Welcome to Dolomite Mountains

Florence Extension: Renaissance Majesty

Experience the beauty of the Renaissance in Florence – a living, breathing historic city. From the Uffizi to the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David to Saint Francis, historic bridges to cathedral squares, you’ll quickly understand why this is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities as you are whisked back in time.

DOLOMITE MOUNTAINS S.r.l. / Tour Operator Strada Micurá de Rü, 18 - 39036 San Cassiano in Badia (BZ) / Dolomites, Italy Italy: +39 0471 840005 / North America: +1 866 247 4860 [email protected] / www.dolomitemountains.com

Highlights ●

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Explore Florence’s Piazza del Duomo – Cathedral Square – and take in the intricate multicolored marble work of the cathedral, campanile, and baptistry

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+1 866 247 4860

Visit two of Europe’s most famous museums – the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria dell’Accademia – rich with Renaissance treasures

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North American Office

Walk alongside the Arno River, and across its many spectacular bridges

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OVERVIEW Oft referred to as the birthplace or cradle of the Renaissance, Florence, or Firenze in Italiano, is a not only a beautiful city, but is akin to a living museum! As you walk the ancient medieval streets you will find yourself swept back in time, as if you were experiencing the Renaissance

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fist hand. Frescoes, sculptures, churches, palaces, and other monuments – you’ll feel that you are rubbing elbows with masterpieces whether you are in one of the many world

ADDRESS

renowned museums and galleries, or merely turning a street corner of a marble-laden

Strada Micurà de Ru 18

church…

39036 San Cassiano in Badia (BZ)

Florence is a relatively small city, surprising particularly given the treasures it has bestowed

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upon the world. But its size fortunately makes it very approachable on foot. On this guided itinerary you’ll explore the major landmarks – the Duomo with its famous cupola, baptistery, and campanile; the treasure trove of Renaissance paintings and sculptures at the Uffizi and the Galleria dell’Accademia; and the streets, squares, and bridges that embrace you as you explore. Along the way you’re sure to gain insights into the history and culture that created

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these treasures, as well as resulted from them. Considered one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, it comes as no surprise that Florence is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Italy’s most popular cities to visit!

SURROUNDING CITIES ETC. IF YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR HOTELS OR TRAIN TICKETS, FEEL FREE TO CONTACT YOUR TOUR COORDINATOR TODAY.

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Day by Day Experience the beauty of the Renaissance in this living, breathing historic city. From the Uffizi to the Duomo, Michelangelo’s David to Saint Francis, historic bridges to cathedral squares, you’ll quickly understand why this is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities as you are whisked back in time. Day 1 ~ Arrive in Florence If you are joining us from the Dolomite Mountains, after breakfast transfer to Florence (~5 hours from the Dolomites). If this is your first destination in Italy, arrive at the Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR). Arrive in Florence and check in to your hotel. This afternoon, explore the city on your own. … Hotel in Florence Day 2 ~ Private Tour of Florence (Guided) In the morning, meet your private guide at the hotel and begin your tour, walking along the fascinating Medieval streets of this ancient city. The center of Florence is fairly compact, so the best way to see it without missing anything is on foot! Starting from the main square, the Piazza Signoria, you’ll find a unique outdoor sculpture gallery that includes Neptune’s Fountain and a copy of Michelangelo’s famous statue of David. The Palazzo Vecchio, a massive, Romanesque, crenellated fortress-palace, dominates the southeastern corner of the square. Built in the early 14th Century, it is still in use today as a City Hall, the original purpose for which it was built, and is among the most impressive town halls in Tuscany. From here continue to the Galleria degli Uffizi – the Uffizi Gallery – with its unrivalled collection of Renaissance paintings. Not only is this one of the primary museums in Florence, it is among the oldest and most famous art museums in all of Europe. Alongside the Uffizi flows the Arno River. Originating in the Apennines, the central spine of mountains in Italy, the Arno westward before emptying into the Ligurian Sea. In Florence, the Arno is perhaps best known for its many bridges, two of the most famous being the Ponte Vecchio and the Ponte Santa Trìnita near the historic center of the city. The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone arch bridge, noted for still having shops right on the bridge, as was once common. Butchers and fishmongers initially occupied the shops, but the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. This is the only bridge on the Arno that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. The Ponte Santa Trìnita, or Holy Trinity Bridge, Is the oldest elliptic arch bridge in the world, with three flattened ellipses that give the structure its celebrated elegant and elongated appearance. The Santa Trìnita was destroyed by retreating German troops in 1944, but reconstructed in 1958 with a combination of original stones raised from the Arno and new stones mined from the same quarry. Next is the Piazza del Duomo, or Cathedral Square, located at the heart of the historic center of Florence. This unique complex of buildings – cathedral, baptistry and campanile – is completely covered in a decorative mix of pink, white and green marble. The centerpiece is the Florence Cathedral, Il Duomo di Firenze. Properly named the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, Saint Mary of the Flower, it is the fourth largest church of Europe by size, and is capped by the famous Cupola del Brunelleschi, the largest dome ever built in masonry. Adjacent to the basilica is Giotto's Campanile or bell tower, a showpiece of Florentine Gothic architecture with its rich sculptural decorations, and the octagonal Baptistery of St. John, one of the oldest buildings in the city. In front of the cathedral you’ll find the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, committed to conservation of the duomo and other masterpieces.

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Day by Day You’ll conclude your tour with a visit to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence. The highlight of the Galleria dell’Accademia is certainly visiting Michelangelo's original David, but there are other renowned treasures not to be missed, including Michelangelo's Prisoners, Giambologna's Rape of the Sabines, and Botticelli's Madonna as well as his Child and Madonna of the Sea. If you are still eager to continue your discovery of Florence, after your tour you can visit the Franciscan Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross). Known as “the Pantheon of the Italian Glories,” there are numerous monumental tombs here honoring some of history’s most illustrious Italians, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Foscolo, Gentile, and Rossini. The largest Franciscan church in the world, legend says that Santa Croce was

TRAVEL INSURANCE

founded by Saint Francis himself. B… Hotel in Florence

We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation / interruption insurance to

Day 3 ~ Depart

protect your travel investment when you

Breakfast and departure.

book your trip. We offer optional trip cancellation / interruption insurance through

B… Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of your guide.

World Nomads at a supplemental cost. It combines trip cancellation and interruption coverage (for covered reasons only), baggage loss protection, and medical coverage along with additional emergency evacuation are available through our web site.

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Details Cost per person on request. Cost Includes: ●

2 nights accommodation in Florence

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All breakfasts

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Private guided walking tour of Florence

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Uffizi Museum entry fee

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Academy of Fine Arts entry fee

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Tourist tax

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Italian VAT tax

Airport transfers available on request.

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Accommodations At Dolomite Mountains, we hand pick accommodations that best reflect the style of each region, to provide you with the most authentic experience of the unique cultures found in the different cities and towns where we travel. We work directly with the owners of each property, forging strong relationships to ensure you receive the best service and care during your stay. Regardless of whether it is a five-star luxury hotel or a cozy bed and breakfast you desire, we choose the best-in-class accommodations within each category, providing you stays at the most sought after hotels in each region. And, we always make sure you have access to inspired, regional cuisine!

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