FEEL THE ENCHANTMENT OF THE RENAISSANCE

As you disembark your cruise ship in Livorno, meet your private driver and enjoy a full-day excursion to the Cradle of the Renaissance. Your guide will be waiting in downtown Florence ready to lead you on a memorable trail through the streets of the historic centre while illustrating the most significant events in the biography of the city. From its early days as an ancient Roman military settlement, through its rise as a prosperous trading centre and thriving artistic hub under the rule of the Medici family, to today’s prestigious role as one of Italy’s major tourist destinations… you’ll have 2,000 years to cover.

Your journey back down the centuries begins in Piazza del Duomo, the city’s religious heart, graced by three striking monuments: the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence’s best-known landmark and an astonishing feat of engineering; Giotto’s Bell Tower, a fine example of Gothic architecture; the Baptistery, the city’s oldest religious site where poet Dante Alighieri himself was baptized. As you lap up views of the square, you will discover how architect Filippo Brunelleschi, back in the 15th century, built the largest masonry dome still in existence and hear about the competition for the creation of a bronze door that, according to tradition, marked the beginning of the Renaissance era in 1401.

You will then reach Piazza della Signoria dominated by the towering Palazzo Vecchio, the seat of political power and intrigue for over seven hundred years. Here, in the out-door sculpture gallery of the Loggia dei Lanzi, you will come face to face with Greek heroes Hercules and Perseus, brought vividly to life on the cusp of their triumphs by Giambologna and Benvenuto Cellini.

Your quest for Florentine attractions will also include the superbly decorated exterior of the Church of Orsanmichele; the 14th century Ponte Vecchio, world-famous for its goldsmiths and jewellery shops; the market of San Lorenzo, astir with stalls selling leather goods and clothing… And don’t forget to rub the boar’s snout in the Porcellino market for good luck as well as to ensure your return trip to Florence!

After some free time for lunch you will feast your eyes on the priceless works of art preserved inside the Accademia Gallery and discover the torments, innate talent and creative brilliance of one of history’s incomparable geniuses. Founded in 1784 by the enlightened Grand Duke of Tuscany Pietro Leopoldo, the Accademia has been home to the statue of David since 1873. Michelangelo was only 26 years old when he carved this exquisite work of craftsmanship out of a massive block of marble. The sculpture was originally intended to adorn the buttresses of the cathedral but when David was unveiled in 1504, it became clear that the grandeur and intensity of the hero demanded the more prestigious setting of Piazza della Signoria where a copy stands today. Your guide will throw light on the history behind this colossal 5.17 metre marble statue and explain how David embodies Renaissance criteria of perfection and was immediately reputed by the artist’s contemporaries to be a symbol of strength and heroism – an emblem of the city of Florence itself. The Accademia also preserves Michelangelo’s unfinished Prisoners and the statue of Saint Matthew along with a collection of paintings from the 13th through to the 16th centuries.

The last stop on this tour will bring you to the 14th century Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture in Tuscany and a true treasure trove of wonders. The interior and cloister are filled with extraordinary paintings and sculptures by early Renaissance masters. Highlights include Giotto’s Crucifix, a skilful depiction of a human body; Masaccio’s Trinity, considered to be the first painting ever to display a scientific approach to perspective and space; the Tornabuoni chapel decorated with brightly coloured Scenes from the Life of the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist by Ghirlandaio. Your guide will lead you past a splendid parade of artworks, each one a unique milestone in the illustrious history of Italian art.

In the afternoon climb back on board your cruise ship after an unforgettable journey through the Renaissance.