Discover Florence

The two and one-half hour air-conditioned coach ride to historic Florence passes through classic Tuscan countryside, garlanded with cypress trees and olive groves. Upon arriving in this gem of a city on the Arno River, you will begin a guided walking tour at the Piazzale Michelangelo, named after the artist whose name is synonymous with Florence. From here, the attractions come one after another, and include the Piazza della Signoria, which is dominated by the Old Palace, Uffizi Gallery, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, more commonly known as the Duomo.

In 1296, the great Renaissance architect Brunelleschi designed its crowning glory - the iconic dome, or duomo. The first of its kind, it seems to float gracefully over the cathedral. Adjacent stands Giotto's superb 14th century Campanile, or bell tower, and the Romanesque Baptistry with Ghiberti's stunningly beautiful bronze doors, aptly entitled the Gates of Paradise. Then, you will have an exterior view of Santa Croce church, Italy's largest and most famous Franciscan Gothic Church. Many esteemed Italians are entombed here, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini and Machiavelli. Donatello's famous sculpture "Annunciation" is found here, as well. Afterwards, enjoy ample free time for lunch on your own and to further explore Tuscan's principal city.