Private Pisa and Florence Highlights Tour
During this Pisa & Florence highlights tour, enjoy dazzling views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, which sits on a hilltop on the south bank of the Arno river. A 10-minute drive will bring you into the city center, where you can visit Palazzo Vecchio, the grand town hall with it's soaring bell tower. Outside, in the Piazza della Signoria, you'll find the Fountain of Neptune surrounded by grinning satyrs and wild seahorses. The piazza also has a reproduction of Michaelangelo's David. And, of course, you can go see David himself at Accademia di Belle Arti, or see Botticelli's The Birth of Venus at Uffizi Gallery. Florence is the home to many treasured pieces of art in its bevy of wonderful museums and galleries.
As the cradle of the Renaissance, and a true jewel of Tuscany, Florence is, of course, also a great place to eat and shop. Treat yourself to a wonderful lunch (not included) and some of Tuscany's finest wine, and search the stores for some handmade treasures or brand name clothing from Italy's top fashion houses, like Prada and Armani.
The return trip will bring you to Pisa, where you'll have free time to visit the iconic Leaning Tower and the Square of Miracles, where the Cathedral and Baptistery welcome thousands of visitors every year.
Step into the Piazza dei Miracoli, a place where history, art, and architectural genius come together in one of Italy’s most breathtaking settings. This vast, green expanse, aptly named the Square of Miracles, is more than just a collection of stunning buildings—it’s a testament to centuries of craftsmanship, faith, and innovation.
As you walk across the sunlit piazza, the first thing that captures your eye is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, standing at an elegant tilt as if frozen mid-fall. Built in the 12th century, this world-famous bell tower was never meant to lean, but its soft foundation gave it an unmistakable character. Climb its spiraling marble staircase, and at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Pisa, where red-tiled rooftops stretch toward the horizon.
Just beside the tower, the Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) stands as a magnificent display of Romanesque grandeur. Its intricate marble façade shimmers under the Tuscan sun, while inside, golden mosaics and a pulpit carved by Giovanni Pisano tell stories of devotion and artistry. The immense, serene interior invites you to pause and take in the beauty of a structure that has stood for nearly a thousand years.
Next, you come upon the Baptistery of St. John, a circular masterpiece that blends Romanesque solidity with Gothic elegance. Step inside, and you’ll experience something truly magical—perfect acoustics that cause even the softest whisper to linger in the air like a haunting melody. If you’re lucky, you might hear a guide demonstrate its remarkable echo, a sound that seems to resonate through time itself.
Beyond these grand monuments lies a place of quiet reflection—the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery). Enclosed within its graceful arcades, this sacred burial ground is home to ancient sarcophagi, Renaissance frescoes, and a peaceful atmosphere that offers a moment of tranquility amidst the grandeur of the piazza. Legend has it that the earth here was brought back from Golgotha, giving the cemetery an air of sacred reverence.
The Piazza dei Miracoli is more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s a journey through history, where every stone, archway, and sculpture whispers tales of the past. Whether you’re climbing the Leaning Tower, standing in awe of the cathedral’s artistry, or simply soaking in the magic of this extraordinary place, one thing is certain—you’re walking among miracles.
Please Note: Entrance fees for the Leaning Tower is included in the tour price.The group will travel in two minivans and reunite at each location to explore together.