided tour. Upon arrival in Florence, you'll begin a 2.5-hour guided walking tour. See the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) in Florence, where the Cathedral, Bell Tower and Baptistery share the same small square.
This is home to Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Your next stop will be in the Piazza della Signoria, the city's largest square where you will see a copy of Michelangelo's "David" and the Loggia dei Lanzi. View the exterior of 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 be left on your own for approximately 3 hours for lunch (at your own expense) and to explore Florence. The guide will advise you of the time to meet again to reboard the coach for the return trip to the ship.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 2 miles over even and cobblestone streets with some steps and extended periods of standing and waiting. If guests should miss the return coach, transportation back to the vessel is their own responsibility and at their own expense. The Church of Santa Croce is closed on Sundays, during special events and mass services. Photography is not permitted in the Church of Santa Croce. Tour sequence may be altered to avoid congestion, but always covering the mentioned sites. An escort will accompany the coach to/from Florence to answer questions.
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Leaving the port of Livorno, you will drive north for approximately 1.5 hours passing Pisa and the famous beach resorts of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi until Manarola, the first of the five land villages from where you will start your excursion.
Cinque Terre is a National Park and territory protected by UNESCO. This zone is characterized by the presence of typical steep slopes cultivated with vines thanks to terraces, unique witness of the transformation of the territory carried out by man's hard work.
The suggestive kind of coast falling sheer to the sea, with cliffs which are often vertical, alternated with small creeks and enchanting beaches among rocks, with depths rich in fish, make this territory a real Natural "work of art." In Manarola you will enjoy walking along the "Street of Love," a spectacular path along the seaside that goes until Rio Maggiore.
There you will board a motorboat for a short ride to Vernazza, a picturesque fishing village where you will enjoy time at leisure. No visit to Cinque Terre is complete without visiting Monterosso al mare, probably the most famous of the 5 lands for the characteristic historical center. After a guide introduction, you will have free time to explore the tiny shops and nice restaurants. To return to the ship in Livorno, your coach will be ready for the return drive.
Note: Guests must be able to walk for approximately 2 hours over various surfaces, with extended periods of standing and numerous steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. This tour does not include lunch. In case of bad sea conditions this tour will be operated by bus and train. Passengers will go to Manarola by coach, walk along the "Street of Love" until Riomaggiore and than proceed by train to Vernazza and Monterosso. Due to the nature of this tour, it is not recommended for guests with walkers or wheelchairs.
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This full day tour will give you the opportunity to visit one of the most famous cities in the world, Florence. The tour combines the important sites within the city including Ponte Vecchio, Church of Sante Croce and the Accademia Museum.
In Florence, you will 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.
You'll 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, you will pause to the nearest point to view the elegant Ponte Vecchio. Meaning "old bridge," the Ponte Vecchio dates back to 1345, when it was built to replace a bridge that was swept away by a horrible flood. Today, the bridge is visited by many tourists, and is home to gold and jewelry vendors. You'll visit the Church of Santa Croce, known as Italy's Westminster Abbey for the Italian monarchy buried there. Its 14thcentury 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 - 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. Tour sequence may be altered to avoid congestion, but always covering the mentioned sites.
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This excursion is perfect for passengers who wish to experience the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa. After a 30-minute coach ride from the port of Livorno, you'll soon reach the main Pisa square, the Field of Miracles.
Upon arrival, join your guide for a climb up the 294 steps to discover the world famous Leaning Tower. Built to display the wealth of Pisa, the bell tower began leaning during construction because of the foundation settling unevenly as builders reached the fourth story. The builders compensated for the angle but the tower continued its tilt. Galileo later performed his famous experiment on gravity and velocity from the campanile. Today, the tower leans 14 degrees from perpendicular.
Next, continue nearby for a brief out-side explanation of the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Afterwards, there will be some free time to browse for souvenirs and gifts at the many stalls lining the walk to the Field of Miracles. After a short walk to the bus parking, rejoin your coach for the return drive back to the ship.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over uneven, cobblestone and grassy surfaces, inclines and 294 steps to reach the top of the Leaning Tower. Low heeled, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable, loose clothing are recommended. Children must be at least 8 years old in order to participate in this excursion.
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After a 10-minute transfer from the ship to city center, you will board a local boat for a cruise along the Livorno channels. The route covers several centuries of Livorno’s history and it will take you through the most colorful district named “New Venice” which is a labyrinth of canals, waterways and bridges encompassing sights that include New Fortress, Republic Square, Santa Caterina Church, Cavour Square and the Fisherman Harbor.
After docking at the original pier of the Old Fortress, your guide will show you the most ancient monument in Livorno that is a remarkable model of a Renaissance defense incorporated from former medieval fortifications. You will see a 35-meter-high circular tower erected in 1241 and a quadrangular small fortress made by the maritime republic of Pisa in 1377. The Medicis decided to strengthen these two lookout constructions since they feared pirate incursions. The military architect Antonio da Sangallo built this stronghold between 1519 and 1534 and it included a palace, church, cistern and cannons. At night a huge chain would block the entry. With such a sentry the coast was safe and the Medicis started the foundation of the city. At the end of your visit a short transfer will take you back to the ship.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 400 yards over various surfaces with several steps in/out of the boat. Participants should take care while entering/exiting the boats. This tour will operate in all weather conditions so participants should take appropriate weather gear with them. Since the boats are not covered, hats, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen protection are recommended.
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This excursion is perfect for passengers who prefer little walking and don't want to miss the highlights of Florence. See the principal sights on a narrated motorcoach drive, enjoy a photo opportunity at Michelangelo square, be dropped-off in the heart of Florence only few minutes away the famous Ponte Vecchio and Signoria Square and do some shopping in a leading Florentine Leather Factory.
Enjoy a panoramic ride to an authentic Florentine Leather Factory where you will find the finest "made in Italy" leather articles. Browse the marvelous array of goods before proceeding to Michelangelo square, where you will enjoy sweeping views of the entire city of Florence from above.
After a brief orientation drive of the city, your coach will stop at via De' Tornabuoni, the most elegant street of Florence, lined with designers boutiques. Take a short walk to Ponte Vecchio and Signoria square, where you will have approximately 1 hour of free time for shopping, photos and exploration before returning to the ship.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 100 yards over flat surfaces with 3 steps to enter/exit the coach. Walking during the free time in Florence is at guests' discretion. If guests should miss the return coach, transportation back to the vessel is their own responsibility and at their own expense. The drive to/from Livorno is approximately 1.5 hours, dependent upon traffic conditions.
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Travel through the Tuscan countryside and visit a small vineyard that produces the wine, which has made the region famous. Wine is never in short supply on Italian tables. The country produces some fine wines and Tuscany is the place where wine is "Tradition." Driving through the Tuscan countryside, you will admire the soft rounded hills, the medieval architecture of the villages and the silver green of the olive trees mingling with the dark green of the cypress trees.
On reaching the vineyard, the process of winemaking and the traditional methods of bottling will be explained to the group. Enjoy a tasting of wines produced in the area accompanied by local salami and bread. This district is said to produce some of the best wines of the world.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 200 yards over even and cobblestone surfaces with 5 - 10 steps.
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This tour has been designed for guests who have already seen the famous attractions and beauties of Florence and Pisa and want to take in more of the Tuscany region. After a 2-hour drive through medieval hill-towns and beautiful surrounding valleys, you'll stop at San Gimignano, an enchanting medieval village that has taken the name of the Bishop Gimignano, who saved the City from the barbarians. "The Town of the Fine Towers," as it has been called, well earns this name because of its tall, majestic towers. You'll have time at your leisure to explore or shop. For a taste of Tuscany's legendary cuisine, a local farmhouse will serve a generous lunch with typical local specialties.
Driving west you'll reach the village of Volterra where the sightseeing on foot will include Piazza dei Priori, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, defined as a bellicose assembly of towers and palaces. Proceed to Piazza San Giovanni to admire the temples dedicated to prayer, the Baptistery and Cathedral. See the ruins of Roman Theatre (dating back to the 1st century BC), that was brought to life again only at the beginning of this century. This magnificent example of the flourishing Roman civilization could hold up to 2,000 people. Time permitting; you will visit a local alabaster workshop, enjoy a short demonstration by a local artisan and have the opportunity to purchase selected items.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 200 yards over even and cobblestone streets with 20 - 25 steps. The walking distance between the entrance of San Gimignano and the parking area is approximately 15 minutes with a slight incline and 22 steps. Photography is not permitted inside the Cathedral. The Cathedral 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. Tour sequence may be altered to avoid congestion, but always covering the mentioned sights. The return drive from Volterra to Livorno is approximately 1.5 hours, dependent upon traffic conditions. The shopping hours and closure dates should be reviewed in the introduction section of Livorno.
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View sample shore and land excursions:
- Barcelona, Spain
- Kusadasi, Turkey
- Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy
- Mykonos, Greece
- Naples, Capri, Italy
- Piraeus, Greece
- Rome, Italy
- Santorini, Greece
- Split, Croatia
- Southampton, England
- Tenerife, Canary Islands
- Tunis, Tunisia
- Vigo, Spain
- Villefranche (Nice), France
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