Livorno/Florence | Sunday, May 20, 2018

The Tuscan Village of Lucca

Experience the delights of a charming medieval town during this leisurely excursion. Board your air-conditioned motor coach and drive through the lovely Tuscan countryside to the city of Lucca, birthplace of the composer Puccini. Lucca is enclosed by massive red brick walls, which give the city a special character and effectively remove it from the bustle of the modern world. Built between 1504 and 1645, the walls are among the best-preserved defense structures of Renaissance Europe. Inside
the walls, Lucca is a peaceful city with narrow roads and medieval houses, whose layout has been preserved according to the original Roman plans. Your walking tour allows you to admire the Cathedral of San Martino and its richly adorned Romanesque façade. Stroll along the Via Fililungo, little Lucca's version of the Via Veneto in Rome, where lovely shops line the street.

Visit Piazza Mercato, which occupies the site of the ancient Roman theater, and is surrounded by fascinating medieval houses built against the wall of the amphitheater. Its shape is quite unmistakable. Comfortable attire is suggested, along with flat shoes for walking. Lunch is not included, but will be available in Lucca or aboard the Seabourn Odyssey.

Duration: 9:00am - 1:45pm

Cost: $103 per person

Wonders of Pisa and View from the Top
A UNESCO Partner Tour

Thanks to the astonishingly rich artistic legacy of its Renaissance, Tuscany boasts a wealth of World Heritage Sites, including the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, inscribed in 1987. Journey to Pisa – the site of the famous leaning tower. You'll head to Piazza del Duomo, also known as the 'Field of Miracles' by trolley. In 1987, the whole square was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your experience with an inside visit
to the 900-year-old marble cathedral, with its distinct, striped black-and-white, Romanesque architecture that suggests an original Muslim influence. The marble-clad circular Baptistery is also unusual, with a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Move on to the main attraction, the unmistakable campanile, known as Pisa's Leaning Tower, where you have advance reservations to climb the 293 steps to reach the top. Galileo used the tower for his famous gravity experiments with falling objects. Next, proceed to the Piazza dei Cavalieri which served as the forum during the Roman period and later became the center of political life for medieval Pisa. Return to the Field of Miracles and enjoy some free time to browse at the souvenir stalls across the street. Comfortable attire is suggested, along with flat shoes for walking. Lunch is not included, but will be available aboard the Seabourn Odyssey.

Duration: 8:15am - 12:15pm

Cost: $129 per person

Florence and the David

From the cruise port, journey is approximately 1½ hours through the countryside of western Tuscany to Florence. Florence's Old Town, surrounded by boulevards that show where the medieval walls once stood, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival in Florence's city center, leave the coach for a
short walk to the Accademia museum, where you will view Michelangelo's statue of David -- one of the most revered sculptures in the world. Having survived the outdoor elements of Signoria Square, the magnificent sculpture was moved inside the museum in 1873, where it remains today. Also on display in the museum are paintings by Botticelli, Daddi and Raphael. Next, you'll visit Brunelleschi's masterpiece cathedral in pink, green and white marble, and its adjacent bell tower and baptistery. Your guided tour will also include the famous Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce Square. Some free time will be allocated for shopping before departing for the Livorno port. Comfortable attire is suggested, along with flat shoes for walking. Lunch will be provided at a local Florentine restaurant in the City Center.

Duration: 7:30am - 3:15pm

Cost: $238 per person

Florence On Your Own: A UNESCO Partner Tour

Thanks to the astonishingly rich artistic legacy of its
renaissance, World Heritage Sites abound in Tuscany, and
have been inscribed throughout the years. Among these is the Historic Centre of Florence (1982). This transfer may suit you if you would like to explore on your own. It consists of a motor coach ride from the ship to the city. You will be dropped off at a central location, and walk with your English-speaking escort to Piazza Santa Croce. The coach escort will advise you of the rendezvous time for the return journey. Comfortable attire is suggested, along with flat shoes for walking. Lunch is not included, but will be available in Florence.

Duration: 7:30am - 2:00pm

Cost: $145 per person

Private Car or Van

Explore at your own pace with a private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide at your service. This exclusive tour 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 vehicle, 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 take
in the sights at your own pace. See the famous sights, or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters.

Duration: 4 or 8 hours

Cost: $1,039 - $1,819 per vehicle