Highlights & Florence on Your Own

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

What you will visit:

Florence, Italy (walking tour)
Florence is one of Italy's most artistically significant cities and arguably the seat of the Renaissance. A walking tour includes all the major landmarks including Piazza Duomo Cathedral and Piazza Della Signoria as well the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge and the Santa Croce Church - the final resting place of such notables as Galileo, Machiavelli and Michelangelo. It's here where the guided portion of your tour ends, and your imaginations take over.

Piazza Della Signoria
The political heart of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day, this square, which sits in front of the Palazza Vecchio, or the "Old Palace" is in effect an open-air museum. Copies of some of the world's most renowned statues hold court in the Piazza Della Signoria, including Michelangelo's David. The statue came to symbolize the defense of civil liberties embodied in the Florentine Republic.

Florence (3-hours on your own)
Take to the streets and absorb the culture. Sample the Florentine cafes. View the stunning art and architecture of other remarkable highlights including the Uffizi Museum and Gallery, one the Western world's oldest and most famous museums, and Pitti Palace. Or return to visit the Duomo where, upon entering, you can look up to view the dome's interior, adorned with a fresco of the Last Supper and beautiful stained glass. In the Cathedral Museum you'll see The Deposition, a famous pieta, created by Michelangelo at the age of 80. The face of Nicodemus in this pieta is widely considered to be a self-portrait of Michelangelo himself.

What you will see along the way:
It's a scenic 90-minute drive from Livorno to Florence.

Lunch:
Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the may splendid dining establishments in Florence. Be sure to follow-up your meal with a refreshing gelato. You'll need Euros to pay for lunch, shopping and entry fees throughout your day. You can exchange currency onboard ship or at a local currency exchange.

Special Notes:

Please note, free time may be modified to adhere to local regulations and guidelines for COVID 19 protocols.

This tour does not operate all voyages for the Royal Princess and Pacific Princess voyages.

The drive between Livorno and Florence is approximately 1 1/2 hours each way, subject to traffic conditions.

All sightseeing will be on foot, as motorcoaches are not allowed in the main center of Florence. Most of the sights are seen from the outside only. Please be aware that ongoing restoration work is often being carried out at the various venues visited.

Proper attire that covers shoulders and knees is recommended for both men and women for the Church of Santa Croce. Also, photography is not permitted inside. Tour groups are not allowed inside the Church of Santa Croce during mass services. Entry will be allowed on an individual basis to view the interior quietly and reverently.

Euros are required for lunch and entrance fees. Plan to exchange currency onboard the ship, or at a local currency exchange

Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.