Florence La Bella Full Day Tour

This splendid tour of “ La Bella Firenze” offers a look at some of the world’s finest art and culture. The full day adventure begins with a 93- kms  motorcoach ride through some of Italy’s most beautiful scenery. Upon arrival in Florence, guests will be taken to the closest drop-off point to the Accademy of Fine Arts , a museum of masterpieces reflecting the extraordinary personality of Michelangelo. The main gallery contains the original statue of David , the symbol of youthful force and a perfect example of the sculptor’s humanism.

From the Accademy your walk through history continues on to the religious center of Florence , Piazza del Duomo ( cathedral square) where the Duomo , Giotto’s bell tower and the Baptistery form an admirable group of coloured marble monuments , demonstrating the traditions of Florentine art from the Middle ages to Renaissance. The Duomo , one of the largest gothic cathedrals, is a symbol of the city’s power and wealth from 1200 -1300 and is an outstanding example of Florentine architecture. Giotto’s bell tower  slender and tall, is the perfect complement to brunelleschi’sdome. The Baptistery encased in white and green marble, is designed in a well-balanced Romanesque style.

          You will proceed to Piazza della Signoria which was, and still is, the political stage of Florence. From the outside you will admire  the Palazzo Vecchio  which is dominated by a lofty, gothic bell tower. Before it was taken over by Cosimo I as his private residence , the palace was the seat of the government and was known as Palazzo della Signoria .Passing by the  Uffizi Gallery we reach Ponte  Vecchio , the oldest bridge in Florence , which crosses the arno river. It has a curious appearance with jewelers’shops lining the roadwaypassing overhead.

The walking tour ends in Santa Croce Square where Santa croce church is located. This church of the Franciscans is the place where the great Masters of Renaissance, together with Michelangelo, are buried. Walk to a typical Florentine restaurant for lunch ,  and after this you will have free time for shopping and walking around .

                             Rejoyn the coach and drive back to Leghorn.