Florence Accademia or Uffizi Shore Excursion from La Spezia

This La Spezia shore trip is best for those who want to focus their time on visiting Florence. You have time to see the top monuments and also visit either the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia. We arrange VIP tickets so you don't waist time in line.

Your driver guide will meet you at your cruise ship in La Spezia. Your exploration begins with a 2 hour drive through the lovely Tuscan countryside to Florence. As an introduction the Renaissance city, a stop at the Piazzale Michelangelo is your starting point. From this look out point there are beautiful panoramic views of the city.

Next you drive into the city center to visit the of your choice. You could visit the Uffizi Gallery (the oldest and most important in Florence) that offers the greatest collection of Italian art in the world. Some of the great artists whose works are on display here include: Giotto, da Vinci, Raphael, Rubens, Titian, Michelangelo and Botticelli. Another option is a visit to the Accademia which is famous for two things: Michelangelos David (one of the great symbols of the Renaissance) and his unfinished Prisoners.

After visiting the museum you have time to explore the city's large pedestrian zone where the city's top monuments are centrally located. Your tour leader will suggest you start at the Cathedral complex in the heart of Florence which includes the gothic Duomo whose dome was designed by Brunellesci and is a real marvel. Right nearby is Giotto's bell tower and the Baptistery, with its bronze doors commonly referred to as the Gates of Paradise.

Next walk to the Piazza della Signoria to see a copy of Michelangelo's David in the outdoor setting for which it was originally designed. In this same square you'll see the 14th-century Loggia, which houses several famous sculptures. Also on the square is the grand Palazzo Vecchio, Florence's most famous and imposing palazzo, once home to the reigning Medici family.

Nearby is the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge which was built in 1220. This bridge crossing the Arno River is lined with shops that traditionally sell gold and silver. There is a passageway above the shops that connected the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace.

You might also choose to visit the 14th-century Santa Croce Church, which holds the tombs of great Florentines including Michelangelo, Machiavelli, the composer Rossini, as well as a memorial to Dante. If you are interested in shopping for leather on your trip, Florence is the ideal city for it, and there are many quality leather shops near Santa Croce.

Also located in the pedestrian zone are hundreds of caf̩s, restaurants and shops for you to choose from. Later this afternoon you return to La Spezia.

Mobility: Folding wheelchairs OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)