VIP Florence and Pisa Tour for Cruise Passengers
Private Transportation
Pick up & Drop off at the your ship
Skip-the-line tickets
Professional Guides
Duration
about 8 hours + 1h lunch break
Activity level
moderate
Kids pay half price!
Sights Included
– Prisoners by Michelangelo
– Renaissance masterpieces
– Palazzo Vecchio (from outside)
– Ponte Vecchio
– Duomo (from outside)
– Baptistery (from outside)
Tour Description
Our VIP Florence and Pisa Tour for Cruise Passengers is a one-day journey through the most iconic sights in Tuscany.
The tour begins at the harbor in Livorno. Your driver will be waiting for you at the port, right next to the ship. He’ll be carrying a sign with your name, so you can recognize him easily.
Then, you’ll drive to Florence (1.5 hours) where you will meet your local guide.
1. Florence
The charming city of Florence is one of the cornerstones of Italian culture.
Many of the greatest Italian artists were born here and shaped the image of Italy in the world.
Florence was the home of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Dante and Machiavelli. It was the birthplace of the Renaissance.
This beautiful city is also renowned for its excellent cuisine, and world-famous wines.
As you’ll discover on your tour, Florence has a remarkable history, which is as complex as the history of Italy itself
- Piazza Duomo
Your guide will lead you through picturesque small alleys before reaching one of the most famous sights: Piazza Duomo, where the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore stands.
This imposing Gothic cathedral is enriched by one of the greatest masterpieces of architecture: the dome by Brunelleschi.
Brunelleschi is one of the most important architects of all time. His studies on perspective and his appreciation for classical art represent the Renaissance spirit.
The dome was Brunelleschi’s greatest accomplishment. In some ways, it’s a very traditional building, but it’s also incredibly innovative.
Brunelleschi based his designs on the Pantheon in Rome, but created something truly original. The sheer size and scale of his architectural vision – as well as his remarkable building techniques – were a challenge to the Roman tradition.
Your guide will reveal the secrets of the dome’s design, and share the intriguing story of its construction.
In Piazza Duomo, you’ll see many other remarkable sights, such as the Baptistery and the Bell Tower by Giotto.
Then, your VIP Florence and Pisa Tour will continue with a visit to Piazza della Signoria.
- Piazza della Signoria
In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Piazza della Signoria (Signoria Square) was the political heart of Florence.
This square is also an open-air museum, filled with magnificent buildings and statues.
There is no better place to learn about the history of Florence and its fascinating politics. Your guide will tell you the story of the Medici, the most influential family in Florence, and their contribution to creating the city’s identity.
In the Renaissance, art was an expression of power.
In Florence, it was mostly the expression of the power of the Medici, who commissioned some of the most famous artworks in the city.
As you stroll through the square, you’ll admire the impressive facade of Palazzo della Signoria. Its entrance is decorated by a replica of Michelangelo’s David and by the Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandinelli.
Next to the square, you’ll also see the Loggia dei Lanzi, a portico decorated with many important sculptures. One of the most famous is the impressive bronze sculpture of Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini
- Ponte Vecchio
Running through the middle of Florence city center is the Arno river.
After Piazza della Signoria, your guide will take you to the famous bridge known as Ponte Vecchio.
Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence, dating back to the Roman Age.
This unique walkway across the river is also the location of traditional jewelry stores and goldsmiths.
Above the stores, you can still see a corridor that connected the two main residences of the city rulers (Palazzo della Signoria and Palazzo Pitti), which allowed them to go between the two palaces without walking among the crowds.
Ponte Vecchio is not only one of the most iconic sights in Florence, but also an important part of its history. It’s truly a must-see sight.
- Michelangelo’s David and the Accademia
On your VIP Florence and Pisa Tour you’ll also see one of the most famous sculptures ever made: David by Michelangelo, in the Accademia Gallery.
There are often long lines to see this masterpiece, but not to worry – we’ll enter with skip-the-line tickets!
Why is David such an important statue? Your guide will explain everything about this amazing artwork, from its connection to the history of Florence to the extraordinary life of its creator.
Who was Michelangelo? Why is he considered to be one of the greatest artists of all time? You’ll learn all about his life, his difficult personality, and – of course – his art.
In the Accademia, you’ll also see other masterpieces by Michelangelo, such as the Prisoners and the Pietà di Palestrina.
It’s one of the best places to admire Michelangelo’s art and understand just how revolutionary he was.
Next, it will be time for a lunch break. Take advantage of your guide’s expert knowledge of Florence restaurants, and ask for a recommendation!
Tuscan cuisine is among the most renowned in the world: don’t miss the chance to try some delicious local dishes and wines!
After lunch, you’ll drive for about one hour through the picturesque Tuscan countryside until you reach Pisa, the last stop of your VIP Florence and Pisa Tour.
2. Pisa (Campo dei Miracoli)
Once you arrive in Pisa, your driver will take you to Campo dei Miracoli in the historic city center. Here, you’ll have some free time to explore (about 20-30 minutes).
This unique square has some of the most iconic buildings in Italy: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo, and the Baptistery.
Since you will soon have to get back on your ship, you won’t have time to enter the buildings. But you will have the chance to walk through Campo dei Miracoli and enjoy the magical atmosphere of this lovely city.
It’s also a great location for taking pictures – the perfect way to remember your Tuscan trip.
Afterward, it will be time to get back in the car. Your driver will take you back to the port of Livorno, where you can continue with your cruise, sailing away with some wonderful memories of Tuscany.
The order of the sights may vary for logistical reasons.
This price is only for ships that dock in LIVORNO.
If your ship is docking elsewhere, let us know and we’ll create a customized itinerary for you.
You MUST bring an ID, a passport or a driver’s license to enter the sights.
If you have more than 6 people in your group, contact us and we’ll create a customized price
69 € per additional adult
34 € per additional kid under 18
in a Mercedes car or van
Whatsapp,
or call us at +39 376 165 1457 Tour Itinerary
Italian ArtVentures' Feedbacks
Your guides are so friendly and knowledgeable. They made the history accessible and enriching.
You covered every detail, down to lunch reservations, business class train tickets and wonderful air-conditioned transportation with friendly drivers!
Thank you again for all the e-mails to develop a personalized itinerary for a special trip! We give you 5 1/2 stars on a 5 star scale!
