Description
Lucca is an ancient city with Roman origins (it became a Latin colony in 180 BC). It still maintains the urban structure and the remains of the first fortifications and the amphitheatre. Lucca is known as “the city of the hundred churches”. A countless number have been preserved and some are deconsacrated.
They can be found both inside the famous walls that surround the city, which were fortified to protect the city from attacks in the Middle Ages, and also in the neighbouring areas. The centre of Lucca is scattered with well preserved Middle Age Palazzos, among which the most ancient European State Mint, established in 650 AD.
Places worth a visit are the Church of San Michele in Foro, the Church of San Giovanni, Reparata and surely the Cathedral of San Martino whose chapel was built by Matteo Civitali which houses the sculpture of the Volto Santo. The Torre Guinigi is higth 44 and has a characteristic that makes it unique; a wonderful Holm oak planted on its summit. It is very romantic to take a walk or rent a bike and ride along the ancient walls that have been transformed into a park and enjoy the splendid landscape of the city and its many bell towers that are silhouetted against the horizon of what was once a defensive fortification but that still preserves the charm of maintaining intact the centre of a wonderful Medieval city.
Our first stop in Florence will be the breathtaking panoramic viewpoint, Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can enjoy seeing the city from above and take some wonderful photos. Your driver will point out the main churches, palaces and buildings that are visible from here.Then we would recommend a visit at least to one of the important museums – the Uffizi Gallery(famous the world over for the majestic collection of paintings from Botticelli to Leonardo Da Vinci) or the Accademia (of course known for Michelangelo’s David as well as other statues by the great genius). Whatever you decide, we recommend reserving tickets to avoid the long lines in high season.
After we can help you to choose a perfect spot for lunch, where you can sample some of the typical Florentine cuisine, along with the excellent wine from Tuscany, famous all over the world.
Other places of interest which shouldn’t be missed include the religious heart of the city – Piazza Duomo, where you can find the impressive Cathedral, Baptistery and Bell Tower, along with the political centre of the city – Piazza Della Signoria, with the 13th century town hall Palazzo Vecchio.
Time permitting you can also see the Santa Croce Church, famous for the many tombs of key figures in Italian history, including Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Machiavelli.
Of course you will also have time for shopping, Florence being known for it’s excellent leather, ceramics and gold jewellery.
With time for a quick walk over the famous Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) to view and maybe even purchase some jewellery that will conclude your tour of Florence.
Enjoy the relaxing ride back to the ship (approx 1-1.5 hrs) and reflect on what will have definitely been an unforgettable day.
Duration of the private Florence and Lucca Shore Excursion Tour:
8 hours or 10 hours
Departure Time:
Morning – you can request whatever start time you like
Departure Point:
At disembark of your cruise ship in Livorno port
Inclusion:
– Deluxe car (1-3 people)
– Deluxe minivan (4-6 people)
– Deluxe minivan (7-8 people)
– Professional English speaking driver
Exclusions:
Gratuities (optional)
Admission fees to church and museums
Meals and beverage
Notes:
More than 8 persons: rates available on request
Extra hours to be paid on site to the driver
Changes and Cancellations:
Changes and Cancellations:
Free of charge up to 48 hours before the start of the tour
Return to the ship guaranteed:
We work every day with cruise passengers, so we know exactly what time it is necessary to return to the cruise ship dock. We guarantee your timely return to your ship.
Does the ship not dock at the port due to bad weather conditions?
If your ship does not dock at the port due to bad weather conditions and you are unable to carry out this activity, your money will be refunded at 50%
Each suggested tour or excursion you can view on this website is only a suggestion based on previous requests by our clients.
