TOURS FOR FLORENCE, ROME, POMPEII, CAPRI, NAPLES AND AMALFI COAST

The beautiful Basilica of the Holy Cross

Detail of the Basilica of the Holy Cross

The Old Palace in the Piazza della Signoria

The sculptures in the Piazza della Signoria

Example of a sculpture by Michelangelo
in the Accademia Gallery

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
and Giotto's Bell Tower

A visit of Florence (Firenze) is a must for any lover of art. According to UNESCO estimates, the 60% of the most important artworks in Italy are in Florence. The city in the northwest of Italy, which is surrounded by picturesque olive groves and vineyards of the Chianti region, brings enthusiasm and excitement. The former capital of Italy (Rome is the capital only since 1871) is often considered the cradle of the Renaissance and owes a large part of his wealth to the Middle Ages. Then as today, the urban heart of Florence proposes between the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria and can be easily discovered on foot.

You will meet our local English-speaking guide in the prearranged meeting-point, which can be changed according to guests requirements:

You will go to visit the Accademia Gallery (ca. 1 hour and half), one of the most famous museums world wide thanks to Michelangelo�s David, which is exhibited here beneath a rotunda that was built specially for it in 1873 when it was moved here from the Piazza della Signoria (on the square You can still find a copy of it). After that visit, You�ll continue the tour to the marvellous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (internal visit). The Cathedral of the Tuscan capital Florence is located at the Piazza del Duomo and the result of a long construction period over centuries of history. The plan for the building was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the thirteenth century. The construction of beautiful, 107-meter-hight dome needed 14 years and was realized by Brunelleschi (a genious architect of the Renaissance), notwithstanding the pre-existing model. Today the Dome is considered as symbol of Tuscany. Then You will reach the Piazza della Signoria, for over six hundred years the political symbol of Florence. There You can find a multitude of major artwork like Michelangelo's David (a copy, the original is located in the Accademia Gallery). Michelangelo's David, as well as the bronze group Judith and Holofernes by Donatello, are regarded as the embodiment of the Republican virtues. Also located on the Piazza della Signoria is the Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati, because of its white marble giant also known as "Il Biancone" (The big whitey).
The tour will finish by visiting inside the Basilica of the Holy Cross, the largest Franciscan church in Italy. The church is known as the Pantheon of Florence. It houses the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Gioacchino Rossini, Guglielmo Marconi and Galilei as well as several important frescoes and statues of various Italian artists. The architecture is a classic example of Franciscan architecture.

Take water, camera & sun cream; wear comfortable shoes. In low season warmer clothing may be required!

THIS TOUR WILL OPERATE RAIN OR SHINE, SO BE PREPARED FOR ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.