Livorno, located in the center of Tuscany, is the gateway to the glory of Renaissance Florence and Pisa. From the 13th to 16th centuries, this era of creative freedom encouraged the genius of Dante, Donatello, Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, da Vinci, and Machiavelli to create some of the world’s most noted masterpieces. Elegant Florence offers the Galleria dell'Accademia, with its iconic masterpiece, Michelangelo’s David. The Uffizi is home to the most renowned art gallery in Italy, with representative works by the titan’s of Renaissance art. Join us for an excursion to Pisa, and tour the city's beautiful and historic Campo dei Miracoli. Nearby Siena captures the spirit of Medieval Italy and Lucca offers the memorable chance to bicycle through the fragrant Tuscan countryside.
The inspiring Tuscan countryside provides an idyllic backdrop for the drive to Florence. In this historic city on the Arno River, you will first visit the Academy of Fine Arts, home to Michelangelo's magnificent statue of David, a masterpiece carved from a single block of marble. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, begun in 1296, also stands as testimony of the genius of Florence's artists. Most famous is the work of Renaissance architect Brunelleschi, who designed its crowning glory, a massive octagonal cupola, or Duomo, as the cathedral is commonly called. Adjacent to the Cathedral, you will see the painter Giotto's superb 14th century Campanile or bell tower, and the Romanesque Baptistry with Ghiberti's stunningly bronze doors, aptly entitled the Gates of Paradise. Equally spectacular is Santa Croce, Italy's largest and most famous Franciscan Gothic church, where many of Italy's most illustrious citizens are entombed, including Michelangelo, Galileo, Rossini, and Machiavelli. One of the church's most famous works of art is Donatello's Annunciation, his moving sculpture in gilded and carved stone. This tour also allows ample free time for further exploration of Florence, a city that has served as a muse to so many artists.
Please note: Suitable attire is required to enter churches and monasteries, shorts and dresses above the knee are not permitted. On Sundays, no churches will be visited in the morning. The Academy of Fine Arts is closed on Mondays. It will be replaced with a visit to the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The order of sites visited may vary. This tour involves extensive walking, approximately 3 hours and is not considered suitable for guests who utilize a wheelchair or for guests with mobility concerns. An official guide joins the tour in Florence.
***EXCLUSIVE CONCERT EVENT***
Journey to the resplendent Ligurian Coast for a privileged visit to Alpemare, the Bocelli family’s fabulous seaside resort, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting and lunch followed by world-class musical entertainment. You’ll rejoice in Alpemare’s magical setting, a fragrant pine grove framed by the towering Apuan Alps. Surrounded by the natural splendor, sample a selection of Bocelli wines before sitting for an exceptional lunch at the resort’s restaurant, an elegant room caressed by sea breezes. In the adjoining villa, take in a superlative concert featuring musicians, singers, and dancers as well as an exclusive performance by special guest Matteo Bocelli, son of Andrea and a marvelous tenor in his own right. There’s no doubt you’ll recall your divine day in unforgettable Alpemare with treasured fondness for many years to come.
Spend your day at “The Mall Firenze”, the exclusive luxury mall located in the heart of Tuscany. Visit your favorite designer stores such as Gucci, Ferragamo and Armani. The Mall Firenze not only offers its visitors a quality shopping experience there are also restaurants serving food and wine from the local region which is renowned for its culinary heritage. This is the perfect full-day tour for those who have visited Florence before and who wish to shop in an exclusive mall with some of Italy’s major designer brands. Enjoy your day browsing the shops before returning to Livorno and your ship.
To ensure that your shoreside experiences are as convenient and enjoyable as possible, we are delighted to offer a complimentary shuttle between your ship and the city center in every port where the ship is not docked within walking distance of the city center. This service runs continuously, aligning perfectly with your ship’s in-port schedule. Best of all, there’s no need to reserve your seat in advance. Simply make your way to the designated stop to board your shuttle, and you’ll be whisked away to the heart of the city. Additional information and schedules can be obtained by visiting the onboard Destination Services Desk during your voyage.
*** WORLD CRUISE EVENT ***
Transcend to the time of the Renaissance at Il Borro Toscana estate, originally a fortress built to defend a strategic crossroads in Tuscany. Il Borro Villa and Village will be reserved exclusively for your enjoyment. Navigate the cobblestone streets of the Village and stroll through an open market with local artisans and producers offering local culinary delights. Back at the Villa, visit the estate’s wine cellar and the private art exhibit of Mr. Ferruccio Ferragamo, the property’s current owner who has painstakingly worked to preserve the history and ecological treasures. The estate has a long history of noble ownership including Alessandro del Borro “the father of Il Borro”, the Medici Tornaquinici of Florence, and the princes of Hohenlohe Waldenburg and the Savoy dynasty. Enjoy a fabulous afternoon of local farm-to-table delicacies and savor wonderful estate wines rounded out by special Renaissance-themed performances at the Villa’s amphitheater.
Note: This event is only available on April 30, 2020 on the Mariner World Cruise.
To ensure that your shoreside experiences are as convenient and enjoyable as possible, we are delighted to offer a complimentary shuttle between your ship and the city center in every port where the ship is not docked within walking distance of the city center. This service runs continuously, aligning perfectly with your ship’s in-port schedule. Best of all, there’s no need to reserve your seat in advance. Simply make your way to the designated stop to board your shuttle, and you’ll be whisked away to the heart of the city. Additional information and schedules can be obtained by visiting the onboard Destination Services Desk during your voyage.
PRICE is per vehicle
This exclusive arrangement is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private car and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests and sightsee at your own pace. See the most famous sights or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters.
The Executive Collection is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for physically challenged guests.
Capacity: 8 guests
PLEASE NOTE: Private cars/vans/minibuses are ordered per vehicle (not per person), and only one person in the party need order the vehicle. The price shown is the total cost for the vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide. Kindly note, however, that in certain ports only a driver/guide will be assigned (one person), due to limited availability. Entrance fees are not included in this price, in order to provide you with the most flexibility. In many ports, the number of vehicles available is extremely limited; therefore guests are encouraged to make their reservation as early as possible.
Half-day private tours must depart between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 am, or after 1:00 p.m.
Upon embarkation, please consult the Destination Manager onboard to personally discuss your itinerary requirements and set your departure time.