|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
TUSCANY |
|
You will be driven to one of the most attractive Italian
regions. First of all SIENA a little jewel, a medieval
village with the DUOMO and Piazza del Campo where a
traditional horse race is held twice a year. Later we arrive
in FLORENCE where you will have the opportunity to admire
Sights like: ACADEMY GALLERY, with the original DAVID, the
BAPTISTRY with the golden bronze doors by Ghiberti, Giotto's
BELFRY, PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA and PALAZZO VECCHIO (town
hall), the Loggia dei Lanzi with the Perseus by Cellini and
the fountain of Neptune. |
|
|
|
Pisa & Florence |
This excursion combines a brief visit to Pisa to admire 'Piazza dei
Miracoli' and the famous 'Leaning Tower', then via the modern
highway to Florence. Your driver-guide will meet you at the ship to
start your tour. Upon reaching the city you will pause at Piazzale
Michelangelo for a spectacular view of Florence, the entire Arno
Valley and the Ponte Vecchio crossing the Arno River.
You'll visit the Church of Santa Croce where Michelangelo is
buried.You will have some free time for shopping before continuing
to 'Accademia Museum' (Possibilty of booking on request. Closed on
Mondays) to visit the David by Michelangelo or to the 'Uffizi Galery'.
After the Museum we will reach the main square of the city:S.Maria
del Fiore: the Cathedral, the Giotto bell tower and the Baptistry. A
stroll along the narrows streets visiting Palazzo Vecchio (residence
of the Medici family), Ponte Vecchio famous for the 'Gold market'.
You can stop for an optional lunch to enjoy the traditional Italian
cuisine. If we have enough time we will visit Palazzo Pitti and
S.Lorenzo district famous for its leather market. |
|
|
|
Florence VIP Tour |
We start from Livorno, a harbor town of the Tuscany Region and take
the highway through the lovely landscape of Tuscany passing Lucca,
Pistoia and Montecatini. We arrive in Florence and go directly to
San Mark's square, location of the Academy of Fine Arts which houses
the David by Michelangelo, as well as his Prisoners -- 4 sculptures
which he created for the tomb of Pope Jules II. Also in the Academy
are paintings by masters of the early and late Renaissance period.
In the room dedicated to Michelangelo, we find paintings by Pontormo,
Alessandro Allori , both contemporaries of Michelangelo.
Leaving the Academy of Fine Arts, we walk along the via Ricasoli to
the Cathedral of Florence called Saint Mary of the Flower, the third
largest cathedral in Europe. The jewel of the cathedral is the
magnificent dome created by Brunelleschi in the 15th century. Upon
entering the church we pause to admire the inside of the dome
decorated by Giorgi Vasari in 1570. Vasari’s frescoes, 3,600square
meters in size, the Heaven and Hell of the last judgment.
Next on the agenda is a visit to the Piazza della Signoria with its
magnificent statues done by great artists such as Giambologna,
Benevenuto Cellini, Bratolomeo Ammanti and Pio Fede. Also of
interest in the Piazza della Signoria is the Loggia dei Lanci,
location of public assemblies and ceremonies from its completion in
1376 throughout the history of Florence even to the present day.
Displayed here are other original statues by important artists. We
continue on to the Arno River for a view of the Ponte Vecchio built
in the 14th century where all of the important Jewelers of Florence
can be found.
The tour concludes with free time for lunch to taste the specialties
of Florence and a browse around the Mercato Del Porcellino (Market
of the wild boar). The day concludes with the trip back to Livorno. |
|
|
|
Siena & San Gimignano |
Enjoy a tour of two of Tuscany 's most famous hill towns. An English
speaking chauffeur/guide will be waiting for you at the Pier at the
pre-arranged time that you decide to start your shore excursion in
Livorno. Driving through the idyllic countryside you'll arrive at
Siena, the Gothic city par excellence where one of our expert local
guides will take you on a fascinating walking tour of the city.
Wandering through the back-streets of Siena you'll soon be
captivated by its history and culture, which is still very much part
of everyday life in the city. Visit the imposing Cathedral of Siena
and its important library, Piazza del Campo where we'll talk of the
famous Paliohorse race that takes place here every year, and enjoy a
stroll through the Jewish Ghetto. Discover Castellare, a castle
within a castle and walk along some of Siena 's most elegant
streets.
For lunch your english speaking driver/guide can suggest a few local
restaurants, where you can taste the local cuisine accompanied by
local wines. After a scenic drive we'll arrive at the hill town of
San Gimignano, whose medieval walls and narrow streets are typical
of Tuscan hill towns. But, it is the surviving medieval skyscrapers
that set this town apart from its neighbours.
Today, fourteen towers remain, reminding us of the Guelph and
Ghibelline rivalry that caused a bitter civil war between the
families and citizens of San Gimignano. In the morning, your guide
in Siena will give you an introduction to San Gimignano which will
enable you to enjoy the delights of this small walled town as you
enjoy a relaxing stroll beneath the crumbling medieval towers. In
the evening hours you'll return to your ship to complete your shore
excursion from Livorno. |
|
|
|
Wine tasting tour |
The Chianti wine region boasts delightful vistas framing
the vine covered rolling hills and ever present cypresses, along
with an unhurried pace of life and picturesque villages. In the
morning you'll visit a celebrated vineyard to enjoy a full wine
tasting that will include a tour of the vineyard as well as tasting
several different types of local wine.
For lunch we have selected a local restaurant, where you can taste
the local cuisine accompanied by local wines. Over lunch your
English speaking driver can help plan out the rest of your days
activities.
Perhaps! You could enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside that
boasts numerous ancient hamlets, churches and abbeys, castles and
fortresses, farmhouses and villas. Pausing at the town of Greve in
Chianti, the unofficial capital of the region that boasts a friendly
market town atmosphere with its attractive arcaded Piazza Matteotti
where there are numerous Enoteca's (wine bars) offering specialized
wine and olive-oil tastings. |
|
|
|