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Majestic Travel Tours
Florence/Suggested Private Day Tours & Activities
These Tours and Activities can be ADDEDto many of our packages. Please take a closelook at what's included in any of our packages.If it's not listed, it's not included. Explore all of what Italy has to offer!EXPLORE FLORENCE - private tour
this tour will take you to the following places.
Accademia (inside), Duomo, Via s.Elisabetta, Piazza della Signoria, Cortile degli Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio.
SS. Annunziata, Duomo, Piazza Repubblica, Mercato Nuovo, Via Porta Rossa, S. Trinita, Ponte S. Trinita, Borgo S.Jacopo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria.
Santa Croce (inside), Piazza Peruzzi, Piazza S. Firenze, Piazza Signoria, Via Calzaiuoli, Duomo. Uffizi museum and Piazza
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ANCIENT DRESS & FASHION- private tour
This tour will begin from Via Tornabuoni, Museo Ferragamo, artisans area of via Toscanella and via dello Sprone (wrought iron, gold plating, restoration of art furniture, antique shops, etching shops, S.Spirito (life on the other side of the Arno river
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SECRET GARDENS & VILLAS - private tour
Villa La Petraia e Villa i Castello.
Fiesole, Villa Belcanto (garden), Villa Gamberaia (garden)
Artimino e Poggio a Caiano: ville medicee.
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ANCIENT ARTS & CRAFTS - private tour
Various shops: in S: Maria Novella: Armada di S.M.N., frames builders, gold plating artisans.
In Santo Spirito wrought iron, Florentine paper, etchings, furniture.
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SHOPPING TOUR THROUGHOUT FLORENCE- private tour
Tour on request, from Via Tornabuoni to Brandimarte silver, to the leather school in Santa Croce
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ARTISTS AND CRAFTSMEN OF CONTEMPORARY FLORENCE/ 3 hours
An Off-the-Beaten-Track Neighborhood Walk
In sharp contrast to the monumentality of the Renaissance core of Florence, just a few yards away - in shady cobblestone streets that haven’t changed since the Middle Ages, a bustling village of artisans, craftsmen and merchants goes about its business oblivious to the
hordes of tourists and in much the same manner as in generations past. In Florence, handicraft and artistic talent are still highly valued and respected such that professions which have disappeared in other places, here, remain thriving. On this fascinating behind-the-scenes walk, enjoy the insider access of an expert local guide who will reveal many of the well-kept secrets of the city.
Visit studios of local artisans, learn about age-old traditional crafts, explore a popular fruit and vegetable market, enjoy the still of a charming neighborhood church steeped in history and brimming with artistic treasures, discover hidden architectural gems. Relive the history of all of these storied places in the company of an excellent racconteur. Feel like a local as your guide introduces you to neighbors and shopkeepers like an old friend. Sip a cappuccino in a neighborhood caffé where the din is actually in Italian!
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings
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CASTLES AND MONASTERIES OF SOUTHERN TUSCANY/ 3/4 day excursion
A Day Explorer of Monteriggioni, Monte Oliveto and the Crete Senesi
Travel from your accommodation by de luxe vehicle with English-speaking driver to the fairytale castellated village of Monteriggioni where there will be time to wander the narrow alleys of this enchanted place. Our next destination is just a couple of miles - and yet a world away; it seems as if time has stood still at the Benedictine monastic community of Monte Oliveto. An intense spirituality permeates the place and few go away unchanged. You will visit the magnificent cloister where the series of frescoes of the Life of St. Benedict form one of Italy’s great artistic highlights. Lunch is included nearby in the monastery’s terraced restaurant. Have time for a short hike in the pine woods in which this peaceful haven nestles before returning to your accommodation - via the picturesque landscape of clay hills of the Crete Senesi - in the late afternoon.
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings, MONTEPULCIANO, SAN GIMIGNANO, SIENA and surroundings
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CLASSIC SOUTHERN TUSCANY/ 10 hours
A Full-day Excursion to Siena and San Gimignano
Set out from your hotel in the early morning with a private de luxe vehicle and English-speaking driver. En route, experience the magnificent - and certainly unforgettable - spectacle of the majestic Chianti Valley. This land of fabulous vineyards and olive groves - internationally-renowned for their productions - is truly the Tuscany of your dreams! Enjoy a seemingly endless progression of castles, villas and monasteries.
Arriving in Siena, you will be joined by an expert and lively authorized local guide for an introductory tour. The mysterious medieval atmosphere of the place is immediately perceptible in picture-postcard narrow streets and quiet squares. It is as if you have stepped back in time. Draped on its three hills, Siena is indeed a very beautiful city, a flamboyant medieval ensemble of palaces and towers cast in warm, Siena-colored brick - the whole of which is dominated by the Gothic Duomo. Make an interior visit to admire the extraordinary marble floor and the masterpieces of Pinturrichio in the adjacent Piccolomini Library. Proceed to the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where twice each year the Palio horse race has occurred for centuries. Learn about this exciting event then visit the Palazzo Pubblico. This impressive seat of Sienese government, surmounted by the taut needle of the Torre del Mangia, houses spectacular frescoes including the Allegories of Good and Bad Government. Have free time to enjoy lunch al fresco on the square! Proceed to the medieval Village of Towers, San Gimignano. A highlight of the day is free time to wander this characteristic burg: the narrow streets of which are animated by numerous craft and food shops that are sure to attract your attention! Next is a stop at a local farm; visit the estate’s vineyard, picturesquely nestled among the hills of Ulignano. Enjoy an informative wine tasting lesson by the sommelier/proprietor and a light snack of local products including bruschette, cheese, salami, ham and the estate’s own olive oil.
Available from: CHIANTI VALLEY, FLORENCE and surroundings
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RENAISSANCE/ full day
A Full-day Tour to Vinci and the Medici Villas
Depart from your hotel in the early morning with a private luxury vehicle, English-speaking driver and tour escort. Drive to Vinci, the picturesque hill-top village where Leonardo da Vinci was born. Visit the Museo Leonardiano - inside the impressive Castle of Conti Guidi, - with its intriguing collection of more than 50 models based on the genius's far-sighted designs. Then continue to Artimino, idyllically set above the valley of the Arno River, where you enjoy a pleasant walk through this medieval village encircled by magnificent walls and free time for lunch. You may wish to visit to the Etruscan Museum in the Medici Hunting Lodge of Villa La Ferdinanda (optional). In the afternoon, enjoy an endless panorama of olive groves, vine-yards and woodland en route to the Capezzana Farm Estate. Visit the oil press, oil cellar and wine cellar then enjoy a tasting of the renowned local wines. These noble vintages were among the first to be recognized with DOC status – back in 1716 by Cosimo III, Grand Duke of Tuscany! After passing through Seano, the road continues down to Poggio a Caiano. Visit to the Villa Ambra commissioned by Lorenzo de' Medici, and built after a design by Giuliano da Sangallo. This magnificent structure witnessed the great intellectual discourses of Medici's Plato Group and the recitations of the poet Poliziano. It is decorated with frescoes by famous artists such as Pontormo, Filippino Lippi and Allori and was a favorite retreat of the first Italian king, Vittorio Emmanuele.
Available from: CHIANTI VALLEY, FLORENCE and surroundings, LUCCA and surroundings, PISA
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HIGHLIGHTS OF RENAISSANCE FLORENCE/3 hours
A Classic Itinerary of Not-to-be-Missed Sights
This introductory tour truly includes all the basic not-to-be-missed Florentine highlights. Benefit from the company of an expert private guide and timed-entrance reservations - thus avoiding the long queues at the Accademia - to enjoy the newly-restored masterpiece of Michelangelo, Davide, as well as the Pieta and the unfinished Slaves. Then proceed on foot to the center of the city to visit the magnificent medieval Duomo with its stunning dome by Brunelleschi and frescoes by Vasari. See the Golden Doors of the Baptistery which, as Michelangelo remarked, are worthy of being the Gates of Paradise. Then delve into the medieval labyrinth of the center-city to view the House of Dante. Emerge in the Piazza della Signoria, political epicenter of Florence and a virtual open-air sculpture museum where you will admire the Perseo of Cellini and the Nettuno of Ammannati as well as other world-renowned Renaissance masterpieces.
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings
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IL CHIANTI CLASSICO
A Day Exploring in the Most Beautiful Valley in the World! Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the majestic Chianti Valley! From your accommodations in Florence, Siena or the Chianti, transfer by de luxe private car through magnificent scenery to the charming village of Radda in Chianti with time to explore the lovely shops of the piazza. Meet your local guide for a short tour of the historic center and then, in the company of this naturalist expert, take a hike into the magnificent surrounding countryside and up to the picture-perfect castle town of Volpaia. Have a short tour of the picture-perfect burg and then carry on by vehicle to Gaiole where you will enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by celebrity chef, Davide Canella, in the gorgeous courtyard of the Castello di Spaltenna. After time to wander the beautiful surrounding countryside and, perhaps, visit the elegant Romanesque village church, you will be returned to your lodgings.
Available from: CHIANTI VALLEY, FLORENCE and surroundings, LUCCA and surroundings, PISA
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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MICHELANGELO/3/4 Day
A Tour of the Marble Quarries of Carrara
Travel by de luxe private vehicle with English-speaking driver to the renowned and dramatically beautiful quarries of the Apuan Alps. Upon arrival, you will be met by an authorized local guide who will accompany you to a working Sculpture Studio. Here you will learn about the various qualities of Carrara marble as well as the tools and techniques as they have developed from ancient times to the present day. Marvel as you observe the artists and cutters patiently plying their skills. Proceed to the Colonnata Marble Basin where - from a panoramic terrace - can be viewed quarrymen at work in a landscape of otherworldly beauty. Then embark upon a breathtaking drive up to the top of the mountain to visit the Cave Michelangelo where the great artist lived for two years amongst the quarrymen, personally selecting the blocks of snowy white marble for his most magnificent creations.
Note: This tour can be combined with Colonnata and Pietrasanta to make a full-day excursion.
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings, LUCCA and surroundings, PISA
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LUCCA AND PISA EXPLORER/ Full Day
In-Depth Visits to Two of Tuscany’s Artistic Jewels
Your English-speaking driver and luxury vehicle will collect you in the early morning and accompany you to the center of Lucca - one of the most attractive, refined and elegant of all Tuscan cities. Girded by impressive walls 16th century walls which have UNESCO World Heritage List status, the City of Puccini abounds with art treasures and prosperous citizens enjoying la bella vita! Upon arrival, you will be met by an authorized local guide. Visit the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Martin housing Jacobo della Quercia's masterpiece, Ilaria del Carreto, the Church of St Michael in Foro, built over three centuries with the remains of ancient Roman temples and now home to Andrea della Robbia’s Madonna e Bambino, and the unique oval-shaped Piazza Anfiteatro, where the houses were built on the foundation of an ancient Roman Imperial amphitheater. Have time to amble through elegant shady piazza, admire the Art Nouveau shops along Via Fillungo, sip an espresso in Puccini's old haunt, the historic, Caffè Simo or lunch on Lucchese specialities in the renowned Buca di Sant'Antonio.
Continue to Pisa, the ancient maritime power justly famous for its Leaning Tower. This 11th century architectural project gone awry has become a Wonder of the World and object of pilgrimage for millions of tourists! Enjoy a complete visit of Piazza dei Miracoli and its monuments in the company of an expert local guide. The tower is but one of the Romanesque beauties nestled upon the green carpet of this gorgeous square - one of Europe’s most impressive - and you will also visit the Duomo, Baptistery and Cemetery (exterior). There will be free time for souvenirs and photos prior to returning to your accommodation in the late afternoon.
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings, LUCCA and surroundings, PISA
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LUCCA AND THE GLORIOUS VILLA TORRIGIANI/ Full Day
A Romp in Patrician Tuscany
Your English-speaking driver and luxury vehicle will collect you in the early morning and accompany you to the center of Lucca - one of the most attractive, refined and elegant of all Tuscan cities. Girded by impressive walls 16th century walls which have UNESCO World Heritage List status, the City of Puccini abounds with art treasures and prosperous citizens enjoying la bella vita! Upon arrival, you will be met by an authorized local guide. Visit the Romanesque Cathedral of St. Martin housing Jacobo della Quercia's masterpiece, Ilaria del Carreto, the Church of St Michael in Foro, built over three centuries with the remains of ancient Roman temples and now home to Andrea della Robbia’s Madonna e Bambino, and the unique oval-shaped Piazza Anfiteatro, where the houses were built on the foundation of an ancient Roman Imperial amphitheater. Have time to amble through elegant shady piazza, admire the Art Nouveau shops along Via Fillungo, sip an espresso in Puccini's old haunt, the historic, Caffè Simo or lunch on Lucchese specialities in the renowned Buca di Sant'Antonio.
In the afternoon, tour the spectacular Colli Lucchesi countryside. In the 16th century, the wealthy merchant-class families of Lucca built splendid summer villas on the terraces of these shady vine-clad hills. Arguably, Villa Torrigiani is the most impressive of all and still remains in the hands of the noble Colonna family. Tour the sumptuous interior in the company of a docent then enjoy the splendors of the classical garden.
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings, LUCCA and surroundings, PISA
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MASTERPIECES OF THE RENAISSANCE/3 Hours
A Private Tour of the Uffizi Gallery
No visit to Florence would be complete without a comprehensive look at the greatest of all repositories of Renaissance Art - the Uffizi Picture Gallery. In the company of an entertaining and informative local guide, enjoy the inside story on the artists and the works of art which shaped the ideals of modern Western culture. With timed-entrance reservations, you will avoid the daunting queues and spend all of your valuable time viewing the gallery’s stunning collection of masterpieces including Uccello’s Battle of San Romano, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Allegory of Springtime, Da Vinci’s Annunciation, Lippi’s Madonna and Child and dozens more. Contemplate the works of Raphael and Tiziano in the Late Renaissance galleries.
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings
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SPLENDOR IN THE HILLS/ 4 hours
The Villas of the Luccan Countryside
You will be collected at your accommodation by private de luxe air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver and set out on a panoramic drive through the scenic hills to the the northeast of Lucca. In the 16th century, the wealthy merchant class families of this prosperous city built magnificent summer villas in this countryside and the finest - Villa Reale, Villa Mansi, Villa Torrigiani, Villa Oliva and Villa Bernardini - will be the objects of our attention. Arguably, the most magnificent is Villa Torrigiani – still in the hands of the noble Colonna family. Enjoy a private tour of the sumptuous interior conducted by a docent and then time to stroll in the lovely English garden. Then proceed to the Villa Reale to enjoy the fine English-style garden and its unique boxwood theatre. Make a brief visit to nearby Villa Mansi for a look at the superb gardens and graceful interior. Next is Villa Oliva Buonvisi - an architectural masterpiece of local great, Matteo Civitali, and today a delight for its garden adorned with fountains, cascades and grottoes. Villa Bernardini,still in private hands, is fascinating not only for its gardens with a teatro di verzura but its museum in the interior.
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings, LUCCA and surroundings, PISA
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THE CARMIGNANO WINE COUNTRY, THE HILLS OF MONTALBANO AND THE MEDICI VILLAS/Full Day
Depart from your hotel with a private de luxe vehicle, English-speaking driver and tour escort. Drive toward the hills of Montalbano to the north of Florence. The area offers fascinating views, vineyards, olive trees, ancient Medici Villas and wine estates. Arrive in Poggio a Caiano and the Medici summer retreat of Villa Ambra. Built after designs of Giuliano da Sangallo and isolated in a dominant position atop a hill, the Villa is considered one of the finest examples of Florentine Renaissance architecture. This magnificent structure witnessed the great intellectual discourses of Medici's Plato Group and the recitations of the poet Poliziano. Visit the interior to appreciate the frescoes by famous artists such as Pontormo, Filippino Lippi and Allori and the royal apartment of the first Italian king, Vittorio Emmanuele, for whom - in the company of his mistress – La Bella Rosina - this was a favorite retreat. Continue on to the wine-making village of Carmignano. Visit San Michele Church to admire the famous painting of La Visitazione by Pontormo. Up a short incline, you may also visit the ancient Rocca Fortress which affords sweeping views over the hills and plains stretching from Montalbano to Pistoia and Florence. Proceed to a winery estate nearby where the proprietors will guide you on a visit to their ancient cellars. A wine tasting will be offered together with a light lunch of bruschette, local precorino cheese and the renowned prosciutto ham of this area. The tasting concludes with the almond treats associated with this area,the biscottini di Prato. In the afternoon, continue to Artimino. This fascinating medieval walled village is in a panoramic position overlooking the hills of Florence and the valley of the Arno River. Enjoy a pleasant walk through the narrow streets – perhaps shopping for local products in the charming shops. Then visit the Medici Hunting Lodge of Villa La Ferdinandaand admire its spectacular horseshoe stairway.
Available from: CHIANTI VALLEY, FLORENCE and surroundings, LUCCA and surroundings, PISA
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THE CINQUE TERRE AND PISA/ 10 hours
A Glimpse of the Ligurian Riviera
You will be collected from your lodging or ship by de luxe, private, air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver and driven along the beautiful Versilia Coast. Traverse the world-famous Pineta (pine forest) mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy to the delightful sea-side resort of Viareggio to view the splendidly preserved Art Nouveau hotels and bathing establishments of modern Italy’s first seaside resort. Then proceed to the magical fortress town of Portovenere - last line of defense of the medieval Republic of Genova. Have time to stroll the fairytale castellated village and shop for bargains in the charming little shops or visit the fisherman’s Church of San Pietro - a small masterpiece of the Romanesque style. Depart from Portovenere northward by boat along the magnificent Ligurian Coast viewing the villages of the Cinque Terre as you sail. These remote fishermen’s villages are hidden in ravines amidst the fjord-like coastal mountains and are so isolated that some can only be accessed by sea. View Riomaggiore, Manarola and Corviglia en route to the most picturesque of all, Vernazza, where you will disembark for time to explore the village, hike amidst the terraced vineyards or enjoy a seafood lunch. In the late afternoon, you return by boat to Portovenere. Your vehicle will be waiting to collect you and transfer you to the architectonic masterpiece of Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa for a brief viewing of the magnificent Leaning Tower.
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings, LUCCA and surroundings, PISA
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THE PITTI PALACE AND BOBOLI GARDENS/ 3 hours
A Guided Walking Tour in the Oltrarno
Join your expert Florence guide in the Piazza della Signoria and follow the path of the famous Vasari Corridor over the most famous of Florentine bridges, the Ponte Vecchio, past beautiful gold shops, to the magnificent Palazzo Pitti. En route see the newly-restored Deposizione, masterpiece of Pontormo, in the Church of Santa Felicita. At the Palazzo Pitti, you will visit the Galleria Palatina, with its magnificent collection of Renaissance art including Raphael’s Madonna of the Chair and Cleopatra by Tiziano, as well as the recently re-opened Savoy Apartments decorated in the 19th century as the royal residence of Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emmanuele. Then stroll through the splendid Boboli Gardens on a guided visit featuring the charming Bacchus!
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings
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THE WONDERS OF PISA/ 2 hours
The Leaning Tower and More
Meet your authorized local guide at the majestic Medieval gateway to the Piazza dei Miracoli. This magnificent square - and the elegant buildings which populate it - forms one of the most harmonious Romanesque architectural complexes in the world – and certainly one of the most visited. Of course, the primary goal of nearly every visitor is to view the gravity-defying Leaning Tower – one of the Wonders of the Modern World and an incredible joy to behold. With your expert guide, learn the history and mystery of this structure – including what has been done to stabilize it in recent times and the prognosis for the future. Visit the interior of the Duomo with its splendid cassettone ceiling, gorgeous Byzantine mosaics and unique incense burner. It was while observing the elliptical path of this buttafumo that, according to legend, Galileo was inspired to elaborate his Law of Elliptical Orbits to describe the path of the earth around the sun. Admire the glorious pulpit in Carrara marble by Giovanni Pisano and the tomb of local patron, San Ranieri. The tour proceeds with an interior visit to the Battistero. Here, a combination of architectural flukes has resulted in one of the most unique acoustical phenomena in the world: a sound will reverberate twelve times before dissipating therefore a series of notes sung in quick succession will blend and form chords such that one voice appears to be an entire choir. Enjoy an unforgettable demonstration. Next proceed to the heart of Renaissance Pisa to visit the glorious Piazza dei Cavalieri – once political nexus of the Ancient Marittime Republic of Pisa and locale of the Napoleon’s renowned Pisa Normal School which has counted some of Italy’s greatest minds – including Enrico Fermi and Giosue Carducci - as pupils.
Available from: FLORENCE and surroundings, LUCCA and surroundings, PIETRASANTA, PISA, TUSCAN COAST, VERSILIA COAST
All packages are subject to availability and may change without notice. Regular tours available under Tour packages for Florence.
Price is per person, price may fluctuate due to season or currency exchange rates.
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