Today, you will have the chance to gain a wonderful overview of Florence—not just the cradle of the Renaissance but also a city showcasing 2,000 years of history. The city’s Roman origins are still evident in its grid pattern of streets. The tour will start at the Duomo, in the very heart of the city. Here, you will see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, featuring Brunelleschi’s dome (the first to be built since the Pantheon in Rome), the Baptistery with Ghiberti’s legendary bronze doors, and Giotto’s magnificent Campanile. A short walk from here will bring you to Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of the city, dominated by the Palazzo Vecchio, which was begun in 1299 to house the Signoria, the highest tier of the city’s republican government. A brief stroll will lead you to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s incredible David; while you may see copies all over Florence, this is the real thing!
