Description
- Roundtrip private transportation from your Livorno Cruise pier!
- Air-conditioned and fully licensed private transportation!
- English-speaking private certified driver/guide!
- Free time in Florence's Historic District!
- Free time in San Gimignano's Historic center!
- Escape the cruise ship shore excursion crowds and enjoy the unique sights of Florence and the surrounding area!
See the best Florence and San Gimignano have to offer. Private excursion of Florence and San Gimignano's highlights with a private driver/guide and transportation for your small group. Get in and out, fewer lines with more time for sightseeing in Florence and the charming Hilltop town of San Gimignano and its famous towers.
This excursion is for up to 8 participants. For larger groups, please see our
Livorno Florence and San Gimignano with Private Guide Excursion.
Your English-speaking driver who will serve as your narrator/guide will be waiting to meet you there and then set out in your air-conditioned transport for the 75-minute journey to Florence. They will give your commentary only while in the vehicle, not on site.
On arrival to the city's historic area, your driver will get you as close to the must-see sites as possible in this predominantly pedestrian-only area. See the Gothic architecture of Piazza del Duomo with its Cupola, a powerful symbol for both the city and its tradition. See the exterior of the Baptistery and its impressive handmade doors. Stroll the Piazza della Signoria, known as Florence's political heart, and see the Palazzo della Signoria. This monument was designed in 1298 for the seat of the Republican government.
Nearby is the oldest bridge in Florence, Ponte Vecchio. Although reconstructed after the flooding of 1333, the bridge still offers great architectural views and interesting photo opportunities. Take time to sample Florentine cuisine and Tuscan wine. Your driver will be able to offer suggestions on some great places to dine. Lunch is at the guest's expense.
Do not forget to visit the Square of Santa Croce, one of the city's largest squares used for popular typical celebrations. There you will see the outside of the Basilica of Santa Croce, one of Florence's largest churches as well as the resting place of some of Italy's influential famous such as Gioacchino Rossini, Galileo Galilei, and the artist, Michelangelo. The approximate time in the historic district is 4 hours.
You will meet back up with your driver and then set out for the approximately 60-minute drive to San Gimignano. This walled city is known for its unusual homes. In the 1200s, a feud started between the families and tower houses began to be built. In an attempt to have the showiest, the families added on and continued to build until there were more than 70 tower homes looming over the town. The tallest is 230 feet tall. In 1990 UNESCO added the entire Historic Center to its World Heritage List.
You will have free time to explore the Piazza della Cisterna, the main square of the town. The Piazza Duomo is home to the Collegiate Church, whose frescos were saved from the Nazis in the 1999 film "Tea with Mussolini." Many scenes were filmed here. You can also see the Palazzo Communale and the mayor's Palazzo Podesta. The approximate time in the historic district is 75 minutes.
All too soon, it is time to rejoin your transportation for the 90-minute drive back to the cruise pier.
Where we meet
For this Livorno excursion, you will meet your local excursion staff at the Livorno Cruise Port. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.
Cancellation
For the Livorno Private Florence and San Gimignano Excursion, we issue full refund for your deposit or full payment to us if: Canceled by client prior to excursion date with a minimum of 48 hours prior notice by email to reservations@shoreexcursioneer.com.
For cancellation reasons below, you must contact us via email within 14 days after your excursion:
- Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
- Your ship skips/misses the port.
- Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
- A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
- Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
- Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.
