Summary:
Florence is known throughout the world as the capital of the Renaissance and the city of art. This tour enables our Guests to explore the intricate details of Florence, including its popular museums, churches, and monuments, at a leisure pace during your approximately six to seven hours in the city. 

                                                                                      Overview:
Waiting on your ship's pier at the time of your preference will be your professional, English speaking, driver - guide. Holding a sign with your group's name, your driver - guide will escort you to your private, clean, late - model, waiting vehicle. Sit back and relax in the comfort of your private vehicle as you travel the 90 minutes through the Tuscan Countryside enroute to Florence.

Upon your arrival in Florence, you will be driven to Piazzale Michelangelo for a spectacular view of Florence nestled in the Arno Valley, on the banks of the Arno River and surrounded by gently sloping hills. Continue to the heart of Florence for a  fascinating exploration of art, culture, and history. If you choose to do so, you will have the time to leisurely explore the Accademia Museum as well as the Uffizi.  The Galleria del Accademia, Europe's first school of drawing founded in the mid 16th century, is home to the masterpiece of Michelangelo's David. The Uffizi Gallery contains the works of famous artists including Leonardo Da Vinci and Botticelli, spread throughout 44 rooms.

Continue your exploration of Florence by walking the cobblestone streets to some of its famous squares. In Piazza della Signoria, Florence's largest square, you can view a replica of the "David" along with original sculptures by famous artists such as Cellini.  At Piazza del Duomo take time to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Baptistery and Giotto's Bell Tower.  Following lunch at a local restaurant in the Piazza, cross the Ponte Vecchio, otherwise known as "Old Bridge." The Ponte Vecchio dates back to Roman times and enables Guests to cross the Arno River at its widest point. Walk to the Square of Santa Croce, traditionally known as Florence's main locations for festivities and ceremonies. It is also in this square, you will see the Church of Santa Croce, known as Italy's Westminster Abbey for the monarchy who have been laid to rest. 

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end, including your thorough yet relaxing exploration of Florence and Tuscany. As you are driven back to your ship, The Guest Planners Team hopes your tour was filled with amazement and memories that will last a lifetime. When you arrive at your cruise ship, although the tour may have come to an end, you will always be a part of The Guest Planners "Family." 

Our driver - guides have extensive knowledge and expertise of the history, customs, and culture of Florence in addition to the layout of the streets. Unlike the restrictions for large coach buses, your driver - guide will do his or her best to drive you in your private vehicle to as close to the site as allowed by law. Additionally, if you have any specific requests or you would prefer to focus your tour on a specific area of Florence or Tuscany, your driver - guide will do his or her best to accomodate your needs. 
                                                                        Customize Your Tour:
You may choose to tour the city with your private, licensed, english speaking tour guide or you may choose to tour based on the information provided by your driver - guide. Highlights of Florence include:
Piazzale Michelangelo and Monument
Piazza del Duomo
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Baptistery
Giotto's Bell Tower
Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise
Galleria del Accademia
Uffizi Gallery
Piazza della Signoria
Replica of Michelangelo's David
Loggia dei Lanzi
Ponte Vecchio
Church of Santa Croce


                                                                                       Notes:
The tour can be customized to your preference. The order of the tour may be modified to maximize your time and enjoyment. While we will make every attempt to include all parts of the tour as listed above, there is the slight possibility that for reasons beyond our control,  an aspect of the tour will need to be skipped, replaced, or modified. While we suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes and clothing, please respect local customs of covering shoulders and knees when visiting a religious site. The Uffizi and Accademia are closed on Mondays. To maximize your experience and enjoyment, we strongly suggest and we will be happy to do so at no extra charge, acquiring tickets with specific entrance times to the Uffizi and or Accademia. For your protection and convenience, payment must be made through credit card on The Guest Planners secure payment processing system. We will be happy to accept multiple credit cards for your group. During the tour, we suggest leaving valuables in your onboard safe and only carrying a minimal amount of cash. Our extremely competitive pricing is below. If you have any further questions or if The Guest Planners Team can be of any assistance, including making a reservation, or customizing a tour for your group, please call (305) 933 - 4888 or E-mail Reservations@TheGuestPlanners.com. We look forward to you joining our "Family." Thank you!