Lucca and Florence
This includes Florence and, begins with a visit to the historical town of Lucca.
Lucca is a delightful city comprised of a grid of Roman roads contained within its mighty medieval ramparts. It is home to Puccini, Chamber music, Romanesque churches, museums and monuments. Lucca’s flat landscape and narrow winding lanes create the perfect conditions for commuting by bicycle, as many locals do.
The Piazza del Mercato supports what survives of the ancient Roman amphitheater. Medieval houses frame the square and low archways provide the gateways through which the Roman gladiators would have emerged. Some of the city’s essential sights include the Duomo, San Michele, San Frediano, Museo Nazionale Guinigi and Torre Guinigi. Casa di Puccini makes an interesting visit for opera lovers, as this 15th century house is a shrine to one of Italy’s greatest composers.
The world’s most important works of art are located in Italy and approximately half of these are in Florence… The cultural and historical impact of Florence is overwhelming. Florence is the city of the Medici family, who brought to its Court all of the most important Italian Renaissance Artists, completely transforming this amazing city into one of the most beautiful in the world.
The tour of Florence begins at the square of Michelangelo, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. After a quick drive down into the historical center, you will stop by the Santa Croce Church, where several of the most famous Italian artists and scientists are buried: (Michelangelo, Donatello and Galileo to name a few). The drive around the city continues with a visit Signoria Square, where you will see an outdoor gallery displaying Florence’s most famous sculpture (many are copies and the originals are now in museums) and the Palazzo Vecchio. You will continue to the famous Duomo to see the Baptistery (Ghiberti’s doors were called the Gates of Paradise) and Giotto’s Bell Tower. You will also drive by The Old Bridge and Pitti Palace. There is naturally time for a Tuscan lunch, and in the afternoon, for a visit to the most notable museums of Florence, the “Accademia” where you can see the original statue of David by Michelangelo, or the “Uffizi Gallery”, which displays the most significant collection in the world of Renaissance masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo DaVinci, and numerous other artists and sculptors.
In the afternoon you will be driven back to the Port of La Spezia.
Please note that the Accademia and Uffizi Gallery are colsed on mondays!
Please book your tickets for Accademia yourself for 2 pm, best option is to call them and book the tickets directly over the phone: 011 39 055 294883
* It is recommended to visit only on of them for you to have more time in the city.
Please dress respectfully for visiting religious monuments; local custom requires covering knees and shoulders. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Your English speaking driver will pick you up from the port in the morning and will take you back to the dock in the afternoon.
All rates are quoted in Euro funds. Payment in Euro and/or Euro Travelers Cheques. Price includes Driver-Guide for the tour. Price does not include lunch, gratuities or entrance fees.
We can also offer you a private Licensed Guide who will give an escorted tour.
Official Licensed Guides are selected by us for expertise and service, and will ensure you get the most from your visit. For more information and pricing for License Guides, please contact us.
Note: Because of security and lack of space in the port of La Spezia, all vehicles are forbidden from entering the port.
You would need to take a shuttle to exit the port and your driver will meet you where the shuttle stops.
Mercedes A/C Sedan up to 4 people | € 870 |
Mercedes A/C Minivan up to 6 people | € 900 |
Mercedes A/C Minivan up to 8 people | € 950 |