EXCURSÕES EM TERRA

Take a scenic drive through the countryside to the magnificent city of Florence. Pause in the Piazza del Duomo to admire the exterior of the Cathedral (Duomo) of Santa Maria del Fiore, its elaborate Gothic façade is covered in a mix of pink and green marble.

View the statues in the Piazza della Signoria on your way to the Ponte Vecchio, the medieval stone bridge was the first bridge built across the River Arno, and has been well known for its goldsmiths and jewelers since the 16th century. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, and after the meal you'll have free time to explore on your own or to shop, before your tour continues to the historic town of Pisa. Here, you'll have free time in Miracle Square for a look at the exterior of that famous Leaning Tower. Built in the 12th century, it began to lean soon afterwards, but has now been stabilized.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a panoramic driving tour through Florence with occasional stops for closer views of the must-see landmarks. You will ride around the city in a double-decker bus that offers 360º from the top. As an alternative, you can sit in the shaded lower deck. Either way, commentary will describe the points of interest and give you a clear understanding of their significance. UNESCO deemed the historic center of Florence a World Heritage site because of its artistic and cultural importance over the centuries, so there is plenty to see. The bus will stop at the shop-lined Ponte Vecchio bridge that spans the Arno River, the museum within the Palazzo Strozzi and Santa Maria Maggiore, which is among the oldest and most beautiful churches in Florence. For the ultimate view of the city, you will pause at Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop terrace with a bronze replica of Michaelangelo’s David.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride around Florence on the top of a double-decker bus or in the shaded lower deck.
• Hear enlightening commentary that describes the upcoming landmarks.
• Take the opportunity to stop at the most intriguing attractions for a closer look.
• See landmarks as diverse as the Ponte Vecchio bridge and the museum in Palazzo Strozzi.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

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 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 hours to explore the city at your leisure.

OVERVIEW

See Florence’s highlights at your own pace by riding a double-decker bus around town, hopping on and off whenever you please at the attractions you find most intriguing. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely and immensely scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside and on to Florence. Upon arriving in Florence, you'll take a walk to board your double-decker bus and begin your adventure. In time, you will stop in historical St. Croce Square, a wonderfully atmospheric gathering place where you can easily walk to landmarks such as Santa Croce Basilica. Built in the late 13th century, the church contains the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo, so it will be well worth visiting. You might also want to stroll over to the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge that spans the Arno River and then linger over a Tuscan lunch. More than 12 designated stops are available on the bus route. Simply hop on one of the buses and then hop off when it reaches an attraction that interests you. For instance, you might hop off near Michelangelo’s exquisite statue of David in the Accademia Gallery, and see masterpieces from artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio in the Uffizi Gallery. Nature lovers will enjoy the Boboli Gardens behind the Pitti Palace during the sightseeing route, You will also learn all about Florence's history with an audio-guided walking tour of the historic center.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See the highlights of Florence from a double-decker bus that offers unobstructed views.
• Stop along the way for photos and closer looks at the most iconic attractions.
• Enjoy a guided walking tour through some of the most important sites.
• Take comfort in knowing that the bus is open air rather than completely enclosed.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

A Torre Inclinada e os vinhos da Toscana, que combinação perfeita! Enjoy a day filled with the sites, aromas and tastes of Tuscany.

After meeting your guide in Pisa and a brief orientation of the Field of Miracles, you'll be free to explore the magnificent sites on your own. 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.

The Tuscan hills are home to some of the finest wines in the world, including Chianti. Enjoy a 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 your meal with a taste of Vin Santo - a sweet dessert wine.

Leaving Livorno, you will travel north for 1.5 hours, passing the coastal area of Versilia until reaching La Spezia where you'll begin your exploration to the Cinque Terre: a National Park protected by UNESCO. Weather permitting you will enjoy a scenic cruise or a ride by train till Monterosso al Mare. Here you will have plenty of free time to enjoy a stroll around its narrow streets, to explore the tiny shops, have lunch on your own and after a tasting of the local wine. By boat or train you will reach the fishing village of Vernazza, where you'll enjoy time at leisure. Then you will re-board a boat or a local train back to La Spezia where your motorcoach is waiting for you for the return drive to Livorno.

Grab a selfie stick and strike a pose! Use the Florence-themed frames and turn your photo into a fun digital postcard or selfie—perfect for sharing the moment instantly with friends and family. Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Florence and Pisa, many of them iconic attractions that define the cities. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways. You will also receive a typical Florentine gelato, allowing you to savor one of the city’s most beloved local traditions during the experience.

As you walk and ride through Florence and Pisa, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Ponte Vecchio
• Palazzo Vecchio
• Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral
• Santa Croce Square
• Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint
• Leaning Tower of Pisa

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Florence and Pisa.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• Behold the 13th-century bridge Ponte Vecchio and the fortress-like Palazzo Vecchio.
• See where Michelangelo is buried in the basilica overlooking San Croce Square.
• Enjoy the ultimate view of Florence from the hilltop terrace Piazzale Michelangelo.
• Visit the Field of Miracles in Pisa, home of the famed Leaning Tower.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

Drive through the countryside en route to the historic town of Pisa, located on the banks of the Arno River. Enjoy a short trolley ride that takes you directly to Miracle Square, next to the famous Leaning Tower. Your walking tour begins near Miracle Square. During World War II, much of Pisa was destroyed by German and Allied bombing, however the cathedral, baptistery and famous Leaning Tower escaped unharmed. There'll be some free time to admire the exterior of the campanile, better known as the Leaning Tower and enjoy some coffee or browse for souvenirs in Pisa before returning to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Explore the extraordinary Arab-style Zisa Castle and other Palermo landmarks as a prelude to a classic Sicilian lunch. Arab-Norman architecture emerged in Sicily in the 12th century, when the Zisa Castle was built. It is such a fine example of this unique style that UNESCO deemed the royal summer residence a World Heritage site. While touring, be sure to notice its distinctive Islamic features such as honeycomb vaulting, pointed archways and a design that ingeniously produces natural air conditioning that still works today. More treasures await you in the city center, especially plazas such as the extravagant Piazza Pretoria. Its monumental fountain and the statues adorning it were created in Florence and shipped to Sicily in the 1570s to symbolize Palermo’s urban rebirth. Even the venue for your lunch has great architectural importance as it is within a former monastery cloister in a lovely park.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse Zisa Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful Islamic elements.
• Stroll through glorious plazas such as the Piazza Pretoria in Palermo’s city center.
• Delight in a classic Sicilian lunch in a restaurant in a former monastery cloister.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Quer conhecer Florença por conta própria? We are happy to provide a motorcoach transfer to Florence complete with an English speaking escort. You'll be dropped off at a central location in Florence and have approximately 4 1/2 hours to explore the city, shop and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Motorcoach drop-off and pick-up points will be provided by the Shore Excursion Desk on board your ship.

OVERVIEW

Stroll the winding streets of Siena and San Gimignano, two atmospheric gems deep in Tuscany whose medieval city centers are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Although it will take about two hours to reach Siena, it will be well worth the time. Tucked away across several hills, the city exudes history, especially around Piazza del Campo, the main square at its heart. The 14th-century Torre del Mangia towers over the square and dominates the skyline. Constructed even earlier, the Siena Cathedral is considered one of Italy's most important Romanesque-Gothic churches and even viewing its exterior will be spellbinding. San Gimignano is equally photogenic and mesmerizing, especially its 11th-13th century tower houses, which controlling patrician families built as symbols of their wealth and power. You will also meander through the Piazza della Cisterna - whose inverted triangular shape follows the land's natural slope - and behold the Cathedral of San Gimignano and its fabulous interior frescoes.

DESTAQUES

• Settle in for a spectacularly scenic drive deep into Tuscany to explore two medieval cities.
• Gain insight into why UNESCO declared Siena and San Gimignano World Heritage sites.
• Meander through the atmospheric city centers with a guide and independently.
• Behold the most historical churches, plazas and iconic landmarks in both cities.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an insider's look at attractions in Florence that served as locations for a number of blockbuster films, in this immersive walking adventure. Although the Uffizi Gallery may be better known for its works by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, the art museum also made an ideal setting for the crime-thriller "Hannibal." The scene with Hannibal Lecter sitting in front of Botticelli's painting "Primavera" is unforgettable. As you walk from one former film location to another, the guide will elaborate on some of the movies shot in Florence. You will see the Hotel degli Orafi that had a prominent role in the Oscar-winning film "Room with a View" and stop in the Baptistery of Saint John next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore - better known as the Duomo - where scenes from Dan Brown's "Inferno" were filmed. Then there is the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the palace that appeared throughout the TV series "Medici: Masters of Florence."

DESTAQUES

• See landmarks in Florence that were also film locations in well-known movies.
• Hear about the movies shot in the Uffizi Gallery, the Hotel degli Orafi and the Baptistery.
• Gain an understanding of why Florence is such an ideal location for filming.
• Spend free time dining on your own and exploring further.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.