1. Florence: Highlights Guided Walking Tour
Meet your expert guide in the heart of the ancient Roman city, the Piazza della Repubblica, where you will learn about the city’s foundation. Walk to Orsanmichele, a Medieval church with iconic Renaissance sculptures on its ornate facade, including work by the famous Donatello. At Piazza della Signoria you can hear the stories behind the Renaissance fountain, the statues and the Palazzo Vecchio which dominates the square with its soaring tower. Just beyond the palace is the Uffizi, a fine example of Renaissance architecture. Cross the Uffizi courtyard to reach the banks of the Arno River and admire the famous Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in town. Make a stop at Piazza Santa Croce. Once the stage for jousting tournaments, today it hosts the official sport of the city, Calcio Storico: an exciting mix of soccer, rugby and wrestling. The itinerary continues through the Medieval streets to the Bargello, then on to reach the Cathedral Square. Stop here to admire the record-breaking dome built by Filippo Brunelleschi and learn all about its construction. Just steps away from the Cathedral Square lies the Palazzo Medici. Learn about the history of the Medici family and how they created a golden age in Florence. See the beautiful palace courtyard with its elegant Renaissance architecture and ornamentation. The last stop on the itinerary is the church of San Lorenzo. With a foundation dating back to the 4th century, this was the original cathedral of Florence.