Italian Multiport - Naples, Florence and Rome

Florence:
Livorno is Italy's second largest port and serves as the gateway to the Tuscany region.
This comprehensive excursion begins with a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside from Livorno to the historic town of Pisa.
Here, you'll make a brief photo stop by Campo dei Miracoli, or Miracle Square. Marvel at the exterior of the Campanile, better known as the Leaning Tower. This remarkable structure is Pisa's greatest attraction. It was built as the cathedral's campanile, or bell tower and began to tilt because of the marshy ground beneath its foundation. It has continued to lean at a rate of 1-2 millimeters every year.
Re-board your motorcoach and continue on to the fascinating city of Florence. Surrounded by the Appennine Hills and situated on both banks of the Arno River, Florence had a significant impact on the culture of Italy and all of Europe. Florence acquired its wealth from wool and banking and from the 13th - 16th century
when its poets, painters, sculptors and architects produced a stream of exquisite works of art.
See the Piazza del Duomo, the religious center of Florence in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Called "il duomo," it is the fourth largest church in the world and was begun in 1296 and took 173 years to complete. The side of the Baptistery facing the Duomo has gilded bronze doors declared by Michelangelo as worthy of being the "gates of paradise." Sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti labored more than 50 years on this incredible project. In the Piazza della Signoria view a copy of the "David" and the Loggia dei Lanzi, along with original sculptures.
Then enjoy a photo opportunity at Ponte Vecchio before lunch at a local restaurant.
( meal cost not included)
After lunch, you will visit Santa Croce, one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Italy. See Donatello's Annunciation, Giotto's Death of St. Francis and the tomb of Michelangelo. Enjoy some free time for shopping before your return to Livorno.


In Naples:
Your journey into the past begins as you depart from the Maritime Station. Passing Mount Vesuvius, as you drive to the Amalfi Coast, admire the dolomite cliffs, towering straight up out of the sea, and typical villages, which have characterized Sorrento's Peninsula for many centuries.
Pause for a photo opportunity at a vantage point to admire Sorrento's coast. Drive along the steep winding coastal road passing Positano, a fishing village that has become something of a colony of artists and writers. The picturesque seaside resort of Amalfi lies at the mouth of a deep gorge. It is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Italy.
You will have time to take photos and stroll along the narrow streets to the Piazza del Duomo. From this square, a flight of 60 or more steps leads to the impressive Cathedral of St. Andrew. The interior of the church dates as far back as the 13th century with the highlight of the cathedral being the 11th century bronze doors from Constantinople.
A light lunch will be served at a restaurant on the Amalfi Drive - cost of lunch is not included in the price of this tour.
On the return journey we will stop for a guided tour of the ruins of Pompeii. You will enter the fabled city through the Sea Gate as you experience a walk down the cobbled street to the Agora, surrounded by temples, porticoes and law courts. It was the religious, civic and business center of the city. Because Pompeii was so well preserved, you can see many fine details that reveal the lifestyles of the residents, such as mosaic floors and colorful frescoes in some of the homes. As you wander through this ancient city, you can't help but notice the still-active Mount Vesuvius towering above.

In Rome:
With only one day in Rome, one obviously has to select carefully among the city's endless attractions.
The sights included in this tour are considered to be among the most important and popular. This tour will be conducted by deluxe minivan or minibus to allow you to access places where large coaches are not allowed. You will be able to visit more sites and fully enjoy your guide's commentary. The major points of interest that will be visited during this tour are:
St. Peter's Square - Created by Bernini, it is considered to be one of the loveliest squares in the world.
St. Peter's Basilica - This is Christendom's most magnificent church, which was begun in 1452 on the site and is where St.Peter was buried.
The Vatican Museums - The Museums contain an incredible collection of art and treasures collected by the popes. Your guide will walk you through a portion of this incredible museum. The museum closes early on Saturday and is closed on Sundays.
Sistine Chapel - It took Michelangelo four years at the height of the Renaissance to paint the ceiling's wonderful frescos of the Creation. The Chapel is closed on Sundays.
Trevi Fountain - Bernini designed the most monumental of Rome's baroque fountains.
Spanish Steps
In addition, some of the additional points of interest you will view from your vehicle during your sightseeing drive are:
Piazza Venezia
Pantheon
Roman Forum
Arch of Constantine
Circus Maximus
Colosseum (PHOTO STOP)