Livorno Shore Excursion: Florence & Pisa in One Day

The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge over the Arno River noted for still having shops built along it with jewelers, art dealers and souvenir sellers.

The Academy Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) in Florence: today it retains some of the most beautiful works of Michelangelo. First of all the statue of David (1501), symbol of Florence in the world and masterpiece of the Renaissance, carried in these areas in 1873 to protect it from the weather. With its beauty and strength the David symbolizes the power and freedom of the Florentine Republic, embodied by the Palazzo Vecchio, in front of which the statue was originally placed.

Break for lunch (own expense) at a restaurant of your choice or our suggestion. Afterward, take a walk around the Florence's bustling Central Market (better known in Florence as the "Mercato Centrale") a fascinating place to visit, especially for foodies.

Florence's Duomo (from outside) is the city's most iconic landmark. Capped by Filippo Brunelleschi's red-tiled cupola, it's a staggering construction whose breathtaking pink, white and green marble facade and graceful campanile dominate the Renaissance cityscape. Senese architect Arnolfo di Cambio began work on it in 1296, but construction took almost 150 years and it wasn't consecrated until 1436.