Shore & Excursions
Naples and Amalfi Coast | Civitavecchia and Rome | Livorno

Shore Excursions from the port of Livorno.

Livorno is in the region of Tuscany: An emotion packed journey discovering the history, landscapes and art of the region where the Renaissance was born: from the hills of Chianti to the beaches of Versilia, past medieval hill towns and art cities. The landscapes of Tuscany are simply too beautiful for words and perhaps, for this reason, for centuries they have been the subject of thousands of paintings and photographs. This said, Tuscany is the birthplace of the Italian language. This is also where the Renaissance was born - an artistic, cultural, and social movement which had a lasting impact on Italian culture and on that of the rest of Europe. Tuscany and its capital, Florence, testify to this incredible moment in history. The great architectural feats, the ecclesiastical buildings, the sculpture, and the paintings which can be seen here are all expressions, not only of the dynamic and radical changes which surged through Europe, but also of the pure genius of artists famous throughout the world.

You will be met at the Port of Livorno by our driver/guide for your day tour to Florence. Along the way you will be given by our driver/guide arrangement of the itinerary to stop, and information of the most important sights/museums to visit during your exciting day in Florence, the service is driver/guided and is individually personalized.
Florence:
The city of Lorenzo de 'Medici and the Arno river, of the Guelfs and Ghibellines, of princes and popolani, of the Renaissance and Dante. A treasure chest filled with the world's greatest artworks. The universal city. Few cities can boast the wealth of artistic masterpieces to be found within the walls of the city of Florence, undisputed birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Thousands of tourists flock to the Tuscan capital each day, to visit its museums and galleries, brimming with mediaeval and renaissance artworks, and to roam the streets of the city where Dante, Boccaccio and Petrarca lay the foundations of modern day Italian language. Florence is where to enjoy a romantic stroll across Ponte Vecchio and along the banks of the Arno river and pay one’s respects to the great figures of the past buried in the Church of Santa Croce. To visit is the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, The Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Santa Croce, Palazzo Pitti, Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapels, San Miniato al Monte.		 Florence
Pisa:
Since ancient times Pisa has been a flourishing city; a Maritime colony in the Roman period known for its conquests, to become one of the four Maritime Republics of Italy; powerful during the Middle Ages under the rule of the Medici who invested Pisa with the splendid architecture which survives in all its glory to this very day. The most prevailing image is that of Piazza dei Miracoli where it is possible to admire not only the Baptistery, but also the Cathedral, the Walls of the Monumental Cemetery and the Leaning Tower, the latter a unique artistic treasure which has become an icon throughout the world. Pisa has many more treasures worthy of note such as the numerous churches, the Porta di St Maria, the Museum of the Sinopie, the Cathedral Museum, the National Museum of St Matteo, Piazza della Sapienza, and the Botanical Gardens. The popular traditions of Pisa testify to the city's ancient and glorious past and promise to leave the visitor with lasting memories.		 Pisa
Lucca:
Approaching the city, the visitor to Lucca will be struck by the incredibly well preserved walls dating back to the 1500s which encircle the town, now transformed into a tree lined walk way. Once an Etruscan settlement, and subsequently a Roman Colony, Lucca preserves the ellipse of the Roman Amphitheatre and traces of Roman walls. The Medieval appearance has hardly changed, with an urban architecture of narrow roads, towers and small squares overlooked by the numerous churches such as the Cathedral of St Martino, the Basilica of St Frediano, the Church of St Michele in Foro, the Farneta Charter House and the Palazzo Arcivescovile. Lucca was the birth place of musicians such as Giacomo Puccini. The natural landscape is enchanting; dotted with splendid country mansions built between the 17th and 19th century. Lucca continues centuries' old commercial activities from the fabrication and marketing of silk to the production of local gastronomic specialties such as the traditional sweet buccellato of Lucca.		 Lucca
Siena:
Is recognized, both nationally and internationally, for the Palio horse race contested by the 17 contrada which divide this small city. But Siena is also unique thanks to its maze of narrow streets, its numerous towers and elegant town houses, the immense Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral which dominate the heart of the Medieval city encircled by impressive walls. Those living in Siena enjoy an incredibly high quality of life. It is also the first city in Italy to close its center to traffic. As far as culture is concerned, Siena has been a city of great artistic significance since ancient times with internationally acclaimed institutions such as the Chigiana Musical Academy, the Accademia dei Fisiocritici and Accademia degli Intronati, as well as the University for Foreigners. Sites not to be missed: the Church of St Domenico, the Church of St Francesco, the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art and Palazzo Salimbeni which houses important frescoes. The surrounding countryside is superbly peaceful with vineyards, olive groves, medieval hamlets and castles. The gastronomic traditions have gained international fame with the sweet Panpepato, Ricciarelli and Cavallucci being exported throughout the world.		 Siena
San Gimignano:
Built on a hill dominating the Val d'Elsa, San Gimignano preserves the charm and atmosphere of an isolated center, first Etruscan then Medieval. Its appeal derives also from its past as a vibrant center of artistic excellence, exemplified by the many works of art held in the museums and adorning the convents and churches. Among the artists: Pinturicchio, Bozzoli, Fiorentino, Mainardi. San Gimignano gave hospitality to Dante Alighieri Tuscan ambassador of the Guelfa cause. There are many artistic itineraries to follow through San Gimignano: the Cathedral, Palazzo Comunale, the Museum of Sacred Art, the Archeological Museum, the Apothecary of St Fina, and the Church of St Agostino. Also well worth a visit: the Ornithological Museum, the Stronghold of Montestaffoli, the Church of St Bartolo, the Chrch of St Lorenzo in Ponte and the remains of the Church of St Francesco. Events include the Messi Fair, the Giostra dei Bastoni, the Film Festival and the guided tours Camminando Camminando.		 San Gimignano
Shore & Excursions
Naples and Amalfi Coast | Civitavecchia and Rome | Livorno