MORNING CITY TOUR

 HALF DAY (EVERY DAY)

The tour starts on the left bank of the Arno River with a visit to the Pitti Palace (1), once the residence of the Medici family and now a fine arts museum, rich in Italian, mainly Tuscan, masterpieces from the XVIIIth to the XXth century.
Then visit the famous Palatine Gallery containing collections of fine tapestries and many masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Murillo and Velasquez. Short visit to the nearby Boboli Gardens on the hill behind the palace. Proceed along the Viale dei Colli scenic hillside drive to Michelangelo where a second stop is made to allow a  unique, complete panoramic view of the city. Back to the historic city centre to visit: the Cathedral with the immense cupola by Brunelleschi, the Bell Tower by Giotto; the Baptistry with its beautiful mosaics and bronze doors by Ghiberti, one of which is called the Door of Paradise.

(1) On Monday, when the Pitti Palace in closed, it is replaced by the Opera del Duomo.

MORNING OR AFTERNOON CITY TOUR

HALF DAY (DAILY) (Only Walking)

The tour starts with a visit to the world's finest collection of paintings at the Uffizi Gallery with reserved entrance so our clients will not queue (2), a mecca for art lovers with paintings of the Sienese, Florentine, Venetian and Umbrian schools from the XIIIth to the XVIIIth centuries, including works by Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Fra Angelico and Raphael. Continue to the monumental heart of the city to admire the Piazza della Signoria, the lovely square with the lofty Palazzo Vecchio (now the City Hall) and the Loggia dei Lanzi with Cellini's Perseus and the Neptune Fountain. Visit the Old Bridge. The tour ends with a visit to Santa Croce, the Franciscan church where Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Rossini, Foscolo and Galileo are buried.

(2) On Monday, when the Uffizzi Gallery is closed, it is replaced by the Palazzo Vecchio, a well preserved XIVth century palace rich in famous paintings and sculptures..

MORNING 2 MAIN MUSEUMS (UFFIZI AND PITTI)

LONG  HALF DAY (FROM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY)

The tour starts with a visit to the world's finest collection of paintings at the Uffizi Gallery with reserved entrance so our clients will not queue, a mecca for art lovers with paintings of the Sienese, Florentine, Venetian and Umbrian schools from the XIIIth to the XVIIIth centuries, including works by Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Fra Angelico and Raphael .
Tour ends on the left bank of the Arno River with visit to the Pitti Palace Fine Arts Museum, rich in Italian, mainly Tuscan,
master-pieces from the XVIIIth to the XXth century. A visit to the famous Palatine Gallery containing a collection of fine tapestries and many masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Murillo and Velasquez..

PISA AND THE LEANING TOWER

LONG MORNING OR AFTERNOON - HALF DAY (DAILY)

Drive via the motorway through the beautiful Tuscan countrysideto PIsa, the ancient university town near the mouth of the Arno River, with its glorIous past as a seafaring republic and Galileo's birthplace. Visit starts in the midst of the so-called Piazza dei Miracoli, where the following noteworthy monuments are situated: the Bell Tower, known throughout the world as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of the most original monuments in the world; the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful examples of Italian architecture, renowned for its pulpit, famous paintings and mosaics, the Baptistery with its organ-like echoes and Pisano's pulpit. Also visit the Cemetery, with is walls entirely frescoed and nanked by valuable sculptures. Prior to returning to Florence a visit to the small lovely Church of Santa Maria della Spina in Pisa's Gothic style is included.

SAN MINIATO AND FIESOLE - FLORENTINE HILLS

HALF DAY - MORNING OR AFTERNOON

Driving along the Viale dei Colli scenic hillside drive we reach Piazzale Michelangelo, where an unforgettable panorama of Florence can be seen. Proceed to San Miniato to visit the Romanesque style church.
Amidst the typical Tuscan countryside we reach Fiesole, the charming little Etruscan hill town located 300 metres above sea level overlooking Florence and the Arno Valley. In Fiesole, one of the most famous residential areas since the Renaissance, visit the Romanesque style cathedral morning or afternoon. On the way to Florence stop to see the charming Church of San Domenico.

EXCURSION TO SIENA AND SAN GIMINIANO

FULL DAY (DAILY)

A leisurely drive through the beautiful hilly countryside, dottedwith Chianti vineyards, olive groves and hills, to old Siena, the best preserved medieval town in Italy. Siena, situated on the hillside between the Arbia and the Elsa rivers, is renowned for its priceless art treasures and said to have been the birthplace of St. Catherine and of many famous Early Renaissance artists. Visit mostly on foot; the Cathedral with the frescoes by Pinturicchio and the pulpit by Niccolo Pisano, the Town Hall with masterpieces by Italian painters and sculptors, the Churches of San Domenico and San Francesco, beautiful examples of medieval architecture and the famous shell-shaped Piazza del Campo dominated by the Torre del Mangia.
The traditional Palio, a unique, tumultuous horse race that runs along the ring of the square which overflows with the multicoloured pomp of medieval and Renaissance costumes, is held twice a year. After a three-course meal (included in our price) continue to San Gimignano, another charming small medieval town perched on a hilltop and preserved almost
intact since the Middle Ages San Gimignano is noted for its many tall towers, precious frescoes and art treasures. Prior to the return to Florence, taste the very good local dry Vernaccia white wine.

MEDICI TOUR

FULL DAY (DAILY EXCEPT ON MONDAYS)

The tour starts with a visit to the Medici Palace, rich in unique frescoes of the early Medici. Then a visit to the Medici Chapels to admire the famous statues carved by Michelangelo for the Medici tombs. Also visit the Medici Church of San Lorenzo, a marvelous example of Renaissance architecture.
Leave the historic city centre for Poggio a Caiano, to visit the well preserved villa built for Lorenzo il Magnifico, where many episodes of the Medici family history took place. In Poggio a Caiano a three-course (included) lunch is served. After this break, we will proceed to Artimino to see Villa La Ferdinanda, the hunting lodge of the Medici family, also known as the villa with the hundred chimneys. Then drive to green Mugello to visit another summer residence of the Medici, the castle of Cafaggiolo and, as a last stop, the unique well preserved Bosco ai Frati, private chapel of the Medici during the Renaissance.

THE ETRUSCANS IN FLORENCE AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

FULL DAY (DAILY EXCEPT ON MONDAYS)

Tour starts with a visit to the Archaelogical Museum of Florence.rich in masterpieces of this ancient and still mysterious, highly civilized population that lived in Tuscany long before the Romans. One of the most famous Etniscan works of art that will be seen is the Chimera d'Arezzo.
Then proceed to the Artimino Museums that are housed in the Medicean Villa of the hundred chimneys and display works of arts found during recent excavations. Stop for lunch (included in our price). A three-course meal will be served. In the aftenioon visit the well-preserved tomb of Comeana and the Montagnola toinb at Quinto, both dating from the 7th century B.C.

EXCURSIONS TO PADOVA AND VENICE

LONG HALF DAY (DAILY FROM 15th MAR. TO 15th NOV.)

A chance to spend a delighful day visiting the unique city of Venice, known as the Pearl ofthe Sea. Departure from the hotel at 07,00 hrs a.m. taking the Autostrada del Sole, the major Italian highway; cross the Apennine Mountains and descend into the fertile plain Pianura Padana, passing near Bologna, a charming city and the capital of the region, important railroad hub and agricultural and industrial centre ol primary importance.
Arrive in Padova, where the first stop will be to visit the great Basilica of St. Anthony, whose tomb is venerated by worshippers from all over the world. In this centre of culture, famous for its medical and scientific university founded in 1222, also pay a visit to Giotto's masterpiece in the Chapel of the Scrovegni.
Upon arrival in Venice's Piazzale Roma around noon, reach Saint Mark's Square by public motorlaunch, where, in a typical Venetian restaurant, lunch will be served (included). After lunch, start the city tour with a local guide. Highlights of the tour are: Visit to St. Mark's Square with explanation of the monuments, proceed to the interior of St. Mark's Church (famous for its general design, mosaics, marbles, loggias); the Doge's Palace follows, with its Courtyard, Giant's and Golden Staircases, Doge's private apartment, Rooms of the Collegio, Senate, Council of Ten, Collection of Ancient Arms, Great Council Hall, Bridge of Sighs, and Prisons.
The visit is a must for the Veronese, Tintoretto and Tiepolo paintings, as well as sculptural masterpieces.
The guided tour ends with a visit to a glass-blowing factory. Then free time to wander around the city and discover your own Venice, down the narrow canals, visiting the shops that are known for that particular style and taste that only Venetians know how to provide or to sit at one of the famous cafes in St. Mark's Square listening to the violins serenading in that almost unreal atmosphere, which Napoleon called "the largest drawing room in Europe".
At 18,00 the homeward jouiney begins, with a stop near Bologna for the included four course dinner, which will allow you to sample the world-renowned local cuisine. Arrival in Florence is foreseen at around 11,00 p.m..

EXCURSION TO ROME

LONG FULL DAY (DAILY EXCEPT ON MONDAYS)

An early departure from Florence at 07,00 a.m., taking the Autostrada del Sole southbound. During the first part of the journey cross some of the most beautiful Italian regions: Tuscany, Umbria and Latium, across the land of the ancient Etruscans in a constantly changing patteni of view.
Upon arrival in the Eternal City at around 11,00 a.m. the tour with the local guide starts in the Vatican to visit the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, temple of Christianity; admire also the ancient papal fortress of Castel S. Angelo. Prior to lunch visit the Tiber Island, the Synagogue and the Jewish Quarter, Piazza Argentina, Piazza Venezia, Via del Corso, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Barberini with the famous Triton fountain by Bernini. Stop for included lunch in a good restaurant in the famous and elegant Via Veneto.
After lunch the tour continues with ancient Rome. Highlights of the second half of the visit are: the Colosseum, the Roman Fonim, the Basilica of Massenzio, the Arches of Costantine and Titus, the Circus Maximus, Caracalla's Baths, the largest Roman thermal bath, the Appian Way, Porta San Sebastiano, the Domine Quo Vadis Chapel, the Tomb of Romulus, Tomb of Cecilia Metella, the Catacombs, the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls and the Basilica of St. John Lateran with the nearby Sacred Stairway. Prior to the homeward journey, free time for shopping or personal visits.
A stop for dinner is scheduled in Orvieto Arrival in Florence is foreseen at around 11,30 p.m.

PANORAMIC CITY TOUR

MORNING OR AFTERNOON HALF DAY (DAILY)

Tour starts on the left bank of the Arno River with a panoramic drive along the Viale dei Colli scenic hillside drive to Piazzale Michelangelo, where a stop is made to allow a unique, complete panoramic view of the city.
Back to the historic city centre to visit: the Cathedral with the immense cupola by Brunelleschi, the Bell Tower by Giotto, the Baptistry with its beautiful mosaics and bronze doors made by Ghiberti, one of which is called the Door of Paradise. The tour continues in the monumental heart of the city to admire the Piazza della Signoria, the lovely square with the lofty Palazzo Vecchio (now the City Hall) and the Loggia dei Lanzi with Cellini's Perseus and the Neptune Fountain. Visit the Old Bridge. Tour ends with the visit to Santa Croce, the Franciscan church where Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Rossini, Foscolo and Galileo are buried.

MICHELANGELO TOUR

HALF DAY (MORNING ONLY) FROM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY

The visit begins at the Academy of Fine Arts, with immediate entrance without queueing having prereserved the visit, to see Michelangelo's original David and other important sculptures by the great Renaissance masters.
After visiting the Laurenziana Library and the Church of San Lorenzo, the tour ends with a Visit to the Medici Chapels with the famous statues carved for the Medici family by the great artist..