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TOUR N. 17: FLORENCE MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS
 This daytrip excursion will begin with a drive from your hotel or pick-up location in Rome to the "autostrada" (Italian highways) for a 3 hour drive to the world famous city of Florence.
Florence has Etruscan-Roman origins and flourished during the Middle Ages as a free community. It became furtherly refined by the Renaissance Art and became enriched by the Medici family ruling and soon became the cradle of the Italian language.
The city is located on both banks of the Arno river and surrounded by the Appenine hills. Among the most famous, Florence is the home of Dante, Machiavelli , Michelangelo and the Medici Family.
 As we approach the city, we will stop for a beautiful view of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo from where you will admire the tile roofs, steeples and domes.
We will then begin our descent into the central downtown area of Florence to visit the Accademy (the "David" and other masterpieces), the Duomo, the Baptistry and Giotto's bell tower. We will proceed either on foot or with our vehicle (we'll be in the downtown walking area) to visit the other important monuments and the shopping areas.
 We will then proceed through some of Florence's most elegant streets to the city's largest square which is Piazza della Signoria. This was once the center of Florentine life. View the Uffizi Gallery building in the form of a horseshoe extending from Piazza della Signoria to the Arno river.
For those who love art and painting we can also visit the Uffizi building that homes paintings of Cimabue , Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci, etc. in 44 rooms full of art.
 We can then have a quick snack or an Italian traditonal meal at a local restaurant in the plaza, then visit the elegance of Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) which is the home of small little shops of gold and jewellery at great prices (you can get tax deduction on all buys).
Our private tours allow you to visit the sites that you wish, so you can decide if you would also like to visit the church of S. Croce (this is where you can visit the tombs of Michaelangelo, Galileo, Giotto, etc.) or if you would prefer ending the day doing some shopping and just walking around to find a good buy, maybe on a nice pair of shoes or a leather coat
 Return to Rome in the late afternoon.
EXTRA INFORMATION:
- Duration of this daytrip: 11 hours.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The vehicle and driver will be at your complete disposal for the entire duration of the tour.
- Walking is very limited unlike bus tour where you have to walk most of the day following your guides flag.
- The tour sequence may be altered to avoid traffic or demonstrations congestions but will always cover the mentioned sights.
- All tours can be modified and/or customized (even while on tour) to meet your complete satisfaction.
 - Reservations will be made for both the Accademy and Uffizi Gallery if available.
- The Accademia and Uffizzi gallery are closed on Mondays and therefore can be substituted with the visit of Palazzo Vecchio
- Entrance fee to the Accademy is 6,50 € (euro).
- Entrance fee to the Uffizi Gallery is 10 € (euro).
- If you would like to have lunch our driver can suggest a snack bar, restaurant or pizzeria. To avoid unpleasant surprises its always best to inform your driver on how much you would like to spend and the time involved.
 Payments: All rates are quoted in EURO funds. Payment can be made in USD, Euro, Traveler's cheques or with Visa/MasterCard/American Express (add 5% for c/c).
Our rate includes a vehicle and English speaking driver-guide for the entire duration of this tour taxes, tolls, fuel and parking fees. It does not include private guides, entrance fees, city entrance tax for buses over 8 persons, gratuities or meals unless mentioned in our confirmation.
Our English speaking driver will give a general overview regarding the history of the sites and monuments while in the car before you enter. He will allow all the time you need to visit with NO RUSHING as in group tours. By Italian law he is unable to conduct guiding inside museums, monuments, etc.
The rates below are "all inclusive".
Email Bob if more information is necessary or click on the following link to make your Reservations.
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