Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Combine two of the most famous Tuscan towns: Lucca, with a colorful history that stretches back to the days of the ancient Etruscans, and Pisa with its famous Field of Miracles with the cathedral, baptistery, and of course, the Leaning Tower. Arriving in Lucca, take a guided walk through the old town, which retains its Renaissance-vintage fortified walls. Stroll from piazza to piazza and learn the city’s history through its architecture. The Duomo, Lucca’s Romanesque cathedral dates from the 12th century and features a facade with elaborate relieves and columns. The Gothic interior features an image of Christ on the cross, supposedly carved by Nicodemus, a purported witness of the crucifixion. The Duomo also boasts Tintoretto's magnificent painting of the Last Supper. You’ll have free time in Lucca to enjoy your activity of choice; explore, eat or shop! Once a powerful maritime republic and a rival to Genoa and Venice, Pisa offers Renaissance splendor of its own. A short guided walk leads to the Field of Miracles where you’ll receive a brief orientation on Pisan history. The Piazza is the site of Pisa’s Duomo, baptistery, Campo Santo, and of course, the campanile – the famous Leaning Tower. Galileo is said to have used the 180-foot campanile during his experiments with gravity. Today, the tower leans 14-degrees from perpendicular. Recently reopened, admittance to the tower is limited and is not included in the excursion. Pisa’s Duomo is a mixture of Tuscan and Romanesque styles and the black and white interior marble arches are thought to have been inspired by Islamic architecture. You’ll have plenty of photo and shopping opportunities on this tour. Note: Should religious services be taking place in the Duomo, the guide will conduct an explanation outside and guests will be free to enter individually. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. You’ll meet your guide in Lucca for your visit there and your other guide in Pisa for your visit to Pisa, however you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. In Pisa, you’ll have to walk to and from the bus parking area approximately 15 minutes each way. less

The Leaning Tower and Tuscan wines; what a perfect combination! After meeting your guide in Pisa, and a brief orientation of the Field of Miracles, you'll be free to wander on your own to see the Leaning Tower and discover Pisa’s superb black and white marble-enhanced Duomo. If you wish to enter the cathedral, you may do so on your own. Choose to spend your free time either shopping or visiting the magnificent sites. The Tuscan hills are home to some of the finest wines in the world, including Chianti, and we’ll take you on a scenic ride through the Italian wine country to visit a famous wine producer, tour the winery, and learn how Tuscan wines are created. Enjoy a typical Italian lunch in this privileged setting and sample a variety of house wines and olive oil, ending with a taste of Vin Santo - a sweet dessert wine. After a day filled with the aromas and tastes of Tuscany, take in more beautiful scenery during the return drive to Livorno. Note: Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. In Pisa, you’ll have to walk to and from the bus parking area approximately 15 minutes each way. less

If you want to explore these fascinating places on your own, we are pleased to provide a motorcoach transfer to Florence and Pisa, complete with an English-speaking escort. You’ll visit Pisa first, to avoid the heavy traffic backup entering Florence in the morning. Arriving in Pisa, your escort will walk you to the famous Miracle Square to enjoy some free time to take pictures of the Leaning Tower. Continue to Florence, where in the early afternoon, you’ll be dropped off at a central location in Florence and have approximately 3 1/2 hours to shop and explore the city at your leisure. Note: The photo stop in Pisa is not guided and you’ll have to walk from the bus parking area approximately 15 minutes each way. There will be only one departure from both Florence & Pisa; please return to the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. The level of exertion on this tour is completely up to you. less

This tour gives you a guided introduction to the highlights of Florence and more free time for shopping and exploring this magnificent city at your leisure. Before entering Florence, you’ll stop at a leather factory where you’ll see artisans at work as well as have the opportunity to do some shopping. Your walking tour starts at the Piazza del Duomo, home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Continue on to the Piazza della Signoria and see the outside of Dante’s home. In the square, view a copy of Michelangelo’s David (not the original) and the Loggia dei Lanzi, along with other sculptures. Next, visit Santa Croce Square, where your guide will explain, from the outside, the details of what is considered one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Italy. You’ll have approximately 3 1/2 hours to explore, shop and enjoy lunch on your own. The pick-up point and time will be provided by the tour escort. Note: There will be only one departure from Florence. Please return to the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. Your guide will join you in Florence, however you will have an escort with you throughout the day. The level of exertion during free time is completely up to you. less