Renaissance Florence (Driver Only/Self Touring)

What better way to start or end a visit to Florence that a stop on Piazzale Michelangelo for a splendid panoramic overview of the city that has graced innumerable postcards.

Piazza della Signoria is named after the 14th century Palazzo della Signoria (today is known as Palazzo Vecchio - the “Old Palace”) that dominates the spacious square. This square is a perfect example of why many refer to Florence as an outdoor museum. On the corner close to Palazzo Vecchio is Loggia dei Lanzi, a covered terrace recognized by its wide arches and its open-air exhibition of fabulous bronze and marble sculptures depicting classical and mythological themes.

Translating to “Old Bridge”, Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone arch bridge that spans the Arno River. Initially occupied with butcher shops, nowadays you’ll find it filled with upscale jewelry shops, artists, and souvenir vendors. An interesting aspect about this bridge is Vasari’s Corridor, an enclosed passageway commissioned by Cosimo I de’Medici to connect Palazzo Vecchio (Florence’s Town Hall) with Palazzo Pitti (the private residence of the Medici family).

The Cathedral of Florence, also known as the Basilica di Santa Maria dei Fiori took centuries in the making...it begun in 1296, was consecrated in 1436, but it took until the 19the century for it to look like it does today with the stunning green, pink and white marble facade. The Piazza of the Duomo also includes Giotto’s bell tower and the Baptistry with its famous door by Ghiberti that was considered by Michelangelo to be the “gates of paradise”.

The Gallery of the Academy of Florence is the famous art museum that displays the original statue of David by Michelangelo along with other of his sculptures, as well as and masterpiece works of art by well-known artists like Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, and Giambologna, making it a perfect museum to visit on a day trip to Florence. Accademia Gallery tickets must be purchased online in advance by the customer for the 11:30 AM time slot. Please book on your favorite website and bring your Ticket Vouchers with you on the date of the tour as they will be required. If your day trip falls on a Monday when the Accademia Gallery is closed we will indicate alternative attractions you can enjoy.