6. From La Spezia: Private Shore Excursion to Pisa & Florence
Meet your private driver/ guide at 08:00 as close as possible to your ship for the 2-hour drive to Florence approaching the city through vineyards on the outskirts of the Chianti region and arriving in Piazzale Michelangelo which offers beautiful views across the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo and Giotto's bell tower.
Once in the city center, discover the city's prominent landmarks without too much walking as your driver gives you historic and cultural background information. Visit the splendid Gothic church of Santa Croce with the tombs of famous artists and writers such as Michelangelo, Galileo and Dante as well as its renowned leather school. Enjoy a stroll around the lively and colorful market of San Lorenzo, where you will also find the Medici chapels and the Loggia dei Mercanti. Discover the splendid piazzas of Piazza del Duomo with the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto's bell tower, Piazza della Repubblica - a lively shopping area and beautiful Piazza della Signoria with the Palazzo Vecchio. If you wish to visit the Accademia Gallery to see the real Michelangelo's David, your tickets (at 16.50 EUR per person) can be pre-booked so you won't have to waste any time standing in long lines.
Wander past the huge Uffizi Gallery and across the Ponte Vecchio with its exquisite jewelry stores towards Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens. Break for lunch (at your own expense). Your driver will make suggestions and point you in the right direction. You may even be tempted to taste your way around the authentic central food market overflowing with cheeses, salami, prosciutto, bread, pasta, olive oil, wine and gelato. At around 14:30, it will be time to take you on the relaxing and comfortable journey to Pisa to the 11th century powerful maritime republic. Enjoy a driving tour of the city which will lead you to the heart of one of the most important monuments in Italy, the breathtaking Piazza dei Miracoli with its Baptistry, cathedral, Campo Santo Cemetery and of course, the Leaning Tower. At around 16:00, your minivan will be waiting for you to take you on a relaxing and comfortable journey back to your ship in the port of La Spezia with arrival at around 18:00.