Marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece and dare to climb Brunelleschi’s Dome in this art-packed tour of Florence and Pisa. Visit the legendary Leaning Tower before transferring to Florence, the heart of Renaissance art and political subterfuge. This Renaissance Italy tour is perfect for students of art, history, and lovers of gelato!
At a glance:
- Day 1: Leaning Tower of Pisa and Cathedral, Piazza della Signoria
- Day 2: Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Boboli Gardens
- Day 3: St John’s Baptistery, Opera del Duomo Museum, Central Mercato, Brunelleschi’s Dome
Like what you see? Discover Renaissance Italy in the detailed itinerary below! But remember, all our school trips are fully customisable to the needs of you and your students.
*Prices based on groups of 20 students and 2 free teachers.
You can find our full list of Italy tours here.
What's included?
✓ All accommodation costs
✓ Full board meals for the entire trip
✓ All transportation costs, including airport pick-up and drop-off
✓ All activities listed in the itinerary
✓ 1 free teacher per 10 paying students
✓ 24-hour emergency contact support during the trip
✓ Detailed pre-departure summary & briefing
✓ Full financial failure protection
✓ Public liability insurance
✓ Our trips are fully risk-assessed
Day 1: Your adventure begins!
Morning:
Touch down at Pisa airport. Your tour guide will meet you, run through safety guidelines, and give you a trip briefing as you take a coach into the city centre.
It’s called Galieo Galilei Airport for a reason – head straight to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, to see where Galileo supposedly experimented by dropping a feather and a cannonball off the top at the same time!
Climb the tower to really feel the lean, and then pose for that classic photo outside. In addition, don’t forget to peek inside the 11th-century cathedral, because in here you’ll find baroque-style art and the relics of the patron saint of Pisa.
Afternoon:
After a typical Tuscan sandwich lunch in Pisa, hop on the coach and follow the Arno River inland to Florence, the city that was previously Pisa’s fierce rival. Check in to your hotel and admire Florence’s main square, Piazza della Signoria, before dinner.
Evening:
Enjoy a welcome Florentine dinner, experiencing local specialties such as steak or ribollito soup.
Day 2: From Uffizi to Boboli
Morning:
To kick off Day 2 of your Renaissance Italy tour, visit the Uffizi Gallery and get a guided tour from an art historian expert. They’ll teach students the significance of Renaissance works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Da Vinci, Gentileschi, and many more!
Then, walk over the Ponte Vecchio. This bridge is so aesthetically stunning that the retreating Nazi army decided against destroying it in 1944.
Afternoon:
After lunch, it’s time to explore the ornate Boboli Gardens at leisure, doing your best impression of a Medici noble. Be sure to find the perfect spot for that group picture with Brunelleschi’s towering dome in the background. Get a good look, because you’ll be climbing it tomorrow!
Day 3: Baptisteries & Brunelleschi
Morning:
Right in the heart of Florence, you’ll hear experts discuss the central Cathedral of Florence‘s architecture and the majestic mosaic ceilings of St John’s Baptistery. Then, follow your guide into the Opera del Duomo Museum to see the Baptistery’s original brass doors – and important works by Donatello and Michelangelo.
Next, hotfoot it to the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s Statue of David up close and in the proverbial flesh!
Afternoon:
Make sure you fill up at the fashionable Central Mercato, because you have quite the climb ahead. Follow the 463 steps up to the top of Brunelleschi’s Dome for unrivalled views across Florence and far beyond.
Dinner:
This evening, you and your students will enjoy a farewell to Florence dinner and trip awards/end-of-trip quiz. Are there Tuscan traditions you haven’t tried yet? If so, now’s your chance!
Day 4: Arrivederci, Italy!
Morning:
Today, the end of your Renaissance Italy tour has arrived. There’s time for one last walk through the cobbled streets of medieval Florence as you take a coach to the airport and fly home, ready to tell everyone about your learning adventure!
Optional Alternatives/Extras:
Because all of our learning adventures are fully customisable to your trip’s needs, here are just a few alternatives and extras that we can include in your Renaissance Italy tour:
- Galileo Museum
- Dante’s House
- Michelangelo’s House
- Medici Tour (e.g Medici Chapels, Palazzo Vecchio and Basilica San Lorenzo)
For more options on Italy adventures, view our full list of Italy tours here.
Learning Outcomes
Gain an understanding of the political history of Renaissance Italy.
Understand the importance of Florence during the Renaissance.
Develop an appreciation for the artistic development during the Renaissance.
Speak to a specialist
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