Florence & Venice Escapade 5 Days / 4 Nights 1st Category

Day 1:

In the afertoon meeting point at Piazzale Montelungo (Montelungo Square), in front of the yellow street sign Gray Line at 1:15 pm (on your own) to join the group before departing to Pisa at 1:30 pm. Upon arrival in Pisa, you will visit Piazza dei Miracoli, the Baptistery (outside), the Cathedral (inside*) and the Leaning Tower (outside). Return to Florence and overnight

(*) In case of long queue, if you cannot visit the interior of the Cathedral, you will be offered a guided visit of Piazza dei Cavalieri.

Day 2:

After breakfast at your hotel, reach the meeting point at at 08:45 am at Accademia Gallery, in front of the entrance reserved to booking holders (on your own) to join the group before departing (at 9.00 am). Start your Tour from the very heart of Florence, with the Guided Visit of Accademia Gallery, with a total immersion in the art of Michelangelo to know his most renowned works, the “David”, and other important masterpieces such as ''I Prigioni'', ''San Matteo'' and the “Palestrina Pietà”. The young Michelangelo carved the David from a huge block of rough marble in three years, creating an imposing sculpture of absolute beauty, an icon of the renaissance model. Then you will proceed with awalking Tour which will include the outdoor guided visit ofSan Lorenzo Church and the Duomo complex: San Giovanni Baptistery with its bronze doors as the famousPorta del Paradiso and the Cathedral with the magnificent Cupola del Brunelleschi and Giotto’s bell tower. The walk continues along lively Via Calzaiuoli in the heart of the city, where you can admire the imposing and singular Orsanmichele Church, a masterpiece of Florentine gothic art, decorated with shrines with statues of the patron saints of the powerful medieval trade guilds. Then you reach the bustling Mercato della Paglia (Straw Market): don’t forget to rub the nose of the famous "porcellino" (pig) and toss a coin into the fountain to bring you good luck! Going on, you can admire the romantic, picturesque Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, with its renowned jewellery shops. Your lovely blast from the past will end in Piazza Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world and the political centre of the city. In this true “outdoor museum”, you’ll be amazed as you admire the beautiful Fountain of Neptune with the marvellous and imposing marble statue by Ammannati and then, looking around, the sculptural masterpieces of the Loggia dei Lanzi, including the Cellini’s Perseus and the Gianbologna’s Rape of the Sabines. Dominating all this is the majestic Palazzo Vecchio with its crenellatedArnolfo tower, one of the most famous symbols of Florence that you will be able to admire in all its magnificence. End this amazing tour with a delicious Tuscan lunch in a restaurant located in the old town. Overnight.

Day 3:

After breakfast at your hotel, at the time indicated, head to Florence train station to reach Venice. Once there, make your own way to your hotel, check in at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 4:

After breakfast at your hotel, discover Venice on board of a gondola! Reach the meeting point at 10:45 am on your own, located in Calle Larga Ascensione in front of post office in St. Mark’s Square, close to Correr Museum. The gondola ride starts at 11:00 am. It’s the best way to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of a city built on water is on board a gondola. Gliding through Venice’s Grand Canal and minor canals, you’ll be introduced to the splendid palaces, churches, bridges, gardens and warehouses lining the city’s liquid streets. Embark on a gondola (up to 5 people per gondola) and enjoy a 30 minutes ride on the Grand Canal (St. Maria della Salute’s area) and minor canals (Fenice area). The tour ends with the landing at the station Bauer. Ideal for photographers! Rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay.

Day 5:

Breakfast at the hotel. End of our services.